The rainy Thursday evening had transformed the winding roads leading to the Lawrence estate into slick, reflective black ribbons.
Inside the car, Ethan reached over to adjust the heater, his thumb occasionally resting on my knee as he navigated through the downpour.
“I’m glad Joe suggested this group dinner tonight,” Ethan said with an easy smile, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
“It’s been a while since we all got together.
Plus, I’ve been wanting to meet this Tom guy everyone keeps talking about.” My fingers tightened around the leather strap of my camera bag sitting on my lap.
“He’s very quiet,” I said, keeping my voice smooth, light, and controlled.
“Not as talkative as Joe, but very observant.” “Dad says he’s sharper than a razor,” Ethan chuckled softly.
“A real straight shooter.” If only you knew, I thought, staring out at the blurred raindrops sliding down the passenger window.
When we pulled into the gravel driveway, the grand estate was fully lit, glowing like a sanctuary against the dark woods.
We stepped up to the front porch under a shared umbrella, Ethan’s arm wrapped snugly around my waist.
The heavy oak doors swung open before Ethan could even press the chime.
Eric stood in the foyer, wearing a sharp navy sweater and tailored trousers, holding a tray with warm cocktail glasses.
Right behind him were Joe and Tom.
Joe was dressed in a casual charcoal blazer, already laughing at a joke, while Tom stood with his hands resting casually in his trousers pockets, looking refined, immaculate, and effortlessly commanding in a dark tailored suit.
“Ethan!
Rain!
Come on in out of the storm!” Eric greeted warmly, stepping aside to usher us into the grand entryway.
“Good to see you, Eric,” Ethan smiled, stepping inside and shaking Eric’s hand warmly before turning to shake Joe’s.
“Joe, long time no see!” “Ethan, my man!” Joe grinned, giving Ethan a friendly pat on the shoulder before flashing me a quick, flirty wink.
“Rain, you look stunning as always.
I swear, Ethan, you must have done something truly heroic in a past life to end up with her.” Ethan laughed off the compliment with easy pride, pulling me slightly closer to his side.
“I just got lucky, Joe.” “And you must be Tom,” Ethan continued, stepping forward to extend his hand to the taller man standing near the arched doorway.
Tom moved with that signature, unhurried military grace.
He extended his hand, wrapping his large, firm grip around Ethan’s.
His expression was a flawless mask of calm, polished courtesy.
“Tom Miller.
It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Ethan,” Tom said in his low, velvety baritone.
“Your father speaks very highly of you.” “Likewise, Tom.
I’ve heard a lot about your firm’s security work around the city,” Ethan replied, genuinely impressed.
“We do our best to keep things under control,” Tom murmured smoothly, his dark, calculated eyes shifting away from Ethan to rest directly on me for a fraction of a second.
“Though some structures are far more intricate—and unpredictable—than others.” The double meaning hit my chest like a subtle wave of electricity, but I maintained my serene, professional smile.
“I should probably take the remaining light readings for the dining hall before we sit down for dinner, Eric,” I said, unzipping my camera bag.
“Always working!” Joe teased playfully.
“Rain, the food won’t get cold, but you definitely need a glass of wine first.” “Let her do her thing, Joe,” Eric laughed, handing Ethan a glass of bourbon.
“Tom, why don’t you show Ethan the new security panel layout in the study?
I know you two were talking about smart-home integration earlier.” My pulse did a sudden, sharp flutter at the mention of the study.
“I’d be happy to,” Tom said smoothly, gesturing for Ethan to lead the way down the dimly lit hallway.
“After you, Ethan.” As Ethan walked down the hall toward the very room where Tom had undone me two nights ago, Tom slowed his pace just enough to pass by my side.
As he brushed past, his hand lightly touched the small of my back—a touch so light, so precise, that Ethan, walking just two steps ahead, had no idea.
“Don’t keep us waiting too long, Rain,” Tom whispered in a tone so low it was practically a phantom breath against my ear, his dark eyes sparkling with that quiet, dangerous, and utterly unbothered smirk.
“The lighting in the study is…
exceptional tonight.” I stood alone in the grand foyer, holding my camera against my chest, watching my husband walk blindly into Tom’s territory with the man himself trailing right behind him like a silent predator.