She was glad that the kitchen arrangements had not changed. Deirdre poured herself a glass of water and took two gulps quickly before she heard footsteps behind her.

Brendan was home.

Deirdre turned her body in the direction of the door with tense movements. She could sense the man’s gaze, and it caught her off guard. She was properly dressed, yet she could still feel his coldness.

She pulled her clothes tighter without realizing it and heard him ask, “You’re awake, huh?”

Deirdre braced he