Chapter 49

I close my door behind me and stare ahead at his two large ones. I hear Gail and Theresa downstairs in the kitchen, so I begin my act towards them, playing Claire. She's quiet and stealthy, so I sneak down like a hunting lioness, my steps careful, but I also peer back at my door. She'd always peer back at my door, I think, hoping I would be watching.

Like Claire would, I grip the door handle and open it just enough to slip inside, and I do. I drown myself in his scent and fall back...