Lila

I bit back a frustrated groan the second the door to my stepdad’s home office clicked shut behind him. I slammed my laptop closed and crossed my arms, glaring as he leaned against the heavy oak desk still wearing his crisp detective’s dress shirt, sleeves rolled up from what must have been a long shift. My mom and stepbrother were downstairs, probably pretending everything was normal while they sent the family’s “authority figure” to handle me.

“Seriously? They called you in for this?” I snapped.

Mikal’s lips curved into that calm, knowing smile that always made my stomach flip. “They did. And you’re lucky it was me and not...