The moment they stepped out of the building, the air felt different. Not lighter, not safer—just less suffocating than the room they had just left. Still, Aiden didn't relax. His jaw was tight, his mind running too fast, replaying every word, every look, every shift in tone that had happened inside. Beside him, Noah walked calmly, like nothing had happened, like he hadn't just agreed to something that could get them both killed.
They didn't speak until they reached the car.
Aiden opened the passenger door but didn't get in. He stayed there, one hand gripping the top of the door, staring at Noah across the roof. "Explain."
Noah paused on his side, keys still in his hand. "I already did."
"No," Aiden snapped, shaking his head. "You said it was the only way out. That's not an explanation, that's an excuse."
Noah exhaled slowly and unlocked the car. "Get in."
"I'm not moving until you talk."
