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I stop smiling.

The house is furnished, but it has no personal touches.

I know it’s a rental. He doesn’t plan on staying in Hollow Creek.

Still, I expected... something. I don't know what exactly. But something that belongs to him.

I exit the room and head to the stairway. It’s dark up there, too. Roman must’ve come inside and gone to bed.

I walk upstairs.

At the landing, I see a light coming from the last door.

Shit. He must be in there.

I take a step toward it, my pulse pounding. Is he awake? Or does he sleep with a light on?

If he does, I find that endearing.

The first bedroom is empty except for a bed and dresser.

The second is the same.

I reach the last door and hesitate. This is probably a really bad idea.

I freeze when I hear his voice.

“Fucking useless.” A frustrated growl leaves his lips, then I hear keys clacking on a keyboard. “There’s gotta be something. Somewhere.”

I take a step back, swallowing hard.

Okay, he’s definitely in there. And considering how annoyed he sounds, catching me in his house is a terrible idea.

I keep walking backward, glancing at his room, then over my shoulder as I move.

Once I hit the stairs, I slowly creep back down them, praying they don’t creak.

They don’t.

At least I did a partial reconnaissance.

I’m so giddy I don’t pay attention as I round the corner near the kitchen. My foot catches on something and next thing I know, I’m tripping. My arms windmill as I try to keep my balance.

But it’s too late.

I land on Roman’s kitchen floor on my stomach. A groan of pain slips free before I can stop it.

At least my hands stop my face from hitting the floor.

Footsteps thud overhead.

Fuck.

I push myself to my knees, then grab the refrigerator door to stand. Pain slices through my kneecap from the hard tile floor.

I need to get out of⁠—

Every thought disappears as his footsteps echo through the downstairs hallway.