Page 143 of The Chaos She Brings

But maybe we’ll never have that. Maybe we’re not meant to.

Our best friends are serial killers. Her biological family is mafia.Normalwas never in the cards.

Still, despite all the uncertainty, there’s one thing I’m sure of: she makes me lose control. She strips away the rigidity I used to hide behind—and somehow, I’m grateful for it.

My life is better with her in it.

She brings a joy I didn’t know I was missing.

So yeah—this baby is throwing me for a loop.

And yeah—it’s way too soon.

But I want to try.

When I get home, Tess is in the kitchen. Pots and pans are scattered everywhere—typical. She spins as I walk in, throwing herself into my arms, wrapping hers around my neck and tangling her fingers in my hair.

I press a soft kiss to her lips before pulling back.

"How are you?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

"Fine," she mumbles, turning away.

"Don’t lie, Tess. Tell me how you’re really feeling."

She takes a shaky breath. "I had a panic attack after Carina left. But the music and cooking helped. After our call."

I move behind her, rest my chin on her shoulder, and place my hands gently on her stomach. My thumb traces circles over the non-existent bump.

"It’s going to be okay," I whisper. "Eventually, the memories will be just that—memories."

She nods, leaning back into me. "I know. I just wish I was already at that point."

I wish I could do more. I want nothing more than for her to forget what he did.

But this isn’t something I can fix.

All I can do is be here. Support her.

And I will.

For as long as she lets me.

48

His Ghost Still Lingers

Enzo to Kai: Is she okay? [delivered]

Tess

“Wakeup!”

I’m pulled from the dream, heart pounding, as I’m shaken awake.

Sucking in gasps of air I look around.

Kai.