Chapter 1 - The Introduction
The lock clicked. The brass handle turned.
Adrian did not tense. He did not reach for a weapon, nor did he puff out his chest. Instead, he simply relaxed his shoulders, shoved one hand into his pocket, and let his face settle into a mask of easy, oblivious charm.
The door swung open, and Grant stepped inside.
He was wearing his usual tailored charcoal suit, a leather briefcase in one hand, and a bouquet of white lilies in the other. When he saw Adrian standing in our foyer, he froze. His eyes darted to me—huddled near the console table, clutching my purse—and then back to the stranger in his home.
"Well," Grant said, his voice dropping into that smooth, polished cadence he used for clients. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Grant Holloway."
He extended a hand.
Adrian took it. "Adrian. Evie's uncle. I got back stateside a little earlier than expected and wanted to surprise my favorite niece."
"Uncle Adrian," Grant said, his smile widening, though his eyes remained completely still. "Evie has told me so much about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet the man who taught her how to swim. Though I wish we had known you were coming. Evie and I would have prepared the guest room."
"No need," Adrian said, clapping Grant on the shoulder. His grip was just a fraction too hard, his hand lingering a second too long. "I've got a place downtown. Actually, I was just about to steal her away for an hour. Catch up over coffee."
Grant’s gaze shifted to me. I felt the familiar invisible leash tighten around my throat.
"Is that right, sweetheart?" Grant asked softly. "You didn't mention you were feeling up to going out. You told me this morning your allergies were acting up. That's why you have that rash on your jaw."
He stepped toward me, reaching out to touch the bruise.
Before his fingers could graze my skin, Adrian smoothly stepped between us, clapping his hands together. "Alright, Evie, grab your coat. Let the man put his briefcase down. Grant, you don't mind lending her to me for an hour, do you? After fifteen years, I think I've earned a little priority."
It was a challenge wrapped in a joke. Grant could not say no without looking controlling, and he knew it. His jaw tightened infinitesimally.
"Of course," Grant said, offering a flawless smile. "Have a wonderful time. Don't keep her out too late, Adrian. She needs her rest."
"I'll take perfect care of her," Adrian replied.
May you like
He ushered me out the door. As the heavy oak clicked shut behind us, I let out a breath I didn't know I had been holding. My legs gave out, but Adrian caught me by the elbow, supporting my weight as he guided me toward the elevator.
"Breathe, Evie," he murmured, his eyes scanning the hallway. "We have a head start. And we are going to use every second of it."
