“Exactly,” Nicki says. “My dad thinks it’s totally archaic, too—actually having to physically show up somewhere? But I love it. It’s different witnessing a concert in person. The smells, the noise, physical contact with strangers—the actual energy of other people. It’s so fun.”

“It’s dangerous for you to be in a public place, Nicki. You never know what’s going to go down,” Eric says.

I frown at his accentless voice. I never knew him at all.

“I have you to protect me,” Nicki says, curling her fingers around his collar.

That’s what you think. I have to stop him from hurting her.

She peers over his shoulder. “See you guys at the park Saturday at two?”

“We wouldn’t miss it,” Garrett says. “Can you friend me so my AMPs can find you?”

Nicki lets go of Eric and taps the air.

Feeling eyes on my face, I find Adam/Eric staring directly at me.

“Can’t wait to see you again,” he says.

“Do you care if we walk?” Garrett asks as we hurry down the opera house steps. “I could use some air.”

The night breeze is deliciously cool on my burning cheeks, and I’m so revved up I can’t imagine being trapped in a Bubble Car right now. “Not at all. I prefer it.” I can barely keep my feet on the ground.

“How do you feel?” he asks, shoving his hands in his jacket pockets and setting a brisk pace.

“Honestly? Like I can fly. That was so much fun.” I’m practically skipping.

“You smoked enough to float home.”

I flinch, ready for a fight, but then I catch him smiling to himself, and I let it go. “Oh, come on. That was the point, right? I was always in complete control. How many drinks did you have? You’re just jealous because Nicki likes me better than you.”

His jaw clenched, he glances at me out of the corner of his eye like I’m an annoying gnat he’d like to flick. “Uh-huh.”

“Or you’re worried that you have competition…” I playfully whack his arm. “Who will win Nicki’s heart? Beau or Eric? I know who I’d choose.”

Coming to a halt, he grabs my arms. “Do you?” His intensity catches me off guard, sending hot chills through me.

Abruptly, he lets go and walks ahead.

I watch him go, needing distance. The streetlights glow brighter as he approaches them, illuminating his path. I know they have sensors, but it’s like that first day in the Lodge, like his energy could make lightbulbs explode.

Not wanting to be alone in the dark, I don’t let him get too far away.

“Good work in there,” he says, seeming to have regained his composure when I catch up to him.