I wait for Moreno to check on her in bed before I corner him, quietly sneaking out of bed and stepping into Nova’s room.
Moreno doesn’t so much as look up at me. He feels my presence, though. Or maybe he heard me enter. I tried to be quiet, but the floorboards squeak.
“Go back to bed,” he whispers harshly toward me.
I don’t listen to him.
Moreno points at the open bedroom door for me to return to my room.
He may want me to listen to him, but I have no intention of returning to my bedroom alone. Instead, I fold my arms across my chest.
Considering how stubborn he’s been all week, it’s my turn.
Nova’s bedroom is dark, except for the nightlight.
He looks exhausted and worn. Is it work keeping him preoccupied or something else?
Me?
No, I don’t wield much power.
When I don’t relent, he finally gives in and gestures for me to follow him into my bedroom.
Good. We can finally talk, get things out in the open. Maybe I can convince him to let me take Nova off the property for an afternoon.
He holds out his hand, and I step into my room and spin around, only to find the adjoining door snapped shut on my heel.
Bastard!