Page 74 of Stolen By the Duke of Ice
“Just the two, Dahlia’s closest friend, Lady Helena Ayles, the eldest daughter of the Earl of Huntington, and her younger sister, Lady Chastity.”
Matteo sighed heavily.
“I presume that you need me in my best behavior then?”
“You presume correctly.”
After making sure that he was attended to, Peter left Matteo and went to his own chambers.
He rang for his valet, Evans, and prepared for the night.
It was close to two in the morning. Peter sat still in his contemplations. Perhaps it was because he now considered it a routine or perhaps it was due to something else that he was still unwilling to acknowledge entirely, either way he picked up a candle and opened his bedroom door.
The castle was, as expected, silent. The light of his candle moved with him in the dark, casting shadows on the walls.
He opened the door to the sitting room, and like a vision, he saw Dahlia sitting by her usual place near the fireplace.
He was stunned at the intensity of the happiness he felt at seeing her there. Stunned and alarmed.
Walking closer to her, he realized that she had fallen asleep. Her profile, outlined by the orange light of the fire, was perfect. He watched her as she slept, her chest rising and falling in the rhythm of sleep. He had never been able to observe her as freely as he did now.
Beautiful.
Tonight, her hair was not arranged in a braid as it usually was. It fell in waves around her face and over her shoulders.
Fire.
Was she the goddess Hestia, bringing her warmth into his home, or was she Sekhmet, the goddess of fire, created by Ra to punish him? He could hardly decide. Perhaps she was both.
He placed the candle on the table and sat on the armchair opposite hers.
Should I wake her? No.
But as if to upset his plans—as she had done since the first day he saw her—she opened her eyes.
“Peter.”
“I did not wish to disturb you.”
“I did not even know that I fell asleep. Did you wait long?”
“Hardly.”
“Are you still waiting for Matteo to arrive?”
“No, actually. He arrived about an hour ago.”
“I am sorry that I was not there to welcome him.”
“He sends his regrets for not being able to greet you as well.”
“No matter, I shall see him in the morning.”
“Indeed.”
Looking at Dahlia in concern, Peter continued, “Perhaps you would like to retire to your chambers? You seem quite tired.”
“No, that small nap was quite refreshing.” Dahlia smiled almost shyly, as if embarrassed to be caught sleeping.
