Chapter 1 - The Command That Obeyed Too Easily
Harper snapped a pair of dirty underwear across the granite island and hit Claire in the chest. “Wash my clothes and make breakfast,” she said, smiling as if rent-free contempt were another household privilege. Claire crossed the kitchen before thought could catch her. She shoved the fabric against Harper’s mouth, pinned her to the island, then released her. Harper gagged and dropped to her knees. Wyatt rushed from the hallway, but Claire turned on him. “Sit.” Her husband obeyed so fast the chair scraped backward. That frightened Claire more than his anger would have. Harper looked at Wyatt, not at Claire, and her panic sharpened into calculation. Claire heard herself laying down rules: clean up, touch nothing, show respect or leave that night. Wyatt said Harper was family and deserved patience. Claire pointed toward the mess. “Family doesn’t get to make me small in my own home.” Harper nodded through tears. Wyatt rested a hand on her shoulder and whispered, “Do what she says—for now.”
