Chapter 19: Chapter 19

260 words

<html><head></head><body>Adrian Sinclair raised a lazy eyebrow, his right hand slipping casually into his trouser pocket. His heavy gaze settled on her, tinged with amusement. Anna Ross kept scrolling through her phone screen. Her fingertips trembled slightly. The streetlights stretched their shadows long across the pavement. The street was empty. She bit her lip and looked into the distance. Mom must be waiting anxiously. The night was silent. Only the rustle of wind through leaves broke the stillness. A taxi slowed to a stop, its available light glowing. Anna glanced at him.  Seeing no reaction, she quickly pulled the door open. "South Lake Community, please—" Before she could finish, the opposite door swung open. Adrian slid into the seat beside her, his long legs folding into the car. Anna froze. "What are you doing?" She suddenly remembered his earlier words.  "I said I don't need a ride!" Adrian gave her a dismissive look. He addressed the driver. "The Waterfront Residences." Anna's fingers twitched. The Waterfront Residences? That was his new apartment. Howard had mentioned it last time.  Was he taking her there? Her heart raced suddenly. Her voice tightened. "I need to go home!" Adrian tapped the window with his knuckle. "Drive." The driver hesitated, sweat beading on his forehead. Anna gripped the door handle.  "Adrian Sinclair, what do you want?" Her voice carried suppressed anger. Adrian's eyes flickered to her tense fingers. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Something interesting." Anna instantly understood his implication. Her ears flushed pink. She shoved the car door open. "I'm walking!"  </body></html>