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“Cool, because we’re having dinner with them tonight and I didn’t want to be an asshole and tell them something they didn’t already know.”

I smile. “I get it. I’ll call them when we hang up and let them know I’m definitely going.”

“Good stuff. Let me know if you need anything while you’re there. And Keegan?”

“Yeah?”

“You can stay the entire month or even longer if you need to. Like I said, the place is yours.”

I do a silent little happy dance in the mirror. “Thank you. That really means a lot.”

We disconnect the call, and just as I go to call my parents, my phone rings in my hand. Tinsley. “Hey. What’s up?”

“Have you been online or turned on the news?” she asks quickly, her tone rushed and her voice hyper.

“Uh, no. Why?”

“Jesus, Keegs. Some asshole in the press must have figured out where Loomis has been staying and started following him.There are pictures of the other night in front of the café where you’re with Loomis, and then I showed up with Fen.”

“Oh, fuck.” My jaw drops, and I collapse to the edge of the bed, only to miss it and hit the floor with a heavy, painful thud.Ouch.

“What was that?”

“My ass hitting wood. I um. I don’t even know what to say.”

“It gets worse. There are pictures from today of the two of you together at the playground. Him touching your face and the two of you playing with Fen.”

“How is that possible? I didn’t see anyone.”

“Don’t know, but they’re reporting you’re a couple.”

I gulp, feeling winded. My knees drag up to my chest, and I hold my phone tighter to my ear as a wave of panic hits me. “That means…”

“They know about Fenric too. Yes.”

My face meets my knees, and I blow out a tremulous breath. Loomis must be going crazy. He’s done everything he can to keep Fen hidden from the press, and now it gets out like this.

“God, Tins. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. None of us saw the guy. They’re now camped outside of Loomis’s place.”

“Shit, that’s awful. What’s he gonna do?”

“He’s been on the phone with his people, including his lawyers, all afternoon. But it’s everywhere, Keegs. That means it’ll be everywhere for you too. They think you’re a couple. And I have to admit, those pictures looked cozy. He denied it and said you’re only friends, but I know you had a thing for him once, and you’re one of my best friends, and I’ve known you my entire life, so cut it straight with me.”

“Nothing is going on,” I assure her. “We’re just friends. Hell, I was talking to him about Alden. I’m planning to leave for myuncle Kaplan’s cottage off Key West tomorrow. It’s not like that with us.”

My phone is silent to the point where I have to pull it away and check that she’s still there. “Can you get to my place?”

“What? Now?” I squeak.

“Yes, now. Do you think you can do that? You know how we do this, and this is big. Loomis is my people, and you’re my people.”

“Fine. We’ll come.”

“Awesome.”

She hangs up, and that’s that. I have a bad feeling about this. A very bad feeling. Way beyond what’s already going on with Loomis and I guess me now as well.