My Pretty Sweetheart (Arianna)

Dead silence instantly filled the car.

It was obvious that Samantha was willing herself to be calm. However, we didn't know if she was trying to assuage Evan's worry or deceive the wolves prowling around her home.

"Don't be afraid." Evan suddenly tightened his grip on the cell phone, and I could see his strong, defined side profile from the rearview mirror. "I'll come back right away."

Hanging up the phone, Evan immediately slammed on the accelerator, his gaze trained on the red traffic light. After a while, as though recalling that I was still sitting in the back, he turned around, his face a deadpan mask, and said, "Sorry, Madam, this is as far as we go. If you will please get off the car."

Since I had heard it, there was no reason for me to stand idly by. "It's all because of us. I'll go with you."

There was a deep crease in between his brows. "I'm sorry, Madam. I don't mean disrespect, but I think that things will be much simpler if you don't show up."

The ugly feeling of being untrusted spiked through my veins. I tried fumbling for my words but couldn't find any that would express my goodwill.

In the stalemate, Evan decided for me. He got out of the car and opened the door close to me without hesitation, and said in an unyielding tone, "Madam, please."

But I didn't want to be a spectator who only cared about myself. I remained where I was and held his gaze, refusing to get off the car.

its horn, hurrying

a trace of urgency in the long stalemate. "Madam, have you forgotten the three slaps just

not find a chance to humiliate Evan

his anxiousness. Looking at his face, the

moment, I realized that

to see one more person bear injuries because of me. I gathered my

off the cool

movement so sudden that

my

swn Startled

Evan.

second before nodding

that, he closed the door with a bang. After getting in the car, Evan quickly started the engine

Hendrix had a much longer history than me. Hendrix would not allow anything to

I hoped.