The second Viktor and Marie leave, I turn to Tina.
“Pack a bag.” My voice is low and firm.
She blinks, still half-distracted from having just said goodbye to her sister. “What?”
“You heard me.” I step closer, crowding her. “You’re coming with me.”
Her mouth opens, but nothing comes out. I can see her mind spinning, trying to decide if I’m serious.
“I thought you didn’t even like me,” she mutters, more to herself than me.
I chuckle darkly. “Liking you was never the problem, baby.”
Her breath stutters. “What’s… what’s the problem, then?”
I take another step, backing her against the stair railing. My hands planted on either side of her.
“The problem,” I say slowly, “is that I’ve been holding back. Fighting this insane thing between us.”
I drag my gaze down her body. “I’m done.”
Her full lips part, breath shaky. “You’re… done?”
“You and me,” I rasp out. “We’re happening. Tonight. But first we’re gonna talk.”
Her big brown eyes go wide. “Talk?”
“Pack your bag, sweetheart.”
