Blanche's POV
In the flickering shadows, I forced myself to look Vincent in the eye.
My throat felt raw as I croaked, "You didn't head home?"
Vincent held my stare. "I did, but I was afraid you might not show, so I came back to keep an eye on you."
He moved closer on purpose, putting on that tough front as he said, "If you hadn't made it home, I would've torn Zain's place apart tonight."
I didn't back away, letting Vincent's gentle heat surround me, though the darkness hid his face and that fake menace from view.
I couldn't make him out clearly—and in this blackness, he couldn't see me either.
Our eyes met and held in the murky light, both of us adrift and unsure in the wavering shadows.
I knew the hour was getting really late, so I brushed past Vincent's presence and said, "Just head home."
The second he heard that, Vincent fired back, "Not happening. I just showed up. I'm not going anywhere."
While he spoke, he pressed his head against me, chasing my warmth.
