Chapter 172: Two halves

"Don’t ever do that again," Rafael murmured, pulling Mara into a hug so tight it knocked the breath out of her. Relief poured off him in waves, his voice thick, cracking at the edges. Across the side, Ethan stood stiff, jaw clenched, trying to keep himself together.

"Did you file the police report?" Mara asked, eyes flicking to Ethan, her voice steady, sharp.