Forbidden Pleasures
Stepfather’s Secret Obsession 3
The Fragile Facade
The next morning felt disturbingly normal.
Sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows in cheerful, golden shafts as I padded downstairs, the hardwood cool against my bare feet. I was swimming in an oversized sleep shirt and shorts, trying to shake the cobwebs of a restless night from my head. The house smelled of home: rich French roast and crispy bacon.
Mom was at the stove, her hips swaying slightly as she hummed a melody I didn't recognize. She looked happy. Radiantly, devastatingly happy. Mark sat at the kitchen island in his usual spot, the morning paper spread out before him like a shield.
Just a regular Sunday morning. Except for the secret burning holes in my pocket.
“Morning, sweetie!” Mom said bright
