Page 331 of Ruthless Court

I point at all of them.

“Important distinction.”

Lila clutches a pillow against her chest.

“After one date?”

“Do you want me to stay here?”

The room erupts again.

Someone throws popcorn.

Someone else shouts that there’s plenty of floor space.

I hold up both hands.

“Stop.”

Silence returns.

Mostly.

“I am going there because this room currently resembles an evacuation shelter.”

“Romantic,” Lila says.

“I want quiet.”

“With Kane Haverhill.”

“Yes.”

“Overnight.”

“Yes.”

Her eyes become enormous.

“Potentially until Sunday.”

Noor actually chokes.

I zip the bag.

“And before anybody reaches for a phone⁠—”

Several hands freeze.

I knew it.

“If one word of this ends up online, I will identify the responsible party, locate them, and make their death appear academically motivated.”

“Hannah,” Noor says.

“I’m serious.”

Lila slowly lowers her phone.