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“You were about to.”

“I was going to mention that I saw you kissing him.”

I close my eyes.

Of course she fucking did.

When I open them again, Rhett is visibly fighting a smile, Malakai looks entirely too unbothered and Ezra’s jaw is clenched hard enough to crack a tooth.

“I’m begging everyone in this barn to focus on the murder plants.”

Mariah looks at Malakai, then at me. “I have questions.”

“You’re not asking them.”

“I have several.”

“Later.”

“If we survive.”

“MARIAH.”

“What?” She throws her hands up. “I’m stressed!”

A tiny sound escapes Ali.

For one terrifying second, I think she’s crying again. Then I realize it’s a laugh. Small. Shaky. Barely there.

Some of the pressure in my chest finally loosens.

Good.

I’ll fucking take it.

Something slams into the side of the barn. The impact shakes the walls hard enough to send dust drifting from the rafters.

Every trace of laughter dies.

Then comes the scratching. Slow. Dragging.

Something moves along the outside wall, scraping across the wood with agonizing patience. Like fingernails… looking for a way in.

A chill crawls over my skin.

Mariah’s fingers tighten around my arm. “What the fuck is that?”

“No fucking clue.”

But Malakai does. I can see it in the way he’s staring at the wall, his entire body suddenly too still.

I point at him, “and don’t you dare say nothing,“ I warn.

His mouth opens then closes.

Rhett snorts beside him.

I cut my glare in his direction.