Just Joking?

The man suddenly laughed, a deep, rich sound that sent a shiver through Leah. The tension in the air shifted, like he had been toying with her all along.

"Relax," he said, still smirking. "I was just joking."

Leah exhaled sharply, annoyed at herself for reacting. Asshole.

His expression softened just slightly. "Who are you?""Please step out of the car." His voice was calm now, almost polite.

Leah hesitated, gripping the steering wheel. Did she trust this guy? Hell no.

"Why?" she shot back.

He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "Because I've never seen you before. And that means… you don't belong here."

His tone was unreadable, but there was something unsettling about the way he said it.

Like an outsider wasn't supposed to be in this town. Like she wasn't supposed to be here at all.