Chapter 121

EMILIA

Liam watches me walk into Tessa’s building like he’s sending his kid off to boarding school. Like he’s still half-ready to circle back and kidnap me.

We’d grabbed ice cream after the speakeasy, but it got late fast—and he has practice tomorrow—so I’d practically shoved him into driving me home. He spent the ride working in every excuse to remind me that I have a spare key to his place. That I could just come back with him. Permanently. No pressure, of course. Just a lifelong commitment.

I say no every time.

Maybe—maybe—I’ll think about it in a few months. Right now, it’s too early, too intense, and I’m still getting used to the part where someone actually loves me out loud.

I’m still smiling when I reach Tessa’s floor. I tap my key card, push the door open, and step inside.

Something’s off.

I frown as I kick the door shut behind me, the dress clinging to my legs, my heels unforgiving. “Tessa? Did you get new furniture or something?” I