After two days in the hospital, Tessa finally went back to the place that felt more like a prison than a home.

The moment the door opened, Smokey ran up to her, rubbing himself between her legs and meowing in protest like he was scolding her for leaving too long.

“You haven’t eaten anything since I left, huh?” Tessa said, glancing at Nathan who stood behind her, waiting for her to step inside.

“Of course he ate,” Nathan replied easily. “I told someone to feed your little ...