Before Raegan could finish, the light in Annisâs room switched on abruptly.
Then, the door swung open from inside.
In a rush of panic, Raegan shoved Mitchel against the door and then tiptoed to cover his mouth, fearing any noise he might make.
Forgetting their height difference, this move made Raegan unsteady, almost causing her to fall.
Mitchel quickly put his arm around Raeganâs waist, pulling her close to steady her.
Raegan found her face against his chest.
All she could hear was the strong, steady, and rhythmic heartbeat.
âThud, thud, thudâ¦â Echoed each heart pulse.
Some noises echoed from the kitchen.
It was Annis getting water to drink.
Feeling Raeganâs stiffness, Mitchelâs comforting pat on her back did little to ease her tension.
Raegan grew even more anxious from the warmth of his touch.
Her heart pounded harder, and her breath quickened slightly.
Finally, Annis returned to her room after drinking her water.
Eager to step back, Raegan felt as if her feet were stuck in place, unable to step back.
âStay still.
â Mitchelâs deep, resonant voice reached her.
Raegan was taken aback, feeling her hand captured by his.
Raegan tensed up, an innate reaction to pull back, but Mitchel traced her hand from the back down to the fingers, gently holding them.
Then, his dry, slender fingers gently parted each of her fingers, clasping them firmly.
This unexpected intertwining of fingers startled Raeganâs heart, setting it racing like a deer.
It took Raegan a moment to regain her voice, lifting her head to say, âYouâ¦â
At that instant, Mitchelâs face drew nearer, his lips grazing Raeganâs earâs edge, his throat moving visibly.
âAnnis is up again,â he whispered.
Once more, the sound of a door echoed through the space.
Annis realized sheâd left the kitchen Lights on and emerged to switch them off.
Mitchel kept his lips close to Raeganâs ear, his warm breath gently brushing against her earlobe, a silent gesture filled with clear intent.
The warmth of his breath swiftly spread Raeganâs cheeks a delicate shade of pink.
Mitchel leaned in, lightly brushing his lips against her ear, bringing out a gentle tingling sensation.
Raegan quickly clasped her hand over her mouth, almost crying out.
Did he just bite her?