It was something I’d always known. Anyone could look at her, dressed in those brightly colored cardigans and outdated sweater dresses, and know she oozed sweetness. But it wasn’t the wide-eyed, dopey newbie-in-the-city grin that every other girl who’d moved here had.

It was just her.

She was charming and sweet, but she was also fiercely passionate when needed, especially when it involved someone she loved. She was young but not naive, well educated and even a bit adventurous—something I was looking forward to exploring fully.

The way she had taken control in the bedroom, riding me like she was made for me and me alone, was something I hadn’t expected from the adorable girl who’d stolen my heart.

And damn if that wasn’t just icing on the cake.

Now, I just had to convince her that she never wanted to leave. That was why we were currently standing in the grossest place in the city—the subway.

“Don’t worry; I have a plan. A really awesome plan,” I said once again, taking her hand, as the train came to a stop.

“I trust you, remember?” she said, giving a quick wink in my direction before dragging us forward.

It took a few stops, but eventually, we got a seat toward the back and then gave it up to an elderly woman when no one else would.

It had been years since I’d taken the subway. If you sat around and looked long enough, you could spot the highs and lows of society as the train moved on. Families were huddled together, and tourists pointed at maps, laughing and smiling, while tired shift workers tried to stay awake. People helped one another; others ignored everyone. It was fascinating and tragic all at the same time.

Cara must have been having the same thoughts because there was very little conversation between us for a long time. Just comfortable silence as we held hands. Sometimes, her head would rest on mine, or we’d lean against each other when without a seat.

But she never asked how long or where we were going.

Because she trusted me.

Even when they called the end of the line and we didn’t get off.

She turned and gave me an amused look of surprise, but then she settled her head back down and watched the doors close back into place.

“I’ve never been on a train by myself,” she said, looking out the window as the lights flashed, one by one in succession.

“I think it’s a rarity in this city. Hold on, we’re almost there. Look out this side,” I said, pointing toward the right.

Her head lifted, and I could see the anticipation in her eyes as she probably wondered just what could be so interesting about the subway.

Just wait…