Side chapter: Valentine's Day, part 3

The moment I slid into the passenger seat, I couldn't stop smiling.

I had no idea where Maeve was taking me, no idea what she had planned, but I didn't care. The anticipation thrummed under my skin, buzzing like an overcharged spell.

Maeve was up to something.

She had been acting all mysterious about tonight, refusing to tell me anything except, "Be ready at eight." And now, here we were, cruising through the dark streets, the hum of the car filling the space between us.

I turned to look at her.

And gods.

She looked so good.

The white button-up she wore clung just right to her torso, the sleeves rolled up to her forearms, showing off the tattoos winding along her skin. The black pants were fitted, hugging her hips, her legs, just—damn.

I leaned back against the seat, biting my lip.

"You're staring," Maeve said, amused, eyes still focused on the road.