He’s giving me an out. He’s handing it to me free of charge.

But…

My heart thudding, I narrow my eyes and go on. “I know what this is.” I fold my arms across my chest. “You’re worried I’m going to fall in love with you again. Or—even worse—you’re worried you’re going to fall in love with me.”

Felix’s gaze pings up to mine, and for the briefest second, I see his surprise. Then his face melts into that teasing grin of his. “I didn’t want to embarrass you by suggesting it,” he says. “But I do have to admit, I’m concerned. You’re bound to be susceptible if you already fell for my charms once.”

“Mm-hmm,” I say skeptically, raising my brow at him. “I notice you didn’t address the possibility that you would fall in love with me. No comments on that one?”

“Nah,” he says, stepping closer. Even in the dark I can see his gaze sparkling down at me. “I can admit I’m attracted to you”—my cheeks warm—“but I meet lots of beautiful women, and so far I’ve never fallen in love.”

“In that case,” I say, “it looks like we’re still on. Good?”

“All good,” he says, and then he winks at me.

“None of that,” I say, pointing to his face. “No winking.” I begin wheeling Betsy up the driveway. “If you don’t want me to fall for your devastating charms again, keep those things to yourself. Got it?”

His laughter is the only answer.

INDIA

I haven’t beenthrough the front door for even three seconds before I open my mouth.

“Everybody—living room, now,” I shout. “Emergency meeting.”

Silence greets my words. I wait a sec and then try again.

“Juliet? Aurora? Where are you?”

“Why are you shouting?” Aurora calls, appearing at the top of the stairs dressed in an oversized t-shirt and leggings. A few seconds later Juliet pops into view, a toothbrush hanging out of her mouth and a curious look on her face.

“Are we not eating chips and cheese?” I say, and Juliet shrugs.

“You can!” she says, or at least I think that’s what she says. It’s garbled, so it’s hard to tell.

I wave her suggestion away. I did want chips and queso, but…“Maybe in a bit. Come on,” I say, beckoning them down the stairs. “Emergency. Come on.”

“You come up here,” Aurora says, slouching down the hall and out of sight. “I’m tired.”

I sigh, but I’m in too much of a hurry to argue. So I kick off my shoes and then start up the stairs. “Fine,” I say as I climb. “This can’t wait.” I pause on the top stop, my pulse racing. “I think...I might have had amomentwith Felix earlier.”

The sound of the running faucet from the bathroom disappears beneath a choking noise, followed by spluttering coughs.

“Careful,” I say to Juliet as I move down the hallway, passing the bathroom and then our room and going straight to Aurora’s. She’s already back in her bed, under the covers, but she’s sitting up, her face alert.

“Spill,” Juliet says from behind me; I move out of the way just in time for her to bustle past, dressed in silk pajamas and smelling like spearmint. She climbs onto the bed and then under the covers, nudging Aurora to scoot over. In the space of five seconds, both of them are tucked in, staring wide-eyed at me like kids waiting for their nighttime story.

It makes me want to get cozy, too.

I bite my lip, looking at them, and then I decide. “Okay, just wait two minutes,” I say, rushing out of the room again.

“You said this was urgent?—”

“Justtwo minutes!” I call.

And part of me is tempted to take my time. I don’tdothis; I don’t rush home and gather my sisters together to dissect whatever some guy said. I don’t initiate slumber party chats full of giggles and secrets. Juliet is the one who makes those happen. And I participate, but that kind of thing isn’t really in my personality. I’m someone who plays things close to the chest and ruminates and figures her problems out on her own.

But tonight, right now—I can’t believe I’m saying this—I really need all the help I can get. Because this is Felix Caine we’re talking about. Felix Caine andme.