chapter 45

MOLLY

I had no idea why we were here, but I was also not going to push my luck with Ashton.

I’d done something stupid, let my emotions run me off, and he was quiet, but the fury was simmering under his surface. It was there. I could feel it, but I also couldn’t lie and say I didn’t want to make sure Amy and Nick were okay.

When we got there, Elijah went inside to check the place first. He came back, and Ashton had me go first. He didn’t touch me, like he had when we went into Katya or when we left our floor. I missed his touch. Even a simple graze of his finger would’ve reassured me a little.

Nothing. He kept a firm distance behind me as I walked in.

Amy and Nick were there, and Amy gasped when she saw me. “Oh my—” She stopped, paling, and her mouth dropped when Ashton stepped in after me.

The whole diner went quiet, more than a few mouths dropping to the ground.

A guy stood up from their table, starting to approach before stopping and moving back a foot. His hands folded in front of