My stepdad’s car pulled into the driveway at 10:07.
I was dressed—jeans, a loose sweater, hair tied back—smiling when I opened the door. The plug was seated deep. Reed’s load from yesterday was still warm around it, mixed with the fresh one he’d added at noon before he left. Every step made it shift. I kept my thighs together and acted normal.
“Hey, kid,” my stepdad said, kissing my cheek. He smelled like coffee and the office. “Just need the files from the study. Won’t be long.”
“Take your time.”
He headed down the hall. I stood in the kitchen, heart slamming, and felt my phone buzz in my pocket.
Reed: He’s there. Don’t move. I’m outside.
A second later the spare key turned in the lock. Reed stepped in quietly, closed the door, and looked at me. No words. He nodded toward the laundr
