FORTY FOUR

JORDAN

I tapped my fingers against my leg, watching my stepmother pace the floor with nervous energy. She kept glancing at the door, as if expecting someone to barge in at any moment.

Her jaw was clenched, and her brow was furrowed in worry.

I could tell she was on edge, which shouldn’t be my business but I found myself seated awaiting whoever it is she’s attempting to let in at this hour of the day.

As Sawyer continued to pace, she turned and suddenly noticed me in the corner. Her eyes widened as she approached me, her steps slow and deliberate. She stopped in front of me, her face neutral but her eyes probing, as if trying to read my thoughts.

"You never told me I assigned you as my watch guard," she said, her voice cold and measured. "What are you doing here?"

I met her gaze, keeping my expression blank and my posture relaxed.

"I'm here because I wanted to be," I said. "Is there something wrong with that?"

A flicker of annoyance crossed her face, but she quickly recovered her c