The Long Game

LYDIA'S POV

I pushed the heavy oak door of my chic apartment closed, letting the deadbolt click into place. Slipping my feet out of my punishing designer heels, I kicked them carelessly against the baseboard. My arches throbbed. A long, stiff ache radiated up my spine, settling deep into my shoulder blades. The day had dragged on endlessly, draining my physical energy to the last drop.

Yet, desp