Serena shifted slightly in his arms, a small smile playing on her lips despite everything.

“I can’t wait to tell Rebecca,” she said softly. “And Ryan and everyone. They’re going to freak out when they hear you’re back.”

She laughed quietly, the sound light for the first time that night. “Rebecca will scream. Ryan will probably try to punch you for disappearing.”

Roman smiled faintly, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Not yet.”

Serena blinked. “Not yet?”

“It’s better if people don’t know I’m back,” he said gently. “At least for now.”

Her brows knitted together. “Why? Roman, they’ve been worried sick. I’ve been worried sick.”

“I know,” he...