Jacqueline was in the middle of setting the table for dinner when the front door slammed shut with a thunderous bang. The sharp sound made her hands jerk, and the utensils she was holding nearly slipped from her grasp. Her fingers tightened around them instinctively as her heart lurched into her throat.
For a single terrifying second, she thought Julien had found her.
Mathieu was still in his room.
Holding her breath, she stepped cautiously out of the kitchen. The tension drained from her shoulders the moment she saw Damien's back near the door. He was slipping out of his shoes, kicking them carelessly beneath the bench.
Relief washed over her but it lasted only until he turned around.
Her breath caught.
Blood streaked his eyebrow, and the corner of his lip was split.
Concern instantly flooded her expression as she hurried toward him.
"What happened to you?" she asked softly, worry lacing every word.
