Chapter 3: strangers in a mansion

"Oh, thank you," Debby said, still in a daze as the guy walked over and picked up her bags.

With a glare as sharp as a knife, Debby stormed into the house without sparing Kara another glance.

"Yeah, run away like a coward!" Kara yelled after her, smirking at the sound of the door slamming in her face.

She turned and caught the guy still unloading bags from the car. He wasn't in any rush. "Got something to say?" she asked, tilting her head.

He didn't respond immediately, but the way his shoulders stiffened said otherwise.

"If you're going to eavesdrop, at least do it discreetly," she quipped, lighting a cigarette.

"You knew I was there?" he asked, sounding genuinely surprised.

She shrugged. "Yeah, I've got sensitive ears."

He stared at her for a brief second, something unreadable in his expression, before returning to his task.

Blowing smoke into the cool night air, Kara couldn't resist teasing him further. "Aren't you too young to smoke?" he asked suddenly, walking past her with a duffel bag slung over his shoulder.

"Aren't you too old to eavesdrop?" she shot back, turning as she bumped into his chest.

Her breath caught. He was so close she could feel his warmth radiating, and the faint scent of mouthwash brushed her senses. It was oddly... He smelt strange not a smell you'd get anywhere unless you had a clean dog.

"You shouldn't stay outside," he said, voice low and serious. "It's dangerous in the dark."

She was deep in thought, wondering what could be that odd smell?

"You're weird," she blurted out, her eyes widening in horror. "Shoot, I said that out loud, didn't I?" she shrieked, clapping a hand over her mouth.

Amusement flickered briefly in his dark eyes, his lips tugging into the faintest smirk. Without another word, he walked away toward the house, leaving her flustered.

"Hey! Aren't you going to help me with my bags?" she called after him.

He shot her a look over his shoulder. "You're a big girl. You can handle yourself."

She glared. "Haha, very funny. Can't take a joke, can you?"

The door closed behind him, and she released a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

Her heart was still racing as she stepped up onto the porch. And not in a thrilled way more like a frightened.

Reaching for the doorknob, she froze when the door opened before her hand even touched it.

She hesitated, staring at the door. Did she imagine that? Shaking her head, she decided it wasn't worth overthinking.