Mia dropped the last box on the living room floor and let out a long breath. The apartment still smelled like fresh paint and cardboard. She wiped sweat from her forehead and looked around. Twenty-eight years old, single, and finally out of her old noisy neighborhood. This place felt quieter, safer. Just what she needed after the mess with her ex.
She opened the balcony door to let in some cool night air. The city hummed far below, but up here on the sixth floor it was almost peaceful. Her small balcony faced the one next door, separated only by a thin metal railing. She leaned on it, staring at the dark windows across from her.
Then she heard it.
A low, deep moan. Female. Followed by a man’s rough grunt.
Mia’s body went still. The sound came from the apartment right beside hers. The c
