The ride back to the mansion was quiet. Lucy sat tucked into the leather seat, her hands curled in her lap, her eyes sneaking glances at Barry’s broad shoulders in the front. He hadn’t said a word the whole way. His profile was sharp against the fading light, unreadable, almost colder than usual.
When the SUV rolled to a stop inside the gates, the guards climbed out first. Julia adjusted her skirt, gave Lucy a quick smile, then slipped out of the car.
Barry was next. He opened his door, stepped down smoothly, and without a glance back, strode toward the mansion. His long coat shifted with his steps, his presence heavy, commanding, even in silence.
Lucy lingered in the seat for a moment, her chest tight. She thought maybe he would wait for her, maybe say something, but he didn’t. By the
