Does she know?

Jane chuckled. "Nice one," she said, though their expressions didn’t budge.

Dahlia, Flora said, raising an eyebrow, "Didn’t peg you as the type."

Hunter moved in front of her as Flora stepped closer. "Why don’t you worry about your own and enjoy the week?"

Dan walked up to Hunter. "We’re ordering food. Why don’t you join us and spill the story?"

"Nothing to spill," Lupin said, plopping onto the couch and tugging Dahlia down beside him, Hunter settling on the other side.

Jane’s eyes flicked to Dahlia, her gaze sharp with jealousy.

"Got something to say?" Dahlia asked, just as the doorbell rang. A courier stood there, arms piled with packages.

"Who’s this for?" Jane asked, eyebrows raised.

"Dahlia," Hunter said casually. "You know she hit up the thrift store, dripping with sarcasm.

Flora stared. "You bought all this? How? You’re just a marketing coordinator."

Hunter shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. Dahlia glanced at the boxes. "You didn’t have to do this. I’ve already got..."

"I know," he cut in, leaning closer. "Didn’t get pajamas, though. I prefer you without them."

She gave Hunter a small smile. “Thanks,” she said before slipping into the bedroom. Dahlia tore into a couple of the boxes, marveling at the contents. Nice things weren’t exactly her norm, most of what she owned came courtesy of Todd and Jason. She changed into a soft lounge set and wandered back into the living room just as the food arrived.

Dan shot Hunter a look. “How’d you even pick her? ’Cause here’s the weird part—I clicked on her story first, but it got canceled.”

Hunter smirked. “I clicked her box and sent it, Dan. Same as you.”

“Interesting,” Dan said, narrowing his eyes. “Why’d you pick her?”

“Her story was normal,” Hunter replied with a shrug. “No drama, no hidden baggage. Maybe you should focus on Jane, she’s clearly itching for attention.”

Flora leaned in, her tone teasing. “So, Hunter... you’re cool with Lupin being here?”

“Of course not,” Hunter said, flashing a grin. “But hey, I love a good challenge.”

“A challenge?” Jane chimed in, crossing her arms.

Lupin took a bite of his steak, raising an eyebrow. “Let the best man win, huh? This steak’s killer, by the way.”

After dinner, they threw on a holiday comedy. Within minutes, Dahlia’s head was on Hunter’s lap, her legs sprawled over Lupin’s. Hunter idly twirled a strand of her hair while Jane shot daggers, looking like she wanted to toss Dahlia out a window.

Lupin glanced at Henry and Dan. “Since you guys covered lunch, drinks are on me tonight at the resort.”

“Real generous of you, Lupin,” Henry said, raising an eyebrow. “What do you even do for a living?”

“I own a company,” Lupin said casually. “Mostly travel, though.”

“Name of the company?” Dan pressed.

“G&R Incorporated,” Lupin replied.

Dan nearly spit out his soda. “The snow gear company in Germany?”

“Does she know?” Jane asked, gesturing to Dahlia.

Lupin shrugged. “She wouldn’t care.”

“Agreed,” Hunter added, smirking. “Some girls chase the money, not the man.”

“Are you referring to me, Hunter?” Jane snapped, her voice sharp.

“Hey, you said it,” Hunter shot back. Dahlia stirred, blinking awake to see Hunter’s grin.

Lupin offered to take everyone to the resort for drinks, turns out they’ve got a live band playing tonight, Hunter mentioned casually.

“Thanks, Lupin,” Dahlia said, giving him a quick smile. “I’ll go change real quick.”

Resort, Wengen

They called Ubers, since no one was planning to stay sober. The band was pretty decent, and for once, Dahlia looked like she was actually enjoying herself, swaying to the music. Lupin pulled her onto the dance floor, his hand resting lightly on her waist.

She leaned her head against his shoulder. “Lupin, you know I...”

“I don’t care,” he interrupted, his voice low. “Just glad you’re giving me a shot. Look, I tried to get here sooner, my guy told me you’d be around for the week. My bad for not making it in time to beat Hunter to the punch.”

Dahlia pulled back slightly, looking up at him. “But at the hospital, you didn’t even hint at anything. No calls, nothing.”

“Yeah, well, there was a reason for that,” Lupin said, shrugging. “But I’m here now, aren’t I?” Before she could respond, he leaned in, his lips brushing hers.

Hunter watched from across the room. He wanted to march over and yank Lupin away, but he held back. She had to figure this out herself, he couldn’t meddle.

They headed back, and Jane, ever the drama queen, pretended to trip and dumped her drink on Dahlia.

Hunter stared at her. "Real original, Jane. Newsflash, it doesn’t make her uglier. Shocking, I know."

Lupin stepped close to Jane, his voice low but sharp. "Try that again, and I’ll do something I’ve never done before, hit a woman."

Jane stammered, "It... was... an accident!"

Dahlia bolted outside, sprinting into the dark forest before skidding to a stop. A wolf stood there, sniffing the air.

Hunter appeared behind her, and the wolf dipped its head before slipping back into the shadows.

She turned to him, and he pulled her close. "You’ve got a war going on in your heart," he murmured, brushing her hair back. "But whatever you decide..."

Dahlia took a deep breath. "Yeah, I get it." Her hand cupped his face, and he closed his eyes. He kissed her palm, then her lips, the kiss deepening until she broke away.

"Come on," she said, stepping back. "Let’s go."

Lupin was waiting in the lobby with their jackets. "Figured you’d want to leave."

"Nope," Dahlia said, brushing past him. "I’m here to drink."

Hunter glanced at Lupin. "She’s unraveling. That anger’s finally surfacing."

Dahlia knocked back shot after shot, her inhibitions dissolving with each burning swallow. She grabbed Lupin by the sweater and pressed her lips against his, then spun toward Hunter with reckless abandon. "Don't worry," she slurred, her words tumbling together, "you're next." She made good on her promise while Lupin's mouth found the curve of her neck. Across the room, Flora and Jane watched wide-eyed, their jaws slack with disbelief.