Chapter 13

Vera's POV

I opened the door to my apartment and gestured for Jackson to come in, like a polite hostess welcoming a first-time guest. Though if we’re being honest, he had barged in like it was his place.

“Hey, neighbor!” a familiar voice called as a foot jammed the door from closing.

I flinched in surprise. I hadn’t even realized Nathan was home. The man moved like a ghost, silent and graceful. Sometimes I wondered how he walked so softly that you wouldn’t know he was around unless he wanted to be noticed.

“You’re home already?” I asked, stepping aside. “Wow. You’ve been coming home more lately. That’s new. What’s up?”

He shrugged, touching my chin with the casual fondness only a long-time friend could get away with. “Forgot something. Guess I’m lucky, I got to meet your visitor. Aren’t you going to introduce us?”

I smiled faintly, suddenly aware of the tension thickening the room. “Oh, forgive me. This is Jackso