Chapter 49

Warning: This chapter includes a scene involving non-explicit, non-consensual sexual activities. I’ve done my best to handle it with care, but the subject matter is still difficult. Please prioritize your well-being and read only if you feel safe doing so.

***

EMILIA

Stone reaches out, fingertips grazing the air between us, but I jerk away before he can touch me.

Something is wrong.

I suddenly realize the bartender is gone. It’s just the two of us. The air feels thick, the silence pressing in.

“What the fuck are you doing?!” My voice comes out sharper than I expect, slicing through the quiet between us. Outside, I can still hear the sounds of music and laughter, but it’s so loud I highly doubt anyone can hear a thing happening in here.

I stumble off my stool, my legs wobbling beneath me. My head is fuzzy, but not enough to miss the way his smile lingers—like he expected this.

Like he was waiting for this moment.

Every sing