As Raelynn's figure slowly vanished down the sunny path, Axel's smile faded, replaced by a more serious look. The warmth in his eyes dimmed, replaced by a calculating glint as he stood rooted to the spot for a moment. He exhaled slowly before turning and heading toward the parking lot nearby.
His steps were focused as he searched the lot, stopping at a shiny black car. He opened the passenger-side door and slipped inside, pulling the door shut behind him with a firm click.
A woman lounged in the driver's seat, her blonde hair glowing in the sunlight. She had a lollipop in her mouth, the bright red candy rolling lazily between her teeth as she tilted her head to glance at him.
"Well, well," she said with a smirk. "She's pretty, even from this distance." Her hazel eyes sparkled with mischief as she gestured vaguely toward where Raelynn had walked away.
