The text came two days later at 4:17 p.m.

Maya is staying at her boyfriend’s tonight. House is empty after 7. Come.

I stared at the message until the screen dimmed. My body was already reacting—pulse climbing, heat pooling low in my stomach. I told myself I wouldn’t go. Then I showered, left the underwear in the drawer, and put on a soft dress that came off easily.

His black sedan wasn’t in the driveway when I arrived. The front door was unlocked. I stepped inside and closed it behind me. The house was quiet and dimly lit. Harlan appeared from the hallway in a dark sweater and jeans, sleeves...