The sound still rang in Ariana’s ears long after it stopped. One sharp knock, deliberate and cold, like a judge’s gavel calling the sentence.
She didn’t dare breathe.
Damian’s body had gone rigid, every muscle wired tight, his weapon trained on the door. His silhouette looked carved out of stone, but Ariana could feel the current of violence humming beneath his skin.
“Stay back,” he muttered without turning.
“I wasn’t planning on rolling out the welcome mat,” Ariana whispered back, clutching the couch cushion like it was a shield.
Another knock. Slower this time. Almost playful.
Her skin crawled. Whoever it was wasn’t trying to break in. They were enjoying this. Drawing it out.
Ariana leaned closer, keeping her voice low. “So… tell me this isn’t as bad as it looks?”
“Worse.”
Not t
