oughts kept wandering back to Nicholas. Had he really recognized me? Or was I just being paranoid? No, I couldn't be. There was something in his eyes, something that lingered between us, unspo

finally placed the steaming cup in front of him, I tried to steady my shaking hands. "Here's your coffee, sir," I said, keeping my voice even, but the tremor betrayed me. He didn't move to take it right away. Instead, his gaze lingered on me, his eyes piercing, studying me in a way that made me feel exposed. I swallowed, trying to ignore the heat creeping up my neck. "Nicholas," he corrected softly, his voice like velvet. I blinked, confused for a moment. "W-what?" He smirked, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "My name is Nicholas." I nodded quickly, forcing my smile to stay in place. "Well, I'm Chloe." He chuckled "I know your name" make me smile awkwardly. turned back to the counter, pretending to wipe it down. My mind raced. Why was he still here? He'd finished his coffee. He should have left by now. But instead, he sat there, his eyes flicking over the décor of the café, his posture casual, as if he wasn't in any hurry. As if he had all the time in the world. I checked the clock. 9:00 PM. Closing time. I cleared my throat, trying to ignore the flutter of anxiety in my stomach. "Um... Nicholas, it's closing time." He didn't respond immediately, and for a brief moment, I thought he hadn't heard me. But then, with a smooth, almost effortless motion, he stood up. "Great. I'll walk you home," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. I felt my stomach drop. "Oh-no, you don't have to do that," I stammered, my mind scrambling for a way out. He didn't even flinch. His expression remained cool, unfazed. "I insist." I sighed inwardly, the weight of inevitability pressing down on me. There was no arguing with him. I gathered my things, my heart racing as I stepped outside into the crisp evening air. The breeze chilled me, but not as much as the thought of being alone with him again. I was about to pull out my phone to call a cab when his voice stopped me. "I'll give you a ride," he said, almost as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I shook my head, trying to keep my composure. "No need. I can call a cab." His jaw tightened slightly, and his eyes narrowed just a touch. "I won't hurt you, Chloe. I'm just offering you a ride home. You'll save money." I bit my lip, about to make another excuse, when the sky seemed to shift suddenly. The first drop of rain hit my cheek, and before I could react, the sky opened up in a torrential downpour. The cold, heavy rain soaked through my clothes in seconds. I gasped, barely processing the change in weather when, in one fluid motion, Nicholas grabbed my wrist. His grip was firm but not painful, and before I could protest, he was leading me toward his car. "Let's go," he said, his voice calm, like he knew exactly what was best. I didn't have a choice. Not now. The warmth of the car hit me as soon as I slid into the passenger seat, the contrast to the cold rain soaking into my clothes making me shiver. N