Tessa stepped closer, chest heaving, unable to bring words out of her mouth.

Roman set his wineglass down on the side table with a soft clink.

“Come on, Tessa. Talk to me.” He smiled gently.

“I’m listening.”

She opened her mouth. Then closed it.

Roman tried for a smile. “You look like hell. You coming from Gina’s? What, did you two have a threesome or something?”

He was teasing, trying to lighten the air, but the joke fell flat between them.

Tessa’s laugh came out brittle. “No, it’s… I just… I need to tell you something.”

Roman’s brows creased. “Then say it. First Klara corners me in the garage, now...