Chapter 37

DAHLIA

The voice cut through the night like glass, sharp and sudden.

I froze—keys still clenched between my fingers, heart already in my throat from Bob’s presence. But now it punched higher, harder.

Sebastian.

I felt relieved. It is now a habit to always show up when I need help.

He stood at the edge of the parking lot, hands clenched at his sides, jaw set so tight I could see the twitch in his cheek even from here. His eyes were burning through both of us. He didn’t move. Just stood there, staring.

The relief was immediately replaced with tension.

I opened my mouth to speak, to explain, but then I felt it—his focus shift. From me… to Bob.

Recognition flashed in his eyes. Not the polite kind. The dangerous kind.

“Are you serious?” He barked, stepping forward like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “Him?”

Bob took a step back immediately. “Look, I wasn’t—this isn’t what it looks like—”

“Shut up,” Sebastian snappe