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“Maybe. Maybe he’s hoping they’ll resolve things and he doesn’t want to talk about it because he thinks it will bring the mood down or give us the wrong impression of Aaron.”

The corner of her mouth tugs up. “That does sound like Saint actually.” She laughs. “Oh god I probably sounded totally paranoid.”

“No,” I say honestly. “You’re allowed to feel how you feel about it. If someone’s behaviour upsets you, it’s normal to question it.”

She worries her bottom lip between her teeth but doesn’t say anything.

“And if there is something being hidden,” I continue carefully, “well secrets have a way of coming out eventually. They always do.”

Her shoulders loosen slightly at that. “It’s probably nothing,” she says quickly, shaking her head. “I shouldn’t have even brought it up.”

Maybe. But maybe not. Because now that she’s said it out loud, I can’t stop thinking about all the little things I’ve noticed but ignored thinking I was being paranoid.

She stands a moment later, forcing a small smile onto her face. “I’m gonna shower before dinner.”

“Okay.”

The second she disappears I grab my phone. My agent answers on the third ring. “Need something?” he asks.

“Yes,” I say quietly, walking back to my room. “I need you to check something for me.”

He's silent for a moment. “That sounds ominous.”

“It’s probably nothing, but check Santiago Lopez for me. Background, business, everything. And confirm he signed the NDA.”

“You think there’s a problem?”

“I don’t know yet,” I admit. “That’s what worries me.”

Chapter 21

Luna

The lodge feels different tonight. Louder, more vibrant. The country air has cooled just enough that everyone’s migrated indoors, abandoning the courtyard for the long oak dining table that sits beneath a modern chandelier. Someone’s lit the fire despite it not being strictly necessary, and the whole room smells faintly of rosemary, garlic and freshly baked bread. It’s... Nice. Cosy and relaxed even.

Enzo appears from the kitchen carrying another enormous serving dish with the same expression proud grandparents have when they’re about to insist you’ve not eaten enough. “Mangia, mangia!”

“I physically cannot,” Saint protests dramatically, holding a protective hand over his stomach. “I will perish.”

“You are too skinny,” Enzo retorts without missing a beat.

Saint jumps up, kissing him on the cheek. “You are delightful darling.”

Laughter ripples around the table, and I watch everyone for a moment while conversations splinter off in different directions. Ember is animatedly explaining some obscure piece of horror trivia to Bri, who is listening with the kind of quiet attention that makes people feel like they’re the only person in the room. Saint is attempting to convince Enzo that he’d make an excellent Bond villain if he just leaned into the cheekbones he already has. Across from me, Lennie is laughing. Really laughing. His head tipped back, eyes crinkled. I haven’t seen him look this relaxed in... I don’t even know how long.

I reach for my wine. Tonight. I was going to tell him tonight. I’d rehearsed it earlier. Not word for word. Just... How I’d start. How I’d explain. How I’d apologise.

I'd suggested on the drive back from set-up that maybe we could go for a walk around the grounds after dinner. Somewhere quiet just out front, where it was just us. But looking at him now, he looks so… Happy.

I wrap both hands around my glass. Not tonight. Tomorrow’s the first day. Everyone’s excited. What good would it do? It will still be true on Monday. Maybe… Maybe after the weekend is kinder. I might even sell out.

What if… What if this weekend goes really well? It wouldn’t fix everything. But it would help.

I stare down into my wine. That’s sensible. Telling him when we get home. When everything’s quieter. Don’t take this away from him. Don’t let him spend the whole convention carrying something that can wait three more days. That’s the kinder thing to do. Isn’t it?

The tiny voice in the back of my mind sounds suspiciously unconvinced. It whispers that maybe this isn’t about protecting Lennie at all. Maybe it’s about protecting myself. I’m terrified that once the words leave my mouth... Everything changes.

Glancing back up, Lennie catches my eye from across the table. “Do you want to take that walk now?”