Chapter 159

EMILIA

“Do you think it’s hot in Italy?”

Tessa groans like the question has personally wronged her. I pull back from our hug, adjusting the tote on her shoulder—her gift, which she’s sworn not to open until she lands in Amalfi. Her actual handbag is hanging miserably off Aaron’s arm like he’s her overworked personal assistant. Not that he seems to mind, he barely takes his eyes off her, like he’s only half listening to Liam.

I bite back a smile. Cute.

“Do you want the truth or comfort?” I ask.

“Comfort,” she says instantly, eyes wide and doomed.

“It’s freezing,” I lie smoothly. “Pack a duvet.”

She narrows her eyes. “So it’s bad.”

“It’s… warm.”

“It’s hell, isn’t it?” she whispers. “This man is trying to kill me.”

He’s trying to marry you, but I swallow that whole secret down before it spills like an emotional crime scene across the airport floor.

Honestly? Liam was right not to tell me. Because looking at Tessa now—so