Eliza ended the call, slid into the driver's seat, and started the engine.
She was excited to see Vaughn, eager to feel his arms around her after the long, stressful day.
The drive home felt longer than usual, her mind occupied with thoughts of him and the brief respite his presence always brought her.
When Eliza entered their room, she was struck by the darkness.
Only the side lamp was turned on, casting a dim, eerie glow around the room.
The air was thick with smoke, a sharp contrast to the usual scent of fresh linen and Vaughn's cologne.
Vaughn never smoked, so where was the smell coming from?
She walked to turn on the main light, but a voice stopped her. "Let it stay off," Vaughn's deep tone resonated in the quiet room.
Eliza glanced at Vaughn, who was lying on the bed. "What happened?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.
"Come here," he said, his voice low and commanding.
