DECEPTION

"Fucking hell," I heard Harper exclaim in frustration as I stumbled clumsily onto the balcony, colliding with a table and my toes hurt from the impact. My heart raced as I took in the scene before me: Roman was performing push-ups, his muscular frame visibly straining as he pushed himself off the ground with each powerful movement. Meanwhile, Harper lay on his back, a book in hand, rhythmically rising and falling to match her brother's efforts.

As I faltered, I knocked a bottle of water off the nearby table, sending it tumbling to the ground with an annoying thud. I bit my lower lip nervously, my gaze darting back to the siblings. Harper's expression was one of annoyance while Roman paused mid-push-up, his brows furrowed as he fixed his penetrating gaze on me.

"I'm sorry..." I managed to whisper, my voice barely more than a breath. I cursed myself internally for this ungraceful entrance. This wasn't what I intended.