The lock clicked, the heavy door swinging open. Roman stepped back, letting Desiree enter first.

She hesitated on the threshold, her pulse still unsteady from the events of the night. But curiosity tugged at her, and she stepped inside, her eyes sweeping over the space.

Roman’s house wasn’t what she expected. She had imagined something cold, impersonal like him. Instead, the space was warm in its own quiet way.

Dark wood floors stretched out, polished and clean . A large bookshelf lined ...