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“Get in the car,” he says. “You’re getting cold out here.”

He pulls away, keeping one hand near my lower back while I climb into the passenger seat. When my boot catches the sill, he steadies me before I topple.

I reach for the seat belt, but before I can grab it, Fionn leans across me. His arm brushes mine as he draws it from the pillar with one smooth tug before fastening it into place.

"How long were ya waiting?"

"Since the barman poured your second drink."

I blink. "You could’ve come in."

“I was about to.”

"Then why didn't ya?"

He pulls back and straightens, though his eyes stay on mine from outside in the rain.

"Didn't think you'd want me there... Then you called."

I watch him round the front and get in the driver’s side. He starts the engine before reaching across the center console to turn the heat higher.

"Too warm?"

I shake my head.

"Good."

Fionn fishes his phone out of his coat pocket and types a message before hitting send.

"I'll find out where she is." He drops his phone into the cup holder. “Someone will know who she’s marrying.”

“Okay.”

Rain washes across the windscreen in steady sweeps; the engine hums beneath us, and the warmth gradually makes me sleepy.

At some point, I stop watching the road and don't even register that I've fallen asleep until the Land Rover slows.

“Where are we?” I ask, my voice croaky and weak.

“Near my place.”

I lift my head and scan the streets beyond the windshield. “This isn’t Black Heath.”

“I don’t live with my parents anymore.”

My forehead creases, and I sit forward, recognizing the city landmarks. “You live in the city now?”

“Yeah, I bought a penthouse a while ago, and it's finally finished construction."

He looks so casual as he turns the wheel, taking the next junction.

“What does your da think about that?”

His shoulder hitches a fraction, offering the slightest of shrugs. “My father and I had a disagreement.”

I look over at him, my eyes gritty and my throat dry. "I take it he was pissed that you ended the engagement."

“That, and the rest,” he says. “We’re no longer on speaking terms.”