Delilah's POV
Mom pulled back from the hug, still beaming. "I should let you finish eating. You need your strength."
She turned toward the doorway and I held my breath.
But Mateo was already moving, stepping fully into the kitchen with that easy, charming smile firmly in place. "Sorry to interrupt. I was just grabbing some water."
He walked past us to the fridge like he hadn't been standing there eavesdropping. Like he hadn't just caught me in the biggest lie of my life.
"Mateo!" Mom's face lit up. "I thought you went with your father and brother to check the border."
"We finished early." He pulled out a water bottle and leaned against the counter. His eyes found mine again and the smile never wavered. "Rogue activity wasn't as bad as they thought."
My throat closed completely.
"Th
