The drive back to his parents' house was the most peaceful Jake had ever experienced with Aliya. The city lights of Aurelia flickered past the Audi's windows, but the sharp, frantic energy from the mall had settled into a soft, weary peace. When he pulled up to the curb, Aliya didn't move for a moment. She just looked at the bags in the back seat and then at him.
"Thanks, Jake," she said, her voice small but steady. "For tonight. For... not making me talk about it."
"Whenever you need air, Aliya, just call. I don't care what I'm doing."
He watched her walk to the front door, waiting until she was safely inside before he shifted the R8 back into gear. The "brother" mask didn't slip until he was several blocks away. By the time he reached the Zenith, his face had hardened into a mask of granite.
