The moment he did, my stomach twisted. Humor was my default armor, but the idea of someone actually hurting Caden made me physically ill. I’d call the police to check it out, but that would mean my brothers showing up in full force to bulldoze my life.
The seconds ticked by exceptionally slowly, each one twisting my insides tighter. When Caden reappeared, the tightness in my lungs finally released so I could breathe again.
“No one’s here, and it doesn’t look like anything was touched.”
My brows pulled together. “That’s bizarre.”
“Did you lock the door this morning?”
I rolled my eyes. “I did grow up with Lawson, Roan, Holt, and Nash. What do you think?”
Caden held up both hands. “Just asking. Most people around here don’t bother with it.”
But many had started the practice again after two twisted people had fixated on Wren and Holt, and Maddie’s ex had come after her and Nash. People were realizing a little community like this didn’t guarantee safety.
“Why don’t you come in and make sure nothing is missing? Do you keep cash or prescription meds anywhere?”
I shook my head as I stepped inside. “The only medicine I have is insulin. If someone stole that, I’m going to be pissed because it’s freaking expensive.”
Caden grunted.
I moved around the living room, taking in the space. I stopped at my bookshelf, frowning.
“What is it?” Caden asked.
I bit the inside of my cheek. “Nothing.”
“It’s something.”
I stared at the shelf littered with books, trinkets, and framed photos. “I thought that picture was on a different shelf.”
It was a photo of me, Maddie, and Wren on paddleboards in the lake. We wore bathing suits and held the paddles over our heads triumphantly.
“Maybe I’m wrong, though. I think I’m just paranoid since the door was open.”
Caden was quiet as he stared at the picture. “Let’s call Nash. He can dust it for prints.”
I whirled on Caden, shaking my head. “No police. No brothers. Just, no. Not unless something is missing.”
“Gigi, this could be Rance escalating. He didn’t seem thrilled to see us together earlier.”
Nausea swept through me at that. “I didn’t set the alarm this morning. I usually only do that at night when I’m home. I’ll set it from now on. I promise.”
A muscle in his jaw ticked. “This isn’t playing things smart.”
“It’s my decision. Don’t take that from me. It’s not like someone’s boiling baby bunnies and leaving them in my kitchen. It’s one photo out of place that I might have just forgotten I moved.”
Caden sighed. “You swear you’ll set your alarm at all times now?”
“I promise.” And it was the truth. The idea that someone broke into my home gave me the creeps.
He scowled, clearly not liking the decision, but he didn’t argue further. “Let’s check out the rest of the house.”
I nodded. We surveyed the rest of the living room and then moved into the kitchen. “If this jerk stole my leftovers, I’m going to be really pissed.”
Caden’s scowl deepened. “It’s not funny.”
I widened my eyes at him. “I never joke about sausage risotto and roasted asparagus.”
