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"I told you. To be part of your life. To understand your world."

"And the gun? What was that about?"

"Curiosity."

He studies my face for a long moment, and I keep my expression innocent, slightly confused about why he's so upset. Like I genuinely don't understand what I did wrong.

"You're exhausting," he says finally, shaking his head.

"Is that a compliment?"

"No. It's a statement of fact."

"Sounded like a compliment to me." I unlock my car with the key fob. "So when can I come back? Tomorrow? This weekend?"

"You can't come back."

"Why not?"

"Because you nearly gave everyone a heart attack. I need time to recover before I subject my crew to you again. They need time to process what just happened."

"How much time?"

"A week. At least. Maybe a month."

"That's forever!"

"It's not long enough." He pushes off my car, stepping back to give me space. "Go home, Liana. Please."

"Are you angry with me?" I ask, tilting my head in concern.

"I'm something. I don't know what, but I'm definitely something. Angry doesn't begin to cover it."

I slide into my car, settling into the driver's seat. "Text me later?" I ask cheerfully.

"Maybe."

"That's not a no!"

"Just go. Please. Before you find another weapon to play with."

I start the engine, watching his face through the window. He looks tired, confused. Like he's wondering what kind of woman he agreed to marry.

I pull away slowly, watching him in my rearview mirror. He's still standing there on the narrow street, hands shoved in his pockets, staring after me.

Three blocks later, I pull over into a quiet side street and text Gia, adrenaline still pumping through my veins.

Me: Phase one complete. They think I'm insane.

Gia: What did you do?

Me: Grabbed his gun. Asked about murder. The usual sabotage stuff.

Gia: You grabbed his GUN?!

Me: Safety was on. I checked first. I'm not actually crazy.

Gia: Did HE know that??