Gavin unlocked the car and glanced at her with mild amusement. “Relax. I’m not taking you to him.”
He opened the passenger door. “Get in—before he comes back and drags you off himself. I’ll drop you wherever you want.”
Mia hesitated for only a second—then slipped inside. Gavin shut the door, rounded the car, slid into the driver’s seat, and started the engine. The car pulled away smoothly and disappeared down the road.
Moments later, James returned to the bar, sliding his phone into his pocket as he strode inside.
His eyes went straight to the table.
Empty.
He froze.
Then his body went rigid, fury detonating across his face. He spun on his heel and stormed back toward the entrance, slamming the door open so hard it banged against the wall.
The guards snapped to attention.
“Where is my wife?” James demanded, his voice razor-sharp.
The guards exchanged uneasy glances before one of them spoke hesitantly.
“Sir… didn’t she go back to you? Mr. Stanley came a few seconds ago and said you sent him to bring her to you.”
James’s jaw clenched violently.
“You fucking idiots,” he snapped, rage exploding unchecked. “I told you to keep her inside!”
His eyes burned as he barked, “Where did she go? Which way?”
The guard trembled as he lifted a hand and pointed left.
“M-Mr. Sinclair… she just left. Mr. Stanley drove off with her a few seconds ago.”
James didn’t say another word.
He stormed out, strides heavy and violent, climbed into his car, and slammed the door shut. The engine roared to life as he tore out of the lot, fury chasing him into the night.
James didn’t waste another breath. He stormed out, his strides heavy and violent, and climbed into his car. The door slammed shut, sealing in the fury rolling through his chest.
The engine roared to life as he sped off.
It took only minutes before he spotted Gavin’s Aston Martin ahead. James’s grip tightened around the steering wheel as he pushed harder on the accelerator, weaving aggressively between vehicles, ignoring horns and flashing lights as he tried to close the distance.
But Gavin’s car was faster.
With smooth precision, Gavin slipped through traffic, cutting ahead effortlessly and widening the gap. James swore under his breath as the distance stretched, frustration burning hotter by the second.
Inside Gavin’s car, Mia sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap as she watched the city lights blur past the window. Snowflakes began to drift down, soft and slow. After a short while, Gavin eased off the accelerator and pulled over to the side of the road.
James slowed a short distance behind them, his car rolling to a stop. His hands stiffened on the steering wheel as his eyes locked onto the scene ahead.
Under the muted glow of passing traffic lights, he saw them—Mia and Gavin—standing beside the Aston Martin. Headlights swept over them in soft, glowing flashes as cars passed by, illuminating the falling snow.
Snow caught in Mia’s hair, clinging lightly to her lashes and coat. It dusted Gavin’s shoulders as well.
The sight hit James like a punch to the chest.
Gavin stood with his arms loosely folded, leaning casually against the car. He tilted his head toward Mia as he spoke, a light laugh escaping him. Mia looked up at him, a small smile touching her lips as she nodded in response. Her breath fogged in the cold air, but her eyes were warm, relaxed.
