Rae's POV
The doorbell rang again-sharper this time, insistent.
My heart slammed against my ribs so hard I could feel it in my throat. Killian's hand tightened on my thigh, his thumb freezing mid-stroke.
We stared at each other, wide-eyed, the cozy morning bubble we'd been floating in popping like a soap bubble.
"Who could that be?" I whispered, voice barely audible.
He shook his head once, eyes flicking toward the door. "I don't know. Stay here."
"No way," I hissed, already sliding off the stool. "What if it's Mom? What if she came home early?"
"Rae-" he started, but I was already moving, bare feet silent on the cool tile.
He caught my wrist gently but firmly, pulling me back against his chest. "Calm down, baby," he murmured into my hair, lips brushing my temple. "Breathe. If it
