Blackwood Hotel Suite - 7:30 PM
Emily stepped out of the shower, steam curling around her as she wrapped herself in the plush hotel robe. Every muscle in her body ached not from physical exertion, but from the mental strain of maintaining perfect control all day.
Competing. Hiding. Watching Teacher recognize something in her work. Feeling Victoria's eyes on her. Calculating every move, every word, every expression.
Exhausting.
She walked into the bedroom to find Timothy standing by the window, jacket discarded, sleeves rolled up, looking out at the city lights. He'd dismissed Sebastian an hour ago, insisting they needed privacy. The security system was armed, the door locked, and for the first time all day, they were completely alone.
"You were magnificent today," Timothy said without turning around.
"I was terrified," Emily admitted, toweling her hair.
