The street was quiet when Alex pulled into the driveway. The air buzzed with distant city noise and the familiar drone of street lamps flickering above. His knuckles were scuffed, his lip split, and he still had the dull hum of a fight pulsing through his body.
He didn't remember the drive. Barely remembered getting in the car.
All he knew was that his hands were shaking.
The key fumbled against the lock.
Alex cursed under his breath, bracing one hand against the doorframe to steady himself. The whiskey had crawled up his spine and settled behind his eyes.
His jaw ached from the bar fight, and the ringing in his ears hadn't quite stopped.
He finally managed to open the door and stumbled into the apartment.
He stepped inside, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto the nearest chair. The place smelled faintly of cedarwood and cologne. Familiar. Grounding.
He collapsed onto the couch, head dropping into his hands.
His phone buzzed.
Then again.
