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“You left the door unlocked.”

“Because I was looking for you.”

She stops.

So do I.

The words hang there.

Because I was looking for you.

Callie's eyes meet mine.

Fuck.

I hadn't meant it like that.

Except I did.

I heard something outside and went looking, assuming it was her.

Then I found her inside.

And instead of calling the cops or throwing her out, I handcuffed her to my refrigerator, brought her dog home, put him in my guest room, fucked her until neither of us could move, and slept better than I have in years.

My life is becoming unrecognizable.

Callie's expression softens. “Roman⁠—”

Something small and metallic hits the floor.

Clink.

We both look down.

Alibi's head pops up.

“No.”

The dog launches off the bed.

“Alibi!”

We move at the same time, which is a mistake.

Callie goes left. I go right. The cuffs jerk us both backward.

She falls into me. I catch her by the waist before she falls.

Alibi dives beneath the bed.

“Goddammit.”

Callie starts laughing.

“This isn't fucking funny.”

“He has the key.”