Caden gives me a once-over, then nods. His face is pure alpha—controlled, lethal. Cade’s presence bleeds into his expression, cold fury simmering behind his eyes.
“When we go up,” he says, “if we see anyone, you’re sick. We’re calling it a night early. You need fresh air, but we don’t want to be disturbed. Can you do that?”
I nod fast.
He takes my hand, squeezes it once, tight. “I love you, Baylee.”
“I love you, Caden,” I whisper, voice barely audible.
We step back into the hallway, and I wrap my arms around my stomach, bending slightly, dragging my feet like my insides are turning. The acting isn’t hard—it’s half real. My nerves are a living thing inside me now, clawing at my ribs.
We step onto the deck, and—of course—Tabitha is there. Like a spider in her web.
“Oh no, are you alri
