Samantha's P.O. V

Cedarcrest Manor

“I'm back”. Ashford announced as he strolled into the house, a wide grin on his face.

I looked up, my eyess meeting Ashford's before drifting to the two guards standing just outside the door, who looked like they'd rather be anywhere else.

“What's up with them?” I asked.

Ashford dropped into the seat across from me, slinging his jacket over the back. “My brother insisted. For our protection”.

“Protection against what exactly?” I asked, ...