Chapter 14

Dinner was simple and relaxed. Elise stayed in nothing but her short silk robe, the thin fabric shifting teasingly around her thighs as she moved. They ate at the kitchen island, grilled chicken with a fresh salad and some leftover bread from lunch, chatting quietly about their day and laughing about how easily Elise had been distracted earlier. The mood between them was warm and comfortable, the kind of easy intimacy that had always defined their relationship.

After they finished, they cleaned up together, Rob washing while Elise dried, stealing small touches and soft kisses whenever they passed each other. The rest of the evening was quiet and low-key. They watched a little television, read side by side on the sofa, and prepared everything they needed for the next workday. By ten-thirty they were both ready for bed.

Rob decided to take the kitchen garbage out before turning in. He slipped on a pair of shoes and carried the bag through the side door into the garage. As he dropped it into the large bin, he heard voices coming from next door. The garage lights were off, leaving him in shadow. Curious, he stayed still and looked out through the open garage door.

The older man and the beautiful young redhead were walking toward their Range Rover. Ella followed a few steps behind, wrapped in a long, dark robe. Even from this distance, Rob noticed she was still wearing sky-high stilettos, an odd choice with the robe. Then he saw something that made his pulse jump: the man was wearing a thin leather collar around his neck, and the redhead held a matching lead attached to it.