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‘Fine by me.’ Ari’s voice was smooth and easy. But when Nancy risked a glance at her, her jaw was set, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

They walked in silence, the tension between them thick, unspoken.

Nancy had no idea how they were supposed to come back from this.

Forty-Two

By the time they slipped back into the reception, the final course was being served.

Nancy strode ahead without a glance, her back stiff with tension. Ari followed at a slower pace, rolling her shoulders, trying to shake off the frustration clawing at her.

They had spentall daytrying to get this damn necklace back.All daysneaking around like idiots, getting closer in the process. And just for a moment, they’d had everything.

Everything.

And now, Nancy was angry about it.

Ari dropped into her seat beside her, her movements deliberately slow, deliberately casual. Neither of them spoke.

Around them, the reception was easing into the chaos of the night. Wine poured freely, laughter rolling through the candlelit room.

But at their table, the silence stretched taut.

Ari picked up her fork and took a bite of the delicate, artfully plated dessert that awaited her. She needed the calories after all the fighting and kissing. Suddenly, she felt Nancy’s eyes on her.

Ari didn’t react. She took another bite, lazily dragging her spoon through the last swirl of sauce, waiting for Nancy to speak.

‘You’re wearing it.’

Ari arched a brow. ‘Hmm?’

Nancy’s fingers gripped the white tablecloth. ‘Are youkiddingme?’

Ari reached up, letting her fingertips brush over the delicate chain she’d slid on as they walked through the hall. ‘What?’

‘Aftereverything—’ Nancy exhaled sharply, shaking her head. ‘You put it on?’

Ari threw her a light grin. ‘Wouldn’t want it to get lost again.’

Nancy looked at her as if she’d never seen her before. ‘You areunbelievable.’

Ari leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. ‘I’ve spent years waiting to get it back. Now I’m gonna do whatever the hell I like with it.’

Nancy’s jaw clenched. ‘You’re not this stupid. Iknowyou’re not.’

‘Because you wouldn’t do this?’ Ari tilted her head. ‘Well, I’m not you, Nancy. When I get what I want, I know what to do with it.’

Nancy’s lips parted, but no words came out.

Ari was satisfied with the reaction, if not exactly happy.

Nancy swallowed hard, her voice quieter now. ‘You know Paris will notice.’

Ari shrugged, settling back in her chair. ‘Let her.’

Nancy let out a rough exhale. ‘You justlovecausing trouble, don’t you?’

‘Only when it’s fun.’ Ari let her knee nudge against Nancy’s under the table, watching the flicker of reaction in her eyes.