Chapter 40

LIAM

Is this what people mean by saved by the bell?

Because in no universe do I want to talk about what Jess means to me right now. Not with Emilia. Not when I can’t even explain the dark, ugly feeling that sank its claws into my chest the second I saw that headline. The second Emilia broke down in my arms.

Like there wasn’t a damn thing I wouldn’t do to make whoever wrote that article pay.

And they will pay. Even if it’s the last thing I do.

I push off the bed and grab the chocolate-stained containers from Emilia’s hands. I can’t help but smirk. She eats like a chipmunk, cheeks puffed, a little smear of chocolate at the corner of her mouth. The sight makes something tight in my chest loosen just a little.

Knock. Knock.

The sound cuts through the room. Again. I can already feel a headache coming. Hopefully, the intruder will realize they’re really not wanted and turn back around or whatever.

I sigh. “How about you go wash up? I’ll get