Avery's POV
When Max returned home, Ethan and Alissa were long gone. I tried my best to act as though nothing had happened, but my pale face and trembling voice must have given me away.
“What happened to you?” he asked, his tone sharp with suspicion.
I forced a smile, stepping forward to help Max take off his jacket, smoothing out the fabric with deliberate care. “Oh, it’s nothing. Just a little accident.” I glanced at my bandaged wrist, my stomach twisting. I’d hurt it earlier while trying to hurl an ashtray at Alissa, but Max didn’t need to know that.
“An accident?” His eyes narrowed, scrutinizing me. “Where’s Ethan?” Max’s gaze darted around the room, landing on the breakfast plates still sitting on the table.
A flicker of unease twisted in my chest, but I managed a steady reply. “
