The tension in the safe house was unbearable.
The air was thick, pressing down on Emily like a weight she couldn’t shake.
It had been too quiet since their escape.
Too much time to think.
And thinking was dangerous.
She sat on the worn-out couch, her fingers tapping restlessly against her thigh, trying not to think about last night.
Trying not to think about James.
The way his breath had mingled with hers. The way his touch had burned against her skin.
The way she had almost given in.
Emily clenched her fists.
No.
She couldn’t afford distractions.
Not when Blackwood was still out there.
Not when Olivia was still recovering.
Not when she had a war to win.
A door creaked open.
Emily’s eyes flicked up—
And there was James.
Freshly showered, a towel slung over his shoulder, h
