FIFTY-SIX

KIERA’S POV

As I stepped into my room, the door clicked shut behind me. I tossed my bag into the closet with a dismissive flick, the relief washing over me. Stripping off my clothes, I let them fall to the floor.

Grabbing my phone, I pressed it to life as I made my way toward the bathroom. The argument between Damien and Gabriel had been enough to drive anyone to the brink. So, I had Marco drive me home just to escape their relentless bickering. I get it; Damien was on edge because he cared. But Gabriel? The guy was the king of; No meddling, no feelings bla bla bla. So why the sudden urge to protect me like I was a fragile piece of China?

I placed my phone on the bathroom counter, the screen lighting up with a social media notification that I promptly ignored—because who needed more drama?

Sinking into the warm water of the tub, I hoped it would dissolve the piled-up stress. But just as I began to relax, I heard a noise from my room.

What now? My heart raced, leaping like a startled r