Chapter 78

Violet's POV

Throughout the drive from the police station, I remained quiet, my mind a jumbled mess of thoughts. Ryder, noticing my tension, suggested lunch at one of my favorite restaurants nearby. His idea was welcomed with open arms; it was just what I needed.

I stepped into the cozy restaurant, the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering spices—though faint—hovered in the air, and I took deep breaths. The sweet aroma already had me salivating.

Adrian, being who he was, didn't need a reservation, and soon we were shown to a seat just beside the window, exactly where I liked it. We waited for our orders, our conversations consisting of a few mutters and grunts. I still couldn't push aside my encounter with Xavier. Adrian's gaze never left mine. His intensity made my pulse flutter, and I felt my cheeks begin to color.

The waiter arrived with our appetizers: grilled calamari with marinara sauce for me and seared scallops for Adrian. The flavors danced on my tongue, spicy and tangy.