Catching my sigh as it slipped out, Elliot, seated beside me, turned his head slightly and asked in a low, curious tone, "What's wrong?" His presence carried that quiet pressure of someone used to being obeyed, the kind that made the air feel heavier than usual in the confined space of the car.
I shot him a pointed look, unable to hold back the irritation in my chest. "Because of you, my full attendance bonus is gone now." The words came out sharper than intended. If he hadn't spent the night at my place, I wouldn't have lain awake half the night, and if I hadn't been exhausted, I wouldn't have missed the window to arrive on time and secure what was mine.
He let out a soft, amused breath, as though my complaint was more interesting than concerning. "Are you that short on money?" he asked, his tone light, but observant beneath it.
