Damien’s POV:

“Zenith Mall’s supposed to stay open till midnight. Closing at ten? I couldn’t even buy anything!” Vanessa pouted, her voice a mix of irritation and frustration.

“I’ll shoot them an email,” I said, humoring her as I hopped out of the car. I opened her door, then started unloading her mountain of shopping bags into the house.

The moment we crossed the threshold, Vanessa froze. She stood there, eyes darting around, lips slightly parted, as if she were seeing the ...