It didn't matter anyway. I'd completely ignored him again and continued to walk towards my mom's room. I carefully opened her bedroom door ajar, and slid my hand through the gap to turn the light on. I exhaled and tentatively pushed open the door. When I'd finally found the strength to take a peek, I saw that the bed was made and empty, it hadn't been slept in at all. I peered my head behind the door.

All clear.

“Shit!” I screamed and jumped out of my skin when Tristan swept his hands around my waist.

“Sorry,” he gave me a flimsy apology, it was laced with laughter that he...