The storm had returned with a vengeance by evening, wind howling through the tall evergreens surrounding the mansion like a living thing trying to tear the roof off. Rain lashed the windows in violent sheets, turning the world outside into a blurred watercolor of grays and deep greens. Inside, the house felt deceptively warm, the lights low and golden, but the air between Elena and Marcus crackled with something far more dangerous than electricity.

Elena stood in the doorway of the study, arms wrapped around herself, the soft pink babydoll lingerie he’d bought her hidden beneath a silk robe. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she watched him. Marcus...