Ava’s POV
The silence clung to the walls of the kitchen like dust on forgotten glass. Liam moved around behind me, slicing vegetables with the same focus he used when preparing for battle. I stirred the pasta sauce, but my thoughts were miles away—still trapped in that moment, in Luca’s eyes… in the threat that lingered like smoke after fire.
I hated how quiet it was.
I hated that I kept looking over my shoulder like some frightened pup.
And I hated that his words still echoed in my head.
Liam didn’t speak, but he felt it—my unease. His eyes flicked to me every few seconds, sharp and protective. I tried to smile, tried to be present, but my hands trembled just slightly as I reached for the salt.
He was at my side in an instant, stilling my hand with his.
“You’re still thinking about
