Chapter 50

(Emily's POV).

“Did my dad make you scared?” I asked Mike, breaking the comfortable silence in the car as we drove toward his mansion.

I watched him, his jaw tight as he focused on the road, yet calm. I loved how Mike always seemed to be in control, but after today, after that conversation with my dad, I couldn’t help but wonder if it shook him a little.

Mike glanced at me briefly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“No, Love,” he said smoothly, “the only thing that could’ve scared me was if your dad told me not to be with you.” He paused for a moment, letting that sink in. “Even though I’ve known from the start that he liked me.”

I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up from my chest.

“Wow, Mike, way to be humble,” I teased, giving him a playful punch on the arm. “You’re so confident.”

His grin widened as he shrugged. “What can I say? There’s nothing in the world I’m afraid of… except losing you.”

Those words hit me harder than I expected. My face flushed, warmth creeping up from