EMMA'S POV
Jessy's smile spread slowly, like a stain.
He pushed off the car with a lazy elegance that made Emma's stomach twist. Nothing about his posture was overtly threatening—and yet everything about him screamed danger.
Adrian stepped in front of her fully now, his body a wall of hard protection.
One hand behind him brushed her hip, a silent message:
Stay close. Don't move. Don't panic.
Liam positioned himself slightly to the side, turning his body so he could see both Jessy and the perimeter behind them. His movements were quiet, calculated, but Emma saw the way his fingers hovered near something strapped under his jacket.
Jessy clucked his tongue.
"Oh, come on," he said lightly. "Is this really how you greet an old friend? I show up to say hello, and suddenly you two look like you're preparing for war."
"Get to the point," Adrian said coldly.
Jessy's eyes glinted.
"Right. Straight to business, as usual."
His gaze flicked to Emma again, lingering too long.
