Joyce regarded me with a cool expression. His gaze trailed over me with disinterest. I felt suddenly exposed in my thin nightgown and robe. I wrapped my arms around myself.
“Joyce? You were the one who wanted to see me?” I asked in disbelief.
He nodded curtly. “I wanted to see if you were reckless enough to follow that note out onto a balcony, even knowing all the safety measures we have in place right now.”
“Oh…” I lowered my head, ashamed and embarrassed.
“My brothers are fond of you,” he said. “That gives me enough reason to be concerned for you too.”
“I see…”
I thought back on my actions since receiving that note. My overwhelming desire to see Nicholas had tainted my own self-preservation. I’d even sneaked away from the guards who were supposed to protect me.
Thank God it was on
