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“It’s protective,” he countered, stepping closer. “I like knowing where you are. That you made it home. That you fell asleep on your sofa with a book in your lap and a candle still burning.”
I blinked. “You’ve watched me sleep?”
He tilted his head, unapologetic. “I’ve watched over you. There's a difference.”
My heart should’ve objected. It should’ve pulled the emergency brake. Instead, it kicked once, hard and fast.
“Okay,” I said finally. “That was hot.”
“I know.”
We drove in silence, hand brushing hand on the center console. When he parked in front of Liquid Courage, I hesitated.
“You sure you’re up for this?” he asked.
“No,” I said honestly. “But I’m doing it anyway.”
We climbed the stairs to my apartment. My key slipped once in the lock, but I got it on the second try.
The door creaked open to the sound of soft breathing.
Emmaline was curled on the sofa, a thin blanket draped over her shoulders. Her eyes blinked open as I stepped inside.
“Vivi?”
“Yeah.”
She sat up quickly, blinking through sleep. “You okay?”
I nodded. “This is Elias. I asked him to come with me.”
She glanced at him, something unreadable passing across her face, then stood.
“I waited all day,” she said, voice still groggy.
“I know.”
“I heard about what happened to Jessa, and that you were in jail. I thought about calling the governor.”
“I think Elias beat you to it.”
He held up both palms. “Technically, I only threatened the police chief.”
A flicker of a smile crossed Emmaline’s lips. Then she turned serious. “Did you call her?”
“Yeah.”
“And?”
“She thought I was taller,” I whispered. “She doesn’t remember me.”
Emmaline’s face crumpled just a little, then she reached for my hand.
Elias stepped back, giving us space. He didn’t speak. Just watched. Like a soldier standing guard outside a cathedral.
I sat down beside Emmaline, suddenly so tired I could barely sit upright.
“She said she doesn’t want to go,” I said. “She knows they’re kicking her out. Even if she doesn’t remember when.”