My palm hovered over her throat—close enough to feel her pulse against my skin.
Mine.
Not yet.
But soon.
I withdrew my hand, careful not to disturb her.
As I backed toward the door, I caught my reflection in the dark window—barely visible, just a silhouette of a man watching a sleeping girl.
A predator in his own kingdom.
I left the room silently, closing the door with the softest click.
Only once it latched did I allow myself the smallest smile.
She was here. Under my care. Under my control.
And she had no idea.
Tomorrow would be the first move.
My little toy would learn what kind of man I was.
But tonight, I'd suffer a cold shower.
Chapter 6
Everly
Connie ushered me out of the kitchen, insisting breakfast would be served in the dining room again.
I didn’t see why I couldn’t just eat in the kitchen with her. She didn’t even offer me a drop of coffee.
I stretched out my back. My muscles still ached from lugging those damn bags across town yesterday.
Then I froze.
Silas was already seated at the table, an enormous newspaper unfolded in front of him like we lived in 1950.
Shouldn’t he be at work?
The paper dropped.
“Everly,” he purred. “Come and sit.”
“Good morning,” I said, keeping it polite.
He nodded. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes. I was rather tired.”
“Good, good.” He lifted his paper again. “Me and your mother are divorced.”
I blinked. My mouth parted to speak—
But Connie rolled in a trolley. The smell of fresh coffee hit me, momentarily distracting me.
