Chapter 8: A Chance for Garrick
Natalie~
As Zane opened the car door for me, his movements were calm and deliberate, his very cold looking blue eyes glancing my way as if silently assessing me. I hesitated for a moment, clutching my arms tighter to my chest. My pride screamed at me to walk away, but the exhaustion in my bones won out. I slid into the passenger seat, Jake climbing onto my lap and curling up, his small body warm against mine. The car door shut with a soft thud, enclosing me in a world of quiet tension.
Zane walked around the car and got in, his presence filling the sleek interior. He started the engine, and the low hum felt oddly soothing. Neither of us spoke at first, the silence heavy but not oppressive. I stared out of the window, watching the dimly lit streets pass by, the city's broken soul reflected in every shadow.
After a while, Zane broke the silence, his voice smooth but edged with curiosity. "Where am I dropping you off?"
I hesitated, my cheeks burning with shame. "The homeless shelter," I finally mumbled, my fingers stroking Jake's fur for comfort. "It's about four blocks from here."
Zane's head turned slightly, his brows furrowing as he processed my words. "You're joking, right?" he asked, disbelief lacing his tone.
I shook my head, avoiding his gaze. "No, I'm not."
He didn't respond immediately, but I felt his judgment in the way his grip tightened on the steering wheel. The rest of the drive was silent, his occasional glances making my chest tighten with humiliation. When we arrived, Zane parked the car and stared at the building with open disdain. The shelter, with its peeling paint and broken sign, looked worse than I remembered in the harsh glow of the streetlights.
"You live here?" he finally asked, his voice low and tinged with disbelief.