The sound of Braxton’s alarm going off stirs me, but I am groggy as I open my eyes to see him turning his phone off to make the alarm stop and then turning to look at me. He smiles down at me, and a smile lights my face as well, but then I remember that there is a problem. I remember why I am there, but I also remember that Jeff is fighting back. My smile tightens, and I see the strain in his expression as well.

“Good morning, Julia,” he says, trying to hide his true ...