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I savored the moment before I answered.

My team’s code didn’t allow me to message first, but I could reply without consequences.

No. I’m not.

Ayana

Would you be able to meet here within the next hour or so?

She sent me the address of a hotel on Madison.

Ayana

We need to talk.

The kiss. We couldn’t avoid it forever.

I rubbed a thumb over my mouth and made a split-second decision.

I’ll be there in thirty.

CHAPTER26

Ayana

In my defense, I was a little buzzed.

Okay, it wasn’t really a defense, but it explained my courage in messaging Vuk first when I’d been eyeing my phone all week, waiting for him to call or text.

It was a little pathetic, but it was also exhilarating. He was the first guy I liked enough tocarewhether he called. I’d finally entered the club of people who gushed and obsessed over their crushes. It made me feel normal.

My alcohol ban had flown out the window that morning when I joined Maya for bottomless mimosas at brunch. We hadn’t talked about Vuk, but seeing how unapologetic and badass she was made me want to say fuck it and take matters into my own hands.

I’d left brunch, booked a suite at the nearest hotel, and waffled for hours before I finally texted Vuk. I was currently wearing a hole in the carpet while I waited for him to arrive.

The wedding was in two weeks. My family was set to arrive in a few days, which meant this was my last weekend to myself until the ceremony.

It was now or never.

There was a heavy knock on the door.

I paused, my breath stalling in my lungs. Another knock snapped me out of my frozen state, and I counted to three to calm my nerves before I opened the door. It didn’t work.

The sight of Vuk’s frame filling the doorway sent those nerves into hyperdrive again. He wore a black sweatshirt and black pants, and droplets of rain peppered his skin. It was the most casual outfit I’d ever seen him wear.

I liked it even more than the tuxedo. It was morehim.

“Hi.” I hated how breathless I sounded.

“Hi.”

A soft smile touched my mouth.

It was stupid, but I collected his words the way I collected perfumes and shoes. They glinted like precious stones in the sand, proof that he trusted me enough to communicate with me openly when he didn’t have to. He simply chose to.

“Come in.” I opened the door wider and stepped to the side. “I’m sorry for the last-minute, um, invitation.” I couldn’t think of a better word. “Did you eat already? The hotel supposedly has great room service.”

My rambling melted beneath Vuk’s visible amusement.