Chapter 28

LIAM

I stop in my tracks, my grip tightening around my keys.

What the hell is she doing here?

It takes me a second to fully register her—petite frame drowning in an oversized hoodie, a cap pulled low over her sunglasses, a face mask hiding half her face. The only thing that doesn’t scream incognito is the short skirt and the ridiculous heels that do absolutely nothing for her height.

For anyone else, this would look over the top. For her? It’s subtle compared to the media frenzy that’s been following her lately.

Still, she shouldn’t be here. Not at my place. Not in the middle of the night.

This is a bad idea. A really bad idea.

The elevator doors slide shut behind me, breaking the silence, and that’s when she finally looks up.

She tugs down her mask, lips curling into a soft, almost teasing smile.

“Hey, Li.”

Her voice is light, like she’s testing the waters.

I don’t answer right away. My brain is still catching up, tr