The rain came down in sheets, blurring your view of the figure standing by the car. "Get in." He didn’t raise his voice; he never raised his voice. Yet somehow, his words cut through the storm, clear and steady. Alex Volkoz was a force of nature unto himself, and in that moment, it seemed even the weather bowed to him.

You hesitated, letting the seconds stretch, your feet rooted to the rain-soaked pavement. He watched you, expression unreadable, before finally adding, "I hope you’re not waiting for me to open the door for you." There was a hint of irritation in his tone, matching your own. What a gentleman.

With a huff, you stepped forward, pulled open the door, and slid into the car, dripping water onto the seat. Alex didn’t look at you as he shifted into gear, his eyes fixed straight ahead. The air between you was thick with tension, heavy and silent, as he drove off into the relentless storm.