I come awake slowly, everything aches in the most delicious way. My skin still carries their marks, faint bruises and the ghost of teeth, and just thinking about it sends a fresh pulse of heat straight between my legs.
But the glow fades the second I reach for my phone. Mia's text from last night glows on the screen, bright and cheerful: In town early. Surprise visit tomorrow. Can't wait to see you! Except tomorrow is already here. And right beneath it, the burner email icon shows a new message waiting. My stomach knots with cold dread.
I ease myself free as carefully as I can, sliding out from under Alex's arm and Jake's leg. They stir but don't wake. Naked, I pad to the bathroom and lock the door behind me, turning the shower as hot as it will go. I'm still dripping, hair plastered to
