EMBER’S POV
Rafael Montenegro rises from our couch like he belongs there.
Smooth and unhurried, all dark tailored elegance against Rayana’s champagne brightness, and his eyes find mine before he’s even fully standing.
They scan me with an intensity that makes my skin prickle, tracking the exhaustion I can’t quite hide, the healing bruises peeking out from my collar, the particular kind of wrecked that comes from days of violence and very little sleep.
Nonetheless, I haven’t quite forgotten the stunt he pulled at the Summit’s farewell gathering.
“Ember.” My name leaves his mouth with a soft breath. “You look…”
“Don’t.” Knox steps in front of me before Rafael can finish the sentence or take a single step closer. His shoulders are a wall, his voice a warning. “Whatever you’re about to s
