Nocturne

by Karina Halle

Her voice is like aged bourbon—smooth, rich, with a burning finish that lingers long after the note ends. She doesn’t perform so much as confess, each lyric delivered like a secret shared only with you, despite the room full of listeners.

“Do you think any girl in this city should feel safe?” “Maybe the ones who know the right people.” “And are you the right people?” “I can be. For you.”

And when she stepped into my life with her secrets and wanton smile, it’s as if finally belonged somewhere. With her.

“Because I know the man beneath the monster,” I say simply. “And that man is worth fighting for.”