Chapter 16

A million emotions flooded through me. Fear as I haven’t felt it in years, confusion, shock, my mouth hung open, and I quickly closed it. I didn’t know the right response. Was he accusing me? He was, but how did he know? I didn’t know how best to react, so I settled into what I knew.

“What are you doing here?” My voice came out shaky, and I didn’t have to fake it. “You’re not supposed to be here.” I pulled the blanket tighter around me.

He didn’t say anything for a too long moment; the silence was a weight in the room. The only sound was my heartbeat in my ears and his heavy breathing. I knew that he did that for my benefit; for the show, he could be as silent as he wanted.

“You should leave if you’re found here..”

“I won’t be. No one is coming to check on you. Alice is fast asleep.”

“How did you-”

“It’s my job.” his voice was harsh, and it made my stomach churn. I felt like a child getting scolded. I was thankful he couldn’t see the heat rush to my cheeks, but part of me t