That scared me more than the fighting did.
Because it felt easy.
Not Luca-and-Tessa easy.
Different.
More dangerous.
Like slipping without realising it.
Mason leaned slightly closer so he could hear me over the music.
That movement was small.
Still enough to shifteverything.
“You’re quieter when you’re actually relaxed,” he said.
“I am relaxed.”
“That’s a lie too.”
I rolled my eyes.
“You really enjoy calling me out.”
“You make it easy.”
“That sounded arrogant.”
“It probably was.”
At least he was self-aware.
LUCA
Tessa had one hand shoved inside my jacket while we stood near the dance floor.
Which was distracting in a very productive way.
Still—
I glanced toward Rowan again out of curiosity.
Basketball guy was smiling now.
Tiny.
But definitely smiling.
Tessa followed my gaze.
“Oh my God,” she said dramatically. “They’re flirting through psychological warfare.”
I laughed instantly.
“That’s exactly what it is.”
