“You need a ride home?”
Her eyes widened. “Seriously?”
He nodded.
She laughed, a little breathless. “Okay, yes. Please. The train was delayed and I’m freezing.”
He handed her his helmet. “Put this on.”
She hesitated only a second before sliding it over her head. It was too big on her, wobbling slightly as she adjusted the strap. Cute, in a way he didn’t want to think too hard about.
“Where do you live?” he asked.
“Just two blocks and turn left. Right there in those apartments.”
He nodded. “Hold on tight.”
“Oh, I will,” she replied—and she did. Her arms wrapped around his waist, snug and warm, her head pressing lightly between his shoulder blades. The contact startled him more than he expected. He wasn’t used to people holding on to him like that. Not gently.
He pulled away from the curb, keeping the speed easy. She let out a small, delighted sound when they merged onto the main road.
“This is amazing!” she shouted over the wind.
Adrik couldn’t help but smile. “It’s just a bike.”
“Not to me!”
The cold air whipped around them, her grip tightening whenever he leaned into a turn. She was light, careful, not clinging too much, but enough he felt every shift of her weight.
When he pulled up in front of the apartment, she reluctantly let go. After she slid off the bike with a grin, Adrik helped her pull off the helmet.
“That was incredible,” she said, handing back the helmet. “You’re full of surprises.”
Adrik shrugged again, trying to play it off. “Just a short spin.”
“Well… thanks. Really.” She brushed a strand of hair out of her face. “Hans is going to lose his mind when he finds out you gave me a ride.”
He ignored her comment. “See you around,” he said, starting the engine again.
“Wait. I’d like to take you out dancing this Friday night,” she said.
“Sorry, I’m all booked up.”
“Maybe another time.” She waved as she headed inside, still smiling.
Adrik pulled away, the sky dimming into early evening as he rode back toward Warnemünde. The wind felt colder now, sharper, but his thoughts were clearer. Not quieter—they never were—but clearer.
And he knew exactly where he needed to be.
Inside the cottage, he peeled off his jacket and headed straight for the shower. The hot water loosened the last of the tension in his shoulders. When he stepped out, he felt clearer, steadier—or at least capable of pretending he was. He winced as the alcohol stung his piercings which thankfully, were doing better than yesterday.
He dressed in a nice pair of slacks and a clean shirt. He sat on the couch afterward, hands clasped loosely between his knees, listening to the quiet tick of the clock on the wall. Six o’clock wasn’t far off.
He was ready to see Hans. Or as ready as he was ever going to be.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Adrik
