A pair of women’s underwear lay crumpled beside me, unmistakably stained white.
The sight knocked the air from my lungs.
Nina twisted around in her seat, lips curling into a smug smile. “Oh my God,” she giggled, “I can’t believe I forgot those. Remember, babe? After what we did back here last week?”
Zachary chuckled, eyes still on the road. “You almost ruined the leather.”
She hummed. “You didn’t seem bothered when I was on your lap outside the estate. Or when I kept you busy during that long drive.”
“Traffic’s easier with you,” he replied casually.
“And that time you had to pull over because I wouldn’t stop?” she added brightly. “You were shaking.”
My stomach twisted violently.
I turned toward the window, jaw clenched so tight it hurt. My hands curled into fists in my lap, nails biting into my skin.
While they carried on as if I didn’t exist, I quietly opened my phone and pulled up an email from my cousin, Sebastian.
My heart stuttered when I saw the flight confirmation.
Beneath it, he’d added a note:
I booked another option. It departs tonight at 9 PM. Please—make this one.
A faint smile touched my lips.
I typed back quickly:
Thank you. I’m sorry I missed the last flight.