Page 131 of Maddening Fixation

When the SUV finally slowed, I lifted my head, expecting towering iron gates and the sprawling Flynn estate.

Instead, I blinked in confusion.

This wasn’t the Flynn mansion.

The vehicle rolled to a stop before a charming single-story bungalow tucked away inside an exclusive private estate.

It looked...

Ordinary.

Almost too ordinary.

The home was elegant without being extravagant, surrounded by perfectly trimmed hedges and emerald-green lawns that looked meticulously maintained.

Flowerbeds framed the stone pathway leading to the front porch, while towering oak trees offered welcome shade from the Florida sun.

The neighborhood itself was unnervingly peaceful.

No visible security patrols.

No neighboring houses close enough to be seen through the thick hedges.

No sounds except birds singing somewhere in the distance.

It was beautiful.

And strangely isolated.

For reasons I couldn’t explain, that frightened me more than a heavily guarded mansion would have.

Keegan climbed out first.

When he noticed I remained motionless, he opened my door and waited.

“Ma’am,” he said quietly. “If you’re ready.”

His voice was as calm and direct as ever.

I stepped out of the car and followed Keegan inside.

The moment I crossed the threshold, my steps faltered.

The interior reflected Romeo far more than I expected.

Keegan led me through the open living area before stopping beside a door just off the kitchen.

“Mrs. Flynn, this is the room prepared for you. Should you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let the staff know.”

My gaze drifted past him to the closed bedroom door.

A guest room.

This was where I would be staying for the next two years — banished to a side room like an unwanted servant instead of the wife of the master of the house.

Definitely not the kind of room a husband shared with his wife. Not even close.

A strange, painful knot tightened in my chest as the full weight of my new reality settled over me.