My fingers tightened around the tray I carried, the weight suddenly heavy in my hands.

The command in his tone made my chest clench, but I didn’t dare look up. Slowly, I turned, keeping my head bowed and my eyes fixed on the floor.

Rael took a step toward me. “You”

Then the door slammed open.

“Well, isn’t this cozy?”

The mocking voice sliced through the moment like a blade. I flinched and turned toward the sound.

A tall man strode into the room without knocking. His ...