The drive back was brutal.
Not a word. Not a breath. Just silence. Xavier’s hand gripped the steering wheel like it was the only thing stopping him from falling apart, or exploding entirely. His knuckles were bone-white, jaw locked so tight Sky swore she could hear it creaking.
The engine roared beneath them, the car cutting through the night like a bullet. Streetlights blurred past in streaks of yellow and white as the needle on the speedometer climbed higher and higher.
Sky’s heart pounded.
Not from the speed.
Not entirely.
From him.
His rage wasn’t loud. It didn’t shout.
It seethed.
She sat stiff in the passenger seat, fingers twitching in her lap. Her lips parted.
“Xavier…” she started, voice shaky, “please slow down.”
Nothing.
The tires screeched around a bend. He didn’t e
