[6] a

“Hide in the rinse room.”

His voice was quiet but carried an unmistakable command. His expression stayed calm—nothing like me, still too shaken to think straight. I felt my blood run cold.

“Hurry, before Ethan walks in.” Adrian’s palm brushed the top of my head, gentle but urgent.

That single touch snapped me back to reality—what would happen if I didn’t move now. I darted toward the place he pointed out, heart pounding so violently it felt loud enough to give me away. My breath came in short, uneven bursts. Even after I shut the small door as tightly as I could, my eyes kept scanning the dim space, while my ears strained to catch every word outside… and every footstep that might come too close.

“Oh God, what am I doing?” I muttered, dragging my fingers through my damp hair in frustration. Guilt, panic, and confusion knotted together inside me. My clothes clung cold and wet to my skin, but I barely felt it.

“I thought you were out of town,” Ethan said. His tone sounded casual, but at the end of it—there was suspicion.

“Plans changed.” Adrian’s voice was calm, almost boring. “You just got back?”

“No. I came home because I forgot something.” Ethan laughed. “Oh, but… did you just swim, Dad?”

“What about it?” Adrian replied evenly.

“Nothing. It just feels… weird. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

I heard Adrian exhale—half amused, half irritated. “If you want to swim with me, cancel your plans.”

“As if.” Ethan snorted. “I’d rather have fun. Besides, it’s Nico’s birthday, and I doubt I’ll be back tonight. I hope Daddy doesn’t call me nonstop like Mommy does.”

“Take care of yourself. And stay out of trouble.”

“Relax.”

Their conversation sounded light, almost normal—which helped me breathe a little easier.

But then—

“But Dad… where’s Leah? Have you seen her?”

My heart nearly stopped.

“No.”

“Is she taking a nap? God must be nice. I need to talk to her.”

“Why? What’s going on with Leah?”

With an annoyed sigh, Ethan answered, “I asked her to finish my assignment. I saw my laptop and papers still scattered there. Why hasn’t she done it yet?”

“And why are you making Leah do your work? Are you even in the same program?”

“Oh, fine—yes, yes, I know! God, I only asked for a little help,” Ethan grumbled. “Whatever, I should hurry. Nico’s waiting. Tell Leah—if you see her—to reply to my text.”

Silence. Then more silence.

Was it safe? Was my hiding spot exposed?

I wasn’t sure. I didn’t hear their voices anymore, but the last thing I needed was to step out at the wrong moment and ruin everything. Ethan would demand answers—why I was hiding, why I was dripping wet—and I…

I shivered. I was getting cold. But I stayed still. Waiting. Listening.

“Leah.”

I jolted at the sound of someone calling my name.

“Mr. … Hale?”

“Yes, Leah. It’s me.”

Slowly, I pushed open the stall door. Relief and embarrassment tangled in my chest—why on earth had my mind gone blank the moment Adrian kissed me? How had that even happened?

“Are you… all right?” Adrian stepped closer, draping a thick towel over my shoulders. “Did you rinse off?”

“Not yet,” I whispered. “If I turn on the shower now, won’t it make him suspicious?”

Adrian let out a low, controlled growl. “You should wash up now. You’ll get sick, Leah. I’m sorry I left you in there for so long.” His voice dropped, almost a murmur. “Go to your room. I’ll ask Mrs. Alvarez to prepare some warm soup.”

I nodded quickly. “Yes, Mr. Hale.”

But just as I turned, his fingers brushed my wrist—briefly, a fleeting touch, yet enough to stop my breath.

I looked back, and this time our eyes met. He didn’t say a word. But there was something in his gaze—something I couldn’t decipher, something suspended between concern, guilt, and a danger far more complicated than both.

“I… should go now, right, Mr. Hale?”

“Ah. Yes, you’re right.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll wait for you in the dining room.”