Mariella’s pulse was still hammering in her ears long after her roommates’ laughter drifted away downstairs. She stood frozen, back to the door, praying to every saint that existed. Paul, meanwhile, looked like he had just finished orchestrating a flawless courtroom win, relaxed, hands in his pockets, watching her unravel with quiet amusement.
“You’re enjoying this,” she accused under her breath.
He gave her that low, teasing smile that always managed to set her blood on fire. “A little. You’re cute when you panic.”
Before she could throw something at him, a sharp knock on her door made her entire body jolt.
“Marrrrriellaaaaa,” came Charity’s unmistakable sing-song voice, followed by a soft thud that sounded like her shoulder hitting the door frame. “Are you awake?”
Mariella’s eyes wi
