EMBER’S POV

“That sounds like a terrible investment.”

“The best ones usually do.”

“And if I told him you bribed your way into this?”

“He’d probably challenge me to a duel. Very dramatic. Lots of growling.” Rafael glances back at me, amused. “Would you like to watch? I hear modern women love that.”

I shouldn’t smile. I definitely shouldn’t smile.

My lips twitch anyway.

“There it is.” His voice softens. “You should do that more often.”

“Do what?”

“Stop holding your breath.”

The observation lands somewhere uncomfortable. I look away, focusing on the path, the fake snow, the ridiculous Christmas decorations everywhere.

We walk in silence for a moment. He...