Then back up at him.
“This is really happening.”
“Yeah,” he said.
I swallowed.
“They’re going to see it,” I whispered.
“Everyone.”
His gaze held mine.
“Good.”
And for the first time—
That didn’t terrify me.
23
Tessa
Ididn’t realize how loud my heart was beating until the knock came at the door.
Not soft.
Not hesitant.
Direct.
Like this moment had already decided what it was going to be.
“That’s her,” I said, my voice quieter than I expected.
Ace was already moving, but he didn’t rush. He never rushed. He just positioned himself close enough that I could feel him there without him taking over.
“Ready?” he asked.
No.
Not even close.
But I nodded anyway.
Because ready didn’t matter anymore.
I opened the door.
The woman standing there looked exactly like I expected and nothing like I was prepared for. Early forties, sharp eyes, not unkind—but not soft either. The kind of person who didn’t miss things.
“Sarah Whitman,” she said, holding out her hand.
“Tessa,” I replied, shaking it.
Her grip was firm. Steady.
She stepped inside, her gaze sweeping the apartment once, taking everything in. Then it landed on Ace.
