"Drive," Daniel said sharply.
The driver glanced at him in the rearview mirror, puzzled. "Sir… we've arrived at the estate."
Daniel didn't look up. "I said drive."
There was a pause. Just long enough to feel defiant.
Then the SUV turned, tires crunching over gravel as the gates disappeared in the mirror. The estate fell away behind them like a dream he didn't want to wake from.
Daniel slumped against the seat. His breaths were ragged, his shoulders coiled tight. His hands trembled, almost imperceptibly, but enough to make his jaw clench. He cursed under his breath. He hated the shaking. Hated that he could still taste her on his mouth, still feel the ghost of that kiss. The way she kissed him like she still wanted him… and then pulled away like she had just remembered why she couldn't.
She kissed him like she still felt everything.
Then left him like none of it mattered.
He pulled out his phone, breathing hard.
Ryan Castillo.
The name popped up instantly.
