Rafe Arden

I've always loved London, but clinging to a grimy rail as one of its trains tore through the Underground, it was the one place on Earth I least wanted to be. The carriage was packed with young girls, all laughing, singing, and squealing in excitement. When the train lurched around a bend, a brunette lost her footing and knocked into me. I tightened my hold on the rail and shut my eyes, trying to shut out the stifling air. I didn't let out a shaky breath until I felt a familiar hand, heavy with rings, cover mine and caught the unmistakable smell of Givenchy. "Only another three stops," Cassie said, stepping in front of me to screen me from the noisy girls. "But if you'd rather, we can walk the rest?" "Don't be daft. It's coming down in sheets outside." "Then we'll book an Uber." She gave a shrug, worry flickering across her face. "You're in bits." As the train eased into a station, it started slowing, and a businessman stood from his seat, lips compressed while he worked out the quickest way through the packed carriage. The second he vacated it, Cassie caught me around the waist and dropped me into the spare seat. My pounding heart skipped at being moved so suddenly, then steadied once there was room around me again. The air was only a touch better, still hot and stale, but Cassie planted the backs of her legs against my knees so no one else could crowd in. "You do realise those seats are for people who can't stand as easily?" The same brunette from earlier lifted her brows.