Billy didn’t give her time to linger at the dining table. Once the plates were cleared, he gestured toward the living room like this was the most natural continuation in the world. Aurora followed because she had learned very quickly that resistance, even silent resistance, only interested him more. The living room was spacious, modern, all sharp lines and muted colors, floor-to-ceiling windows looking out into the woods she had already seen. It felt intentional, like the house was built to make you feel small, exposed, and alone all at once. She sat on one end of the couch, her posture stiff, her eyes constantly tracking him. Billy moved easily, comfortably, dropping into the armchair opposite her, crossing his legs like he was settling in for a casual chat between friends.“So,” he said, folding his hands together, “you wanted to know why I’m like this.”‘Not really.’ She wanted to say but she knew that he would tell her regardless so she didn’t respond. Her pulse was loud in h
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