Chapter 9 No Way Oit

• Theo’s smirk deepened as he straightened, stepping forward into the doorway, effectively blocking our path. His gaze flicked over the duffle bags slung over our shoulders, and his eyebrows arched in mock surprise.
• “Well, well,” he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “A family getaway? And you didn’t think to invite me? I’m hurt.” He placed a hand over his chest as if genuinely wounded, but the glint in his eyes betrayed his amusement.
• My throat tightened, and I felt the weight of Theo’s gaze pinning me in place. “Please, Theo,” I said, my voice trembling despite my efforts to sound calm. “Just let us go. We don’t want any trouble. I just need to leave.”