Orion’s POV

I stood frozen, every excuse I’d rehearsed vanishing like smoke. Holly’s eyes were wide with concern, her soft gaze probing. Chloe, a step behind me, schooled her features into a mask of innocence.

“Uh…” I swallowed hard. “Chloe—she, um, needed help with some paperwork. For the project. Confidential, you know.”

Holly’s brow furrowed. “Paperwork? In her room?”

Chloe slid beside me, a practiced smile on her lips. “Orion’s just being thorough. We didn’t want to discuss it in the open. Too many prying eyes.” She shot me a look that sent chills down my spine.

Holly’s face softened a little, but doubt lingered. “You two always talk in...