Page 44 of A Vicious Love

“Pick your next words carefully.”

“I usually don’t.” Harrison smiled, but there was no amusement in it.

“Harrison,” Marcel said again, sharper.

I stepped in because I could not help it.

“It’s fine,” I said.

All three Crow brothers looked at me. I immediately wished I had stayed quiet.

“I don’t mind standing here.”

Jamison’s eyes held mine.

“You don’t mind,” he said.

I shook my head.

“No.”

Harrison exhaled through his nose and looked away. Emmie touched his arm before he could say anything else.

The launch continued.

Music began on the rooftop level, the sound drifting down through open glass and gold-railed staircases. Veil drones moved outside the windows, filming the river, the hotel lights, the Crow crest turning slowly above the entrance.

My family car had been sent early because I had asked for it before arriving. That had taken courage too. A tiny amount, but mine.

I had told the driver to wait two streets away until I messaged him.

I did not want Jamison responsible for my way home. I did not want to stand beside a valet while he forgot me or remembered me too late.

I wanted an exit I did not have to beg for. Near midnight, Jamison finally turned to me.

“I’m taking you home.”

I stared at him. For a second, I thought I misheard.

“My family car was sent early,” I said.

“What?”

“My car is already here.” I kept my voice polite. “So it’s fine. You don’t have to.”

His eyes narrowed. “You arranged a car?”

“Yes.”

“When?”

“Before I arrived.”

A muscle jumped in his jaw.

“Smart girl.” Harrison made a quiet sound behind his drink.

Jamison’s gaze flicked to him, then back to me.