Raven stood at the top of the stairs, one brow raised. She leaned slightly against the bannister, a storm brewing behind her eyes.
Christian ran a hand down his face, flustered.
Then, like nothing had happened, he pointed up at her. “Strangers aren’t allowed here!”
His eyes locked with Raven’s.
“That includes you too!”
Without waiting for a reaction, he stormed out of the living room and headed for his room.
The door slammed shut behind him.
And silence returned—charged, heavy, and thick with what had almost been.
Christian stormed down the hallway, past the kitchen and the quiet hum of the fridge, until he reached his room. He didn’t bother turning on the light. He just walked in and shut the world out.
His room was just how he left it—still dark, save for the sliver of light com
