Page 19 of Secrets in the Shadow

He bit his lip, guilt twisting in his stomach. If only she knew how wrong she was. Raziel hadn’t just crashed into his life—he’d invaded it.

“Mom…” he started then stopped, his throat tightening. Duchess jumped onto the couch beside him, interrupting his thoughts as she butted her head against his arm.

“You’re quiet,” his mom remarked gently.

“Sorry.” Cody stroked the cat’s soft fur. “Just distracted.”

Duchess curled up in his lap, her rumbling purr grounding him in the moment. It was as if she knew he needed the comfort.

“Distracted by this mystery person you’re not telling me about?” his mom teased, but there was no push, just warmth.

Cody gave a strained laugh. “You’ve got a wild imagination, you know that?”

“I’m your mother. It’s my job.”

He smiled despite himself, running his fingers through Duchess’s fur. “Well, if a guy does pop into my life, I’ll only tell you if he doesn’t turn out to be a bacon-stealing rogue.”

“Then let’s hope your bacon is safe.”

“Literal bacon or my safety?” He leaned back against the couch, his mind drifting to Raziel, to what happened against the wall he was now staring at. That had been the first time he’d ever ridden a guy’s thigh to orgasm.

Stop thinking about that while your mom is on the phone.

Duchess, who had been sprawled across his lap and enjoying his absentminded petting, suddenly stiffened. Her ears perked sharply, her tail puffing out.

“What is it now, girl?” He scratched behind her ears to calm her down, but the cat launched herself off his lap with a yowl, darting under the coffee table.

“Cody? What’s going on?” his mom asked with casual concern.

“Nothing.” His gaze darted to the front door. “Duchess is just being her usual dramatic self. Probably saw a shadow and decided it was the apocalypse.”

“Well, don’t let her scare you, honey,” his mom said with a chuckle.

“Scare me? Never.” Cody tried to keep his voice light, but Duchess’s behavior made him think Raziel was somewhere nearby.

The cat crept out from under the table, her body low to the ground and her fur bristling. She stopped midway and yowled, her golden eyes locked on the front door before she shot back under the table. Thank god she wasn’t his guard dog.

The sudden knock made Cody jump. Jesus. He needed to pull himself together. “Uh, listen, Mom, I’ve gotta go. Someone’s at the door.”

“All right, but call me later, okay?”

“Okay.” Cody ended the call, setting the phone aside. He glanced at Duchess, who was still glaring at the door like she could mentally will the person away.

“It’s probably nothing.” He wasn’t sure if he was trying to reassure his cat or himself.

Although he doubted the angel would knock, Cody still called out, “Raziel?”

No answer. Then again, he didn’t feel a presence near him.

Normally, Cody didn’t freak out when someone knocked, but Duchess’ reaction made him wary. He moved silently toward the door, but when he reached for the doorknob, he hesitated, his hand hovering, and then he slowly pulled it back.

Now, whoever it was, banged on it. Would danger really knock?

Yes. Yes, it would.

“You’re being ridiculous,” he said under his breath before yanking it open.

On the other side was a stranger glaring down at him.

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