Part 2The Stranger in My Bed

Leo came home early that evening. The living room was dark, and he called my name as he stepped inside.

"Audrey."

I steeled myself and walked out of the bedroom. "You're back. I, uh, I didn't make dinner tonight."

He wore the same impassive expression as always. Calling my name, my full name, never a nickname, never a term of endearment. But I had read his journal. The thought of him, with that cool, detached face, secretly using my nightgowns to—

I couldn't meet his eyes.

He, of course, noticed nothing. He held out a Tiffany blue gift bag. "That's fine. We can go out. This is for you."

I reached for it, and the back of my hand brushed against his fingertips. I pulled back as if I’d been burned.

Leo’s eyes darkened for a split second, then returned to their usual calm.

Today was our third anniversary. My gift to him was supposed to be his freedom. His was a pearl necklace.

I swallowed down the knot of complicated emotions in my throat. "I'm sorry," I said softly. "I forgot to get you something."

He didn't seem to mind. "It's fine. I don't need anything. This necklace looked like you, so I bought it."

"Thank you," I whispered.

"Of course," he said, his tone even. "Get ready. I'll book a reservation."

I chose a strapless velvet dress and a faux fur shawl, then clasped the pearl necklace he’d given me around my neck. The look wasn't overly flashy, but it was elegant. When I opened the door, Leo looked up, and for a brief, startling moment, he just stared.

Our eyes met, and my heart gave a sudden, hard thump against my ribs.

Before I could speak, he had already looked away. "Let's go."

I watched his cool, retreating back and thought to myself, Let’s see how long you can keep up this act.

…

The restaurant was warm, and I was about to slip the shawl from my shoulders when he looked up, his gaze sharp and intense. Leo's features were naturally severe, his brow strong, his eyes deep-set. His glasses usually softened his intensity, giving him a more scholarly air. But right now, in the dim light of the restaurant, I saw something dangerous in his eyes.

"Wh-what is it?" I stammered.

"Nothing," he said, pushing his chair back. "I'm going out for a cigarette."

The moment he left, the suffocating tension in the air eased. For a second there, I thought he was going to devour me whole.