“I’ll always do what I can to keep her safe.” Liam’s words were directed at Blair, but his eyes were locked on mine, and a shiver ran through me. I liked knowing he cared, but I’d rather he didn’t put himself at risk.

“You’re not injured?” Tyler asked from behind Blair, an air of concern about him.

“Nothing other than a few bruises,” I replied.

“Thank God. You gave us a scare.”

“Yeah, well, we gave ourselves one too.”

“I bet.”

Blair placed his hands on my shoulders and looked me in the eye. “The stalking only escalated when you came over here. I know you love Destiny Falls, but they don’t have the means to protect you the way we can back home. Maybe it’s time to consider returning to L.A.”

“No.” My immediate response had more bite than intended, and I instantly felt bad about it. “I see where you’re coming from, but I’m not letting some asshole run me out of town.”

“It wouldn’t have to be permanent,” Blair said reasonably. “Just until things quiet down.”

“But what if they don’t?” I challenged. “What if any time I try to do anything, my stalker turns up? I can’t let that stop me from living my life.”

“She has a point,” Tyler said to Blair, who glared at his friend.

“Aren’t you supposed to be on my side?”

“I am.” He shrugged. “I’m just saying.”

“She’s not going anywhere,” Liam said firmly, looking as if he was prepared to argue the point as far as necessary.

I glanced at Nate, aware the conversation was going off the rails. He appeared to be following it with interest but didn’t seem inclined to interrupt. Perhaps he wanted to see the dynamics of the group in action.

“Look.” I thrust my shoulders back and hardened my voice. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m not leaving. If you want to get back to your lives, please do. I’d hate to stand in the way of that. You know I don’t like it when anyone makes a fuss over me.”

Blair and Tyler both looked like they wanted to disagree, but for a long moment, neither of them spoke.

“Fat chance of me leaving when you need support,” Blair finally said.

Chapter Forty-Three

LIAM

I heard a rumor you’re engaged. Tell me it’s not true. - Unsent text message from Liam to Kennedy.

“Now that that’s sorted,” I said before anyone could begin debating the point again, “why don’t we get Kennedy back to my place so we can make dinner and catch up on some much-needed rest after the chaos of this evening?”

Kennedy sent me a grateful smile. “Yes, please.”

“Shouldn’t she be at the cottage?” Blair protested.