“…And that’s the bathroom,” Ava said, swinging the last white door open. “Double sinks, rainfall shower, the works. There’s a towel heater, too, if you like that sort of thing.”

Cynthia nodded absently. The room was beautiful. Soft amber lighting, marbled floors, and a huge bed tucked beneath a skylight that caught flickers of lightning from the dark storm rolling above. But nothing could ease the tension wrapped around her chest like barbed wire. Not tonight.

Ava turned to face them, her smile tight. “I’ll leave you two to settle in. The guest room’s across the hall if you need anything—or space.”

“Thank you, Ava,” Cynthia said softly, mustering a...