NORA POV
I went back to the room quietly, my steps light like I hadn’t been anywhere. The moment I lay on the bed, I pulled the blanket over me and shut my eyes, pretending to be asleep. My chest still burned with what I had just seen, but I forced my breathing to stay calm.
It didn’t take long before the door opened. Derek’s familiar footsteps filled the room, I felt the bed dip slightly as he sat down, then leaned over me.
“You’re awake,” he whispered softly, his voice warm like nothing was wrong. Before I could move, he kissed my forehead gently, then my lips. It was so tender, like he had missed me. He didn’t have a single clue that I had seen him downstairs.
I kept my eyes open this time, staring at him quietly. My lips curved into a small smile, but my mind was sharp, I’m only wa
