"Sir—"
"Do you enjoy playing games, my boy?" His voice was quiet—too quiet. Dangerous. "Or is that just a side hobby?"
My heart leapt into my throat.
"Sir, I told Bianca," I said, trying to keep my voice level. "I told her I'd be here."
"You didn't tell me." Then he leaned in, that familiar smirk curling on his lips as he whispered, "Looks like my little pet needs to be punished."
I looked away, my fingers curling into fists.
"Get in the car before I drag your ass out of here."
I flinched. The rage in his eyes—it wasn't just a flicker. It was a storm. He was pissed. Not surprised. Not disappointed. Pissed.
And I knew this would happen. I'd prepared for it. I really had.
But... not here. Not in this small town. Not today. Not with my mother just a room away.
Then—like a blade through the tension—her voice rang out from the kitchen. "Who is it, darling?"
