51. Violet
VIOLET
I stand at the edge of the yard for a moment, watching the back of the house.
It’s dark and quiet.
I look around once more.
This isn’t crossing a line. It’s responding to one.
Drew came to my house, uninvited. Wanting answers.
A soft smile curves my lips.
If he didn’t want me to do the same…he wouldn’t have come looking.
I check the camera in his bedroom once more to ensure he’s asleep, then disable it. I use the key I had made to slip inside.
I pause inside the door, listening.
But there’s nothing but the soft, steady rhythm of the house.
The house feels different at night. Softer. Like it isn't waiting for anything anymore.
Like it knows Drew belongs here.
A small green light glows from the keypad by the front door.
Ryker did a nice job.
I move through the kitchen first.
The curtain hangs half an inch lower on one side.
I straighten it automatically.
That’s better.
His laptop sits on the counter, the lid closed. Unplugged.
I connect the charger with practiced ease.
“Silly boy,” I murmur softly. “Forgot to plug it in.”
That’s okay.
I’ll take care of it.
Of him.
I silently move down the hallway to his bedroom.
His door is slightly ajar.
I push it open just enough to slip inside.
Luna sees me immediately. Curled at his feet, she lifts her head, eyes locking on mine.
“Hi,” I whisper.
She doesn’t startle or run. Just studies me for a second, then lowers her head to her paws.
I step closer, crouching slightly to scratch behind her ears. She leans into my touch.
“Worst guard cat ever,” I whisper.
Luna immediately rolls over for belly scratches.
"Completely hopeless."
She purrs instantly, soft and content.
“You like it here,” I murmur.
Of course she does. She has a great daddy.
And soon, we’ll all be here together.
I straighten slowly.
My gaze moves to him.
Drew is asleep on his back, one arm thrown loosely across his chest. Completely unaware of my presence.
His breathing is slow and even. Long lashes rest against his cheek.
He looks peaceful.
For a moment, I just watch him.
He looks different like this. Softer. Less guarded.
Like he’s not holding anything back.
I carefully step closer.
My hand lifts almost without thought. I brush a loose strand of hair away from his forehead.
My fingers barely graze him, but he shifts slightly beneath the contact.
A soft sound escapes him. A half sigh mixed with a slight moan.
It settles something restless inside me.
I watch him, waiting to see if he wakes.
He doesn’t.
A slow smile spreads across my lips.
“I have plans for our date,” I whisper. “You probably think it ends at the movies.”
My smile grows.
"It doesn't."
I watch him for a long while, memorizing this version of him. Wishing I could crawl into bed with him.
I press my index finger to my lips, then graze his with it.
“See you soon.”
I creep to the door, pausing for one last look.
Luna purrs softly at his feet.
Drew is still sleeping, his chest steadily rising and falling.
I pull the bedroom door almost closed behind me.
"Goodnight, Drew."
I smile.
He'll never know I was here.
And then I slip out the way I came, activating his alarm system again.
I climb into my car, parked far enough away that he won’t see it. Close enough that I can still see him.
I check the cameras on the app on my phone.
They’re working.
I can’t resist one final peek.
He’s still asleep.
As I start my car, a long sigh slips out.
Tomorrow can't come fast enough.