Apartments Maeve had taken the day off to the By space, it ready entire afternoon would be staying. It wasn’t After dinner. Maeve started online for some bedding. The prices at the local stores were while the online options much more affordable and just as good. “But what would Mr. McDaniel she wondered. Out of courtesy to roommate, she thought about him to ask. That’s when it hit her-they hadn’t even phone numbers. It wasn’t her Byron had been so throughout the whole marriage registration that she’d found a bit intimidating. Maeve sighed, away the rack, and about to back to her there was a sudden knock at the door. She quickly went and opened it to Byron standing outside, the wall. His face unusually pale, and his expression just as cold ever. She glanced around, surprised to see hadn’t brought any luggage. Didn’t you anything with you?” she asked. Byron’s decision to over had made on the spur of moment. people keeping an eye his house, and having the doctor visit there would only draw attention to his injury. His other properties were also under surveillance. After options, Maeve’s apartment was the place that wasn’t being watched. “Can I in asked, his voice rough “Sure, Maeve replied, quickly aside when she noticed how unwell looked. Byron walked in, his gaze sweeping over the small but impeccably tidy room. The decor was simple charming- flowers on the wind by the window, and a stuffed toys scattered couch. The space warmth and life. Despite its modest size, it felt cozier more inviting the massive villa he owned in the city’s most exclusive neighborhood. For a in Byron’s brown he couldn’t quite put into words. With Byron’s commanding presence filling space, couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy, though he was now her husband. She stammered. “Um… didn’t you to come over tonight. I just finished getting room ready this afternoon, but haven’t had a chance to any or bedding yet. “Don’t bother,” Byron replied, gaze turning toward her, deep and to read. Tm staying for a couple of nights. no need to go out of your way. Besides, could offer you a better place to live, as compensation. Maeve caught off for moment, quickly her head. “Oh, no, no, I’m perfectly living here. I know your work keeps you busy, no need to go through that trouble or expense something so She hesitated, then added, almost as afterthought, “Besides, we’re married now. need to be formal about everything” Byron stared at Marveveamest face felt a strange discomfort creeping in. He and looked away Look. even we’re married, things should separate. But if you’re to insist, fine-do whatever you want “Alright… Maeve bit her lip, the heat rise to her cheeks and her palms start to sweat. The atmosphere in the living room shifted, a tension settling in. Do have a first-aid kit Byron asked, pulling back to her. Yeah, a second. go it,” Maeve replied, nodding before heading to cabinet. She didn’t bother asking why hadn’t gone to a clearly, had his reasons. Byron gave a nod and sank down the sofa Maeve quickly found the first-aid and placed on the table. “Need any help? Byron’s tone was curt as he up shirt, revealing bandages around his abdomen, stained traces of blood. Maeve felt a chill run through her. “You should go a hospital. No one’s chasing you so it be safe… words sounded so naive that Byron almost laughed. just as a of his it vanished. He’d spotted something-a dot in the corner the living room. He immediately stood up and walked over the TV cabinet, grabbing small stuffed bear. “What’s wrong? Maeve confused. didn’t answer. Instead, he twisted the bear’s a mini tucked eyes. “A camera” face drained of color. “Why the would there be camera in stuffed toy!” The bear had been set up directly the couch. Maeve’s mind raced. ‘Has someone been my every move? This is your house-why do you so shocked?” Byron’s voice dripped with sarcasm as he crushed the camera in his had it hand. His eyes turned cold and as he glared her. “A camera in toy’s eyes… I gotta admit I didn’t think you He almost couldn’t believe how he’d fooled by her act. Maeve’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You think I that camera to spy on I had no idea it even there!” “You expect me to buy that?” Byron’s was like ice, filled with contempt. a sneaky piece of work like is probably the dumbest I’ve ever done.