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Heoffers his fist between us, sticking out his pinky. “Pinkypromise.”

Thesecond my pinky wraps around his, he envelops me in a bear hug, holding me tight.

Isigh tearfully into his chest. “You’regonna be a daddy!”

Helaughs softly. “Yeah.”

“Youknow you gotta put a ring on it now.”

Thedoor creaks open.LookingaroundRobbie,Adriansteps out onto the porch.

“Y’allever think the ring’s already been bought, just can’t figure out a romantic way to do it?”

“C’mon, don’t be chickenshit—do the dang thing already!”

Adrianis silent as he approaches.Robbiereplies, “Well,Idon’t want her to thinkI’mdoin’ it now just becauseIknocked her up.”

“Don’tmake the poor girl wait any longer,”Adriansays. “Y’allshoulda tied the knot ages ago.”

Robbiesmirks and nods before cocking his head toward the door. “Y’allc’mon—I’llmake sure she don’t bite.”

Theystart to turn away untilIpipe up, “Wait.Whathappened with y’all?”

RobbieandAdrianglance at each other.

“Talkedthings out,”Robbieoffers before walking away, taking long strides and flying up the steps to the front door.

Icross my arms and raise my brows atDree.

“Hetold me the news.Neitherof us wanted to bring up band shit and ruin the moment.”

“Andthe festival?”Imention. “IsRobbieback in the band?”

Hehesitates before shaking his head.

WhenIshift my weight, my keys jingle.Hiseyes cut to my hand and a brow quirks. “Yougoin’ somewhere?”

Iscrutinize my car over my shoulder like it’s singing a siren song, calling me to hop in and leave.

“Steph.”

Theback of my neck stands up from the tone ofAdrian’svoice.WhenImeet his gaze, it’s dark and menacing, his stance tense and ready to leap forward and grab me.

“You’renot leaving,” he states.

Iscoff. “You’renot the boss of me.”Spinningaround,Ihead toward my car with a new resolve. “Clearly,I’mnot wanted here, andIdon’t want to endanger my life anymore.”

Hisarm encircles my waist, pulling me against his firm body.Hemurmurs in my ear, “Thenlet me take you somewhere you are wanted and protected.”

Thesuggestion sends a pleasant shiver down my spine untilIremember. “Ithink being down the hall from the guy who drained me of blood kinda keeps me in danger.”

Adrian’sfingers knot in the back of my hair, gently tugging untilIbare my neck so he can plant slow, gentle, suggestive kisses.

Movementflutters in the darkness of my periphery.

Followingthe disturbance,Ifind it: the barred owl perched in a tree by the edge of the house.Watchingus.

Thesensation of a mouth on my neck makes me elbowAdrianin the ribs. “Don’tkiss me there.”