KAT
I was prepping dinner when I heard the kitchen door slam shut, followed immediately by the heavy thud of something being slapped onto the table.
The scent that instantly filled the room—so overwhelming it completely cut through the rich, savory aroma of my bolognese sauce—left no room for interpretation. It was Lucian. He was furious, but beneath the anger, there was a sharp spike of... what was that, worry?
I realized worry was not enough to describe the situation the moment I turned around, slowly, refusing to let him see me flinch. Lucian was literally shaking, his eyes darting toward a yellow manila envelope on the table. It wasn't just rage vibrating through his frame; it was sheer, unadulterated terror. He was trying to suffocate his fear with aggressive posturing.
“Yes?” I a
