I then turned and walked back inside the quiet, luxurious house. Starting in the kitchen, I washed the dishes and pans we had used earlier, and the mundane task helped calm my racing thoughts. When everything was clean and put away, I headed upstairs to the main bedroom.
I felt emotionally and physically drained from the whirlwind of the day as I stripped out of my clothes and stepped into the massive rainfall shower, letting the hot water cascade over me and wash away the exhaustion. I stood there for a long time, eyes closed, trying to process my decision.
Riley was right; I needed real protection, and right now, it seemed only Kayde could give it to me. But could I really survive him? What if he showed another side the moment I said yes?
My conscience kicked, asking what if he didn
