The lamp in the living room was on.

I clearly put it out before I left.

Soft golden light glowed across the figure sitting on the chair.

The chef.

My senses snapped back instantly. Every nerve sharpened. The calm I'd been rebuilding shattered in a single second.

What the hell??

She was sitting there, hands folded neatly in her lap, looking almost startled to see me.

My pulse surged, but not with desire this time. With rage.

She's got some guts being here, I thought.

I closed the door slowly behind me and took out my keys from behind. My jaw tightened, but your face remained smooth.

She stood up...