10
Long after the household had settled into their beds for the night, Alex lay awake in her bed, watching the firelight from her small hearth create shadows on the baroque red satin- covered walls. The evening had turned chilly, and the house was hushed save for the occasional soft sound that echoed down the corridor. She listened to the house creak and shift as night wore on, and at last, she heard the sound she hoped for and yet dreaded. Light steps outside her door. The twist of the door handle…
She sat up and watched the door open as Ambrose slipped into her chamber. The sound of the door closing was quiet, but it seemed to echo through the room. For a long moment, he simply stood there, staring at her, his handsome features a mysterious mask. She could almost feel his gaze on her,
