The air between us froze the moment Damon’s sister and I locked eyes. My stomach dropped as if the floor had caved beneath me. Damon looked from me to her, his brow creasing. He hadn’t expected this, he hadn’t expected us to already know each other.

I leaned toward Damon, lowering my voice to a whisper. “I’d like to excuse myself,” I said, forcing the words through the knot in my chest.

His hand pressed against my arm, not harsh but firm, holding me still. His voice dipped low, ...