In the kitchen, I cracked open the window, lit a cigarette, and stared out at the sleeping city. The neon lights still glowed, but everything else was quiet. It was already past one in the morning. I was grateful I didn't have to work tomorrow, sleep felt impossible after tonight.
A few minutes later, Delilah closed Ivy's door softly and joined me. She leaned against the counter beside me, then reached up and plucked the cigarette from my lips, taking a slow drag.
"Evan… you're like an angel," she said, her voice cracking. "She's safe. Finally."
I smiled faintly. "I'm just glad she's okay."
We stood there by the small kitchen window, quietly watching the city lights. This felt good. Ivy was safe, and I could finally breathe again.
I glanced at Delilah. She was wearing a short, silky black nightgown that hugged her body. The thin fabric was almost sheer, clearly showing the outline of her hard nipples since she wasn't wearing a bra underneath.
