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"You look good in my clothes," Luca says. "You can wear my cologne whenever you want, too, sweetheart."

I feel my face flush. "Oh, god. You noticed that?"

"Don't be embarrassed; I think it's cute. I like smelling like you, too."

"Okay," I say softly. "I love you, Luca."

"I love you, too. Good night, Teagan," he says.

"Night."

I snuggle up next to him and close my eyes, wholly content.

"Teag? Are you awake, baby?" he asks after a few minutes.

"Kind of."

"I think Declan loves you. It's okay if you love him, too."

I swallow hard. "You're wrong," I tell him. "And I don't."

"Okay. If you say so."

I don't sleep for a while after that.

NINETEEN

Iwake before Luca for once, wrapped up in his arms and bloody sheets. For a giant who spends most of his days exercising, drinking, and fucking, he certainly seems to have evolved to need very little sleep. My phone buzzes against the wooden side table again. I've ignored it for a while; I need to edit my "do not disturb" timer. Ten in the morning is far too early for me these days.

I reach for the phone slowly, careful not to wake him, and open my messages.

BLAKELY You need to answer your phone NOW, Teagan.

BLAKELY You were right about them—you're not safe.

BLAKELY This isn't a joke, Teagan. ANSWER YOUR FUCKING PHONE.

Somewhere in the middle, there's a link to an article:Heidi Collins Speaks: The girl found in the woods claims she was held prisoner by ex, Luca De Rossi.

Oh…shit.

BLAKELY Leaving now. I'm bringing you home. See you in a couple of hours.

I click the link and jump out of bed, my mind reeling as I read through Heidi's recount of events. The man in the bed stirs, stretching his arms over his head.

"What's up, baby?"

"Nothing," I say, backing into the wall. My voice doesn't come out right; it's too fast, too high-pitched, and he notices. He knows something is wrong.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asks. His brow furrows. "What are you reading?"

"Nothing…just…a text from my sister," I tell him. "I'm going to go…see if there's coffee."

I move a little too quickly, and he lunges out of bed, standing between me and the door.

"Teagan…let me see your phone."

"There's nothing on my—"