The house was silent—too silent.
Avery and Elias had slipped upstairs after a late dinner, the heat between them unbearable. Clothes were discarded in a trail across the floor, skin pressing against skin, breaths ragged and hearts racing.
She didn’t hear the soft click of the door unlocking.
She didn’t hear the footsteps approaching.
Until a sharp intake of breath froze them both.
“WHAT—”
Avery’s stepmother, Marianne, stood in the doorway, eyes wide, taking in the half-dressed couple on the bed.
Elias moved instantly, his body covering hers, smirk sharpening as his gaze met hers. “Relax, Marianne,” he said smoothly, voice calm as ice. “It’s not what it looks like.”
Marianne blinked, mouth opening, closing. “It’s—well… I—”
Elias leaned back, casual, dangerous. “You walked in on us,
