Sealed with a kiss

er, and now, being in this huge mansion with Jake and his father, David. Every time she thought about David, her heart fluttered

et a drink from the kitchen. The house was quiet as she slipped out of bed and tiptoed down the hallwa

was lower, rougher. Curious, Alice crept closer, pressing herself against the wall just out of sight.

en," the other voice said

did what was necessary. Things were getting out of hand. Th

king about? A shake-up? Did David know about

ittle closer, try

" the other man hissed. "Your son al

ol," David said smoothly. "Jak

g about her? Why would David need to keep her safe? And

over her. What if they caught her? What if David wasn't who he seemed? The thought made her sk

g. What had she just overheard? Was David involved in somethin

re was a knoc

, staring at the door. Her heart pounded even harder

called out, "Alic

as D

itated. What if he knew she had overheard him? Wha

what to do, her mind spinni

ofter now, almost gentle. "I

hat to believe anymore. The image of David-the strong, protective man she th

ll racing, and stepped back from the

finally, she heard David's footsteps retreating down the hal

herself into? And wh

mind, and the darkness seemed to close in around her. Somethin

ing. She tried to sit up, but the effort made her dizzy. Her forehead was burning, and she knew she ha

eded m

ightly. After a few seconds, Jake opened the door, looking concerned. "A

r," she muttered. "Do

ou something," Jake said,

rgency in her stomach. "Wait-where's the bath

the hall. "Second

bathroom, she shut the door quickly and let out a shaky breath. The world felt off, like everything was moving too fast

pills. Jake must have left them there for her. Without thinking much, Alice

She lay down, hoping the medicine would kick in soon. But

her emotions intense and overwhelming. Her heart was racing, and her skin tingled like something was w

vi

, suddenly felt overwhelming. It was like every thought, every emotion was

dizziness and made her way out of the room. It was as if some

stepped into the room, his eyes lifted from the book, and the moment their eye

feel it deep inside her, a strange mix of desire and confusion that made it hard to think straight.

ng his book and standing up. "You

ew shaky steps closer to him, her heart racing faster with every inch. Her

her forehead gently. "You're burning up," he said,

ugh her. The room felt smaller, and everything around them seemed to disappear. Th

pening," Alice whispered, her

ething intense, something neither of them seemed ready to admit. He stepped bac

his voice quieter now. "Let m

between them remained. Every step felt heavier, every glance more meaningf

nd why couldn't she control

dy was too tired to fight anymore. She closed her eyes, hoping sleep would take her aw

as clear-something between her and David