Chapter 5

The soft morning light filtered through my cottage windows as I awoke, mind crystallizing a plan to navigate this unwelcome situation. Carl and Jean had made their sentiments clear—they didn't want me here. Jean's disdain had been evident long before I ever set foot in California.

Rather than let their hostility dictate my choices, I decided to carve my own path of independence. I would visit town, purchase everything necessary for my cottage, and stock provisions to last. This would minimize unwanted encounters with people who clearly wished I'd disappear.

I slipped into shorts and a tank top, then headed toward the garage. The main house stood eerily quiet as I navigated through. My sleek black car awaited me, its polished surface gleaming under the overhead lights. As I settled into the driver's seat, my fingers traced the supple leather interior with appreciation.

Despite our complicated relationship, my father had selected this vehicle with surprising thoughtfulness. The gesture revealed a side of him I rarely saw—one that perhaps cared more than he typically expressed. Maybe this California chapter could eventually bridge the distance between us. For the first time in years, I felt a flicker of hope our strained relationship might not be beyond repair.

I was about to start the engine when a shadow fell across the window. My heart lurched as Carl's imposing figure appeared, his expression thunderous. Before I could react, he yanked open the car door.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" His voice cut through the garage's stillness.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter. "Out. To town. Not that it's any of your business."

"Get out of the car." Each word landed like a hammer strike.

"Excuse me?" I stared in disbelief. "You have absolutely no authority—"

"I said get out of the fucking car, Lina." His eyes had darkened.

Something primitive in me recognized the threat, but I refused to cower. "No. I'm going shopping, and you're going to step away."

Carl's hand shot out, gripping the door frame so tightly his knuckles whitened. "This household has rules. No one leaves without informing others. Everyone follows the same protocols—including you."

"Interesting that no one mentioned these rules to me," I shot back, reaching to close the door.

In one swift motion, Carl yanked the keys from the ignition, stepping back with them dangling from his fingers.

"Give those back!" I scrambled out, fury propelling me forward. "You have no right!"

"I have every right when you're under this roof," he growled, holding the keys above my reach. "You want independence? Fine. But you play by the rules while you're here."

I lunged for the keys, but he easily sidestepped. "This is ridiculous! I'm an adult woman, not some wayward teenager!"

Our standoff was interrupted by a distant door opening. Carl's attention flickered briefly, and I seized the opportunity, snatching the keys from his momentarily lowered hand.

"You want a war, little girl? Be careful what you wish for," he warned, voice soft but menacing.

"I don't want anything from you except to be left alone," I replied, retreating to my car.

The town appeared charming bathed in morning light. The grocery store bustled with weekend shoppers. As I stepped out of my car, a familiar voice called my name. Jessica approached from the bus stop, her face brightening.

"Hey Jessica!"

"Oh my God, is that your car?" she exclaimed, running her fingers across the glossy hood.

"Yes, my father gave it to me yesterday. Are you shopping too?"

"Lina, you're literally living every girl's secret fantasy. Are you kidding me?" Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"I doubt that. Besides, they clearly dislike me," I reminded her.

"Well, I think you should give them a chance. Or perhaps just have some fun. That's what being young is about—experiencing new things. Maybe two or four things simultaneously..." she suggested with a conspiratorial whisper.

"Jessica!" I gasped, scandalized.

We dissolved into laughter as we rounded the corner, only to collide with what felt like an immovable wall. Looking up, I found myself staring into Barry and Devin's faces.

"Devin... Barry..." I stammered. "What brings you here?"

"Shopping," Devin replied, his grin widening as Barry rolled his eyes.

I noticed Jessica fall suddenly quiet. When I glanced her way, I caught a flash of recognition in her eyes, accompanied by a barely suppressed smile. Her gaze darted between them with unmistakable familiarity.

"Who are these horsemen?" she whispered with exaggerated innocence.

"Barry and Devin. The other half of the four..."

"Four!" Jessica exclaimed loudly. Her eyes met Devin's briefly, a silent exchange passing between them. "Holy shit... Four brothers under one roof?"

Barry groaned. "Why does it matter how many of us there are?"

"Oh, well because there are these things called a four—" I clamped my hand over Jessica's mouth, mortified. When I glanced back at the brothers, their expressions revealed they understood perfectly.

After shopping and bidding Jessica farewell, I returned home. As I approached my cottage, an unmistakable sensation of being watched washed over me.

Turning quickly, I spotted Carl advancing purposefully along the path. I hastened my pace, desperate to reach my door before he could intercept me.

"Lina!" His voice cracked like a whip. "Stop right there."

I pretended not to hear, fumbling with my keys. Before I could open the door, Carl was there, towering over me.

"You deliberately disobeyed the rules this morning," he growled, planting his palm against the door. "You think you can just do whatever you want without consequences?"

I turned to face him, tilting my chin defiantly despite my racing heart. "I think I'm a grown woman who doesn't answer to you or your arbitrary rules. Move your hand."

With sudden boldness, I shoved against his chest. He barely moved, but his eyes widened in surprise.

"Don't test me, Lina," he warned, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper as he stepped closer. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, smell his woodsy cologne mingled with something wild beneath.

His hand shot out suddenly, gripping my chin with surprising gentleness despite his fury. "You should be afraid," he murmured, thumb brushing across my lower lip in a gesture that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. "Because I don't think you understand what you're dealing with."

I wrenched my face from his grasp. "Get your hands off me. And get away from my door."

Carl's hand prevented the door's closure as I managed to unlock it. He forced his way inside, eyes ablaze with rage. "I know you heard me approaching."

"Yes, I did. Now get out," I retorted sharply.

"Try pulling another stunt like this morning—"

"Your parenting license expired," I snapped, brandishing my phone. "Trespassing's a felony. Move before I call the police."

He let out a furious growl that reverberated through the small cottage, so primal it chased me back several steps. Something shifted in his features—that liquid glimmer of gold igniting in his pupils, spreading until it seemed to consume the blue.

"Watch your damn mouth!" he roared, his voice vibrating with power. "This property has rules, and everyone follows them—including you."

Despite my trembling limbs, I stood tall. "I understand only one thing—you have no control over me. Now leave before I make you regret staying."

Finally, with a sound of disgust, Carl turned and stalked toward the door. At the threshold, he paused.

"This isn't just about rules, Lina. There are things you don't understand yet. Things that could be dangerous."

"The only danger I see right now is you," I replied, wrapping my arms around myself to hide my shaking.

He left, slamming the door with enough force to rattle the windows. I collapsed onto a chair, my legs suddenly too weak. Despite the fear and anger, there had been something else there—something I wasn't ready to examine too closely.

Part of me was terrified by the intensity of his rage, yet another part had found his commanding presence oddly compelling. I hated myself for that weakness, for that momentary flicker of attraction to someone who clearly saw me as nothing but an inconvenience to be controlled.

Peace in this household mattered, but my independence mattered more. Carl could impose his rules and flex his authority all he wanted—I would never bow to his intimidation tactics. Not today. Not ever.