Page 57 of Symphony for Lies

The police remained at the scene while Jade, Simon, and I settled into Zane’s car. During the drive, the kids clung to me as if I were their anchor.

Spencer had explained the situation to them gently, in a way that wouldn’t traumatize them further.Still, the fear lingered.Gently, I ran my fingers over Jade’s arm, offering the only comfort I could.

When I glanced at the rearview mirror and caught Zane’s eye, his gaze held steady.

He was checking on me. Almost imperceptibly, he nodded, and I forced a small, tired smile.

The streetlights’ glow illuminated the pavement but cast long shadows that seemed to darken everything. The usually vibrant town, full of gardens and life, felt eerie. A city haunted by something unseen.

When Zane finally stopped the car outside an apartment complex, I got out with Jade and took her to her door.

By some luck, her mother had arrived at the same time.

I explained everything, keeping my words carefully neutral and calm. The woman’s expression shifted from concern to gratitude as she pulled her daughter close. The color slowly returned to Jade’s face. She was safe.

With a small smile, I watched them for a moment as they entered their home before returning to the car. Simon clutched onto my arm the moment I got in.

I thought we were driving to my home, but Zane just went straight to the mansion. I stared at his reflection in the mirror, but he didn’t even acknowledge my obvious confusion. He pulled up right in front of the grand entrance and opened the door for me.

“I’m going home,” I said as I got out.

Zane shook his head. “No, you’re coming with me. Wait here.”

Simon yawned loudly, looking between the two of us before quickly hugging me and heading inside the mansion.

Zane followed his sibling, and I just stood there, debating. I considered just walking away and going home as originally planned. But before I could make up my mind, Zane reappeared.

He led me to his motorcycle.

No way!

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered.

The man just grinned, holding out a helmet.“Oh, I’m dead serious.”

I gave him a long, slow once-over, from his messy, windswept hair down to his black riding gear.

I was going to regret this. No, I already regretted this.

“I think you could use a little fresh air.”

I crossed my arms. “I think I could use a nap.”

He chuckled, grabbing my wrist to pull me toward him with ease.

A warm pulse shot through me at the contact. My stomach fluttered. Every single fiber in my body was telling me to say no. To walk away. But that damn feeling. That annoying, exhilarating, untamed feeling in my chest kept me rooted. Trapped somewhere between hesitation and intrigue.

“You can trust me.”

I sighed heavily, reluctantly taking the helmet.

Zane smirked.

I slipped it on, fastening the straps. “Where are we going?”

Zane’s eyes glinted mischievously behind his helmet’s visor.“Surprise.”

I hesitated, and that proved to be a big mistake.