#Chapter 72: Our Secret

Amelia The sun hadn’t risen yet, but the sky was beginning to blush gray when I slipped out the side entrance of Richard’s estate. My footsteps were light, every breath caught tight in my throat. I stuck close to the stone wall that lined the outer courtyard, ducking beneath windows, moving through shadows like I belonged to them. My shoes dangled from one hand, my other fisting the sleeves of the jacket I’d pulled on in a hurry, his jacket. Too long, too big, too unmistakably his. It smelled like him. Cedar, smoke, and power. The scent settled into me like a second skin. I avoided the main hallway, ducked through the laundry corridor, and crept out the back garage just as I heard voices near the kitchen. My heart pounded against my ribs as I slipped through the perimeter gate and onto the tree-lined trail that led toward HQ. I didn’t stop until I was far enough away that I couldn’t smell him anymore. Every step reminded me of him. The ache between my legs. The rawness of my thro