The moment Melissa and Taylor's car disappeared down the long driveway, Ava felt the tension finally ease from her shoulders.
She let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding, her arms folding around herself as she stood beside Damian on the front steps. The air felt lighter and quieter. Almost peaceful after the forced smiles and careful words.
"That was…" Ava started, then stopped, shaking her head.
Damian released a deep sigh, running a hand through his hair. For the first time since they'd walked into the house, his guard visibly dropped.
"Exhausting," he finished flatly.
Ava nodded in agreement.
He didn't wait for her response. Turning on his heel, Damian walked back into the house, his long strides eating up the distance as though he couldn't get away from the encounter fast enough.
Ava watched him go, the relief she'd felt moments ago slowly unraveling.
Something still gnawed at her.
She followed him inside.
