Parker
I leaned against the cold brick wall, my breaths coming in sharp, ragged bursts. The alleyway, bathed in the dim glow of a single, flickering streetlamp, felt like a safe haven after the whirlwind encounter with Kyle. I closed my eyes, trying to steady my racing heart. His scent lingered in the air around me—sweet roses with a hint of rain. It was intoxicating, a stark contrast to the grit and grime of the city streets.
For a moment, I allowed myself to revel in the memory of his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he saw me. It was a look I hadn't been on the receiving end of in years. My hand subconsciously traced the burn marks on my other arm, the permanent reminders of my father's volatile temper.
Kyle's presence had stirred something deep within me, something I had lon
