I open my lips, but nothing comes out. That’s when Judge takes it upon himself to intervene, branding his hand around my waist possessively before he pulls me back against him. It’s unexpected, and when I turn to look up at him, his eyes flare as he brushes his fingers over my jaw in an obvious display of ownership.

I don’t have to guess who it’s for. There’s a palpable tension between my friends and him, but most notably, the biggest threat he perceives is Georgie. It’s such a ridiculous notion I almost want to laugh, but I decide to let him make a fool of himself instead by pissing imaginary circles around me.

“I come bearing drinks.” Lois interrupts the moment, dissolving some of the tension as she hands out a wineglass to each of us, with the exception of Judge, who doesn’t take anything.

I find it rather odd but shove my curiosity aside as we all take our seats. Georgie and Solana return to the sofa, and Judge keeps me close to his side on the chaise opposite them.

“So?” Georgie arches a brow at me. “Are we going to get any explanation?”

I don’t miss the way his eyes dart to Judge’s hand around my back in question. That question feels like a what the hell are you doing, Mercedes?

“I’m so sorry I haven’t been in contact,” I begin, trying to gather my thoughts as I speak.

I didn’t really have a plan for how I was going to explain my absence, but I don’t think it matters. There’s nothing I can really say to justify it. All I can hope is that I convince them I’m okay, and they don’t need to worry about me. This is how things are handled in IVI. Society business stays in The Society.

“Tell us what’s going on,” Solana pleads.

“I—” My voice fractures slightly before Judge’s fingers press into me.

“Mercedes was involved in an incident,” Judge supplies for me. “For her protection, she needed to come stay with me, and she’s been under my care. It’s for her own safety.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Georgie narrows his gaze at him.

“We want a word with Mercedes in private,” Solana demands.

I look at Judge in a silent plea. He knows they aren’t going to take his word, and I need him to trust that I can handle this. He’s only making things worse right now by trying to manage the situation for me.

His arm stiffens around me as he realizes what I want, but reluctantly, he nods and rises to his feet.

“I’ll go check on dinner,” he grunts before shooting Georgie a warning look. And then, to top things off, he leans down and brushes his lips against my forehead in a gentle kiss.