Chapter 3

Curtis emerged from the bathroom with the soft sound of his footsteps padding across the carpet toward the other side of the bed. The mattress dipped as he slipped beneath the covers, a corner of the duvet lifting.

Leanne caught a whiff of a subtly cold fragrance, a crisp, penetrating scent that seemed to seep into her bones, the woody notes mixed with his body heat, with a hint of tobacco lingering in the background.-

It was Curtis’ signature scent.

The dim glow from the nightlight barely reached the bed, and the night was so still that their even breaths were the only sounds breaking the silence.

Each occupied half of the bed, setting a cold, invisible barrier between them.

After lying quietly for a while, Leanne gazed in Curtis’ direction. Maybe it was the darkness, but his features seemed more chiseled and distant.

“Aren’t you asleep yet?” she ventured.

Curtis’ weary, slightly irritable voice broke the silence of the dark, “Keep it down.”

Leanne touched the pendant around her neck and then turned her back to him.

When Leanne woke up the next day, Curtis was already up.

She got up, freshened up, and when she walked into the living room, she saw Curtis neatly dressed, sitting at the dining table, browsing the real-time stock quotes on his tablet.

He looked up briefly when he heard her. “Where’s Laura?”

Leanne opened the fridge. “I let her go.”

but didn’t

of it, and added slices of

them. “Is this what you

step up from Leanne’s usual fare. Rushing to work in the mornings, she often settled

“Take it or

sofa, and Leanne turned to see a timid feline head. poking

1/2

11:13

Chapter 3

ago. The newborn kittens were trembling, soaked to the bone, and

bones.

brought them home, planning to foster them until they were old enough

away, she had rescued a stray and wanted to bring it home. When she asked

confined to a spare room, but

did

Leanne uncomfortable. She went

you should apply for

returned to find Curtis donning his

the cat to

Leanne didn’t engage.

than capable of housing a few kittens. Why must Curtis b so ruthless to creatures struggling

yet his heart seemed

expression in the mirror. “What are you silently

accuse you?” Leanne retorted. “ll ensure they’re confined and won’t escape again. I’ll disinfect

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255