★NINA★The house had gone quiet.Lila was down for the night, Malachi was supposedly in his office, and for the first time in hours, I had a moment to myself. I'd just stepped out of the shower, skin still damp and warm, when I remembered I'd left my lotion on the dresser.I padded across the room in nothing but a thin cotton robe, the kind that tied at the waist and didn't hide much. It was fine. Everyone was asleep. The door was slightly ajar—just enough to let the hallway light slice through the darkness—but I didn't think much of it.I squeezed lotion into my palm and started on my arms. The coconut scent filled the small space, sweet and familiar. I worked it into my skin slowly, the way my mother used to—in circles, taking my time. It was the one self-care ritual I'd held onto through years of survival.I didn't hear the footsteps.Didn't know anyone was there until the floorboard outside my door creaked.My head snapped up. Through the gap in the door, I saw him.Malachi.He st
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