The maids, upon seeing me approach with Riley, offered polite smiles and bowed their heads. But there was an unmistakable look in their eyes, a question, a curiosity, that was hard to ignore. I didn't return their smiles. My focus remained entirely on Riley, her peaceful face the only thing that mattered in that moment.
Jaxon and I made our way down the hall, past the bodyguards stationed at every door. They, too, gave me that familiar nod, but I could feel their eyes on Riley as well. It was becoming impossible to ignore the undercurrent of gossip that would likely start as soon as we were out of earshot.
I reached my room and pushed the door open with my shoulder, carefully stepping inside. As I laid Riley down on the bed, my mind kept circling back to everything I had told myself abou
