CHAPTER 16 COME IN

JARED’S POV The return trip to my mansion was remarkably silent. Seated in the rear seat of the vehicle, my gaze was locked on the city lights that were beaming through the glass. Seated next to me, Sabrina had her hands folded in her lap and her eyes closed, lost in contemplation. After a quick meeting with my pals, I had returned to work, and now we were headed home. I sensed the unease in her demeanor and the anxiety emanating from her. I wasn't quite sure why she continued to seem tentative and unsure of herself. My mind wandered to our last discussion, her hesitation to talk, and the way she had extinguished my cigarette carelessly. My gaze slid to the side as I noticed her fingers playing tensely with her dress's fabric. Despite her efforts to remain composed, I could feel the anxious energy cascading off her. I was aware that I had to change the atmosphere and restore equilibrium. Thought of on the way back from the bar, I had a notion that may surprise her, perhaps even pos