Annette tossed and turned throughout the cold hours of the night, sleep seemingly far away from her. She had lost count of how many times she sighed before the tiniest bit of morning light peeked through the half-closed curtains.
She was angry. Tired. Utterly embarrassed. Flustered.
Dear gods, she hated how her feelings toward the Viscount had suddenly shifted from burning hatred to... to this longing. If she could even call it that.
She wanted to kill him so badly just to end all of this.
With a groan, she sat up, pushing the hair away from her face. There were already signs of it being a bright day, so she decided to make use of it. She would face the day—the Viscount—head-on, like she always had.
Sliding off the bed, she began preparing for the day. She took a soothing bath, rubbed lavender-scented oil onto her body, and slipped into a fitted purple dress.
Her hair was done in a single braid.
After checking herself in the mirror, Annette made her way out of her chambers.
She had just reached the landing of the stairs when her eyes locked with Gabe's. He was dressed impeccably, his hair styled neatly and his hands clasped behind him.
Annette continued down the steps.
"You look radiant this morning." His eyes scanned her from head to toe before returning to her face.
She rolled her eyes at him. "A good morning to you too. You do not look bad yourself."
He chuckled lightly, turning around as she walked past him. "What are you up to?"
"Taking a walk. I wish to enjoy the warmth of the morning sun," she replied.
"The Viscount is leaving for business today," Gabe announced, watching her.
"He informed me. I bid him a safe journey."
He lifted a brow. "Do you really?"
She turned to face him. "It is a bit too early for insults, don't you think, Sir Gabriel?"
He smiled. "I was only joking. Forgive me if my joke offended you. That was not my intention."
However, the words spilling from his mouth and the expression on his face told two different stories. He was not apologetic for his comment, and he made it quite obvious.
Annette smiled regardless. She would not let this fool ruin her morning. Gods, the level of patience one needed to survive in this mansion was astounding.
"Very well. I..."
"What are you two discussing this early in the morning?"
Annette felt her heart skip a beat.
Dear heavens! Not the Viscount.
She almost turned around and ran from the man's presence.
"Nothing important. I was just informing Annette about your trip," Gabe replied.
"Oh... she is already aware. She promised not to cause any trouble while I'm away, right, Annette?"
Her throat tightened at the mention of her name, the sound of it rolling off his tongue far too smoothly.
She drew in a deep breath, trying to calm her racing nerves before looking up at him. "Of course. I shall be on my best behavior, my lord," she replied politely, a feigned smile playing on her lips.
Vincent smiled, his eyes locked intensely onto hers. "I shall hold you to your word."
"Very well," she added, unable to look away from his alluring eyes. Unfortunately, they belonged to a beautiful man with a black, bloody heart.
Gabe quietly observed the scene before him, narrowing his eyes as he watched the two of them. Even a blind man could sense the tension between them.
He didn't know how to feel about it.
"My lord, your carriage is ready," he announced.
"Alright," Vincent replied, making his way down the stairs and past Annette—but not before lightly brushing his hand against hers.
And his purpose was fulfilled as shivers spread through her body from that tiny touch.
Gabe trailed behind the Viscount as they disappeared from sight. Annette reached for the railing of the stairs, steadying herself as she let out a breath.
After a couple of controlled breaths, her composure fully returned.
She would have to do something about this before the madman returned. She couldn't possibly start to feel anything for him. Not now. Not ever.
Tucking her hair behind her ear, she walked to the dining room where breakfast was already waiting for her. The Viscount and his dog were out, so she would be having breakfast alone.
As usual, the table was filled with amazing and mouthwatering delicacies.
Annette settled into her seat, filling up her plate and gulping down the food in silence. After eating her fill, she leaned back against the chair, rubbing her stomach, when a knock came on the door.
Adjusting her posture, she answered.
"Lady Raine has arrived. She is here to see you," a guard announced.
"Oh... please let her in. Where is she?" Annette was already on her feet.
"In the sitting room," he replied.
"Very well. I shall see her now."
He offered a bow before walking away. Annette wasted no time making her way to the sitting room.
Upon entering, Beth rose to her feet with a bright smile on her face. She was dressed in a pale blue dress that complemented her fair skin, with a small hat resting atop her hair.
"Good morning, Annette." She stepped forward, her arms stretched open for an embrace.
Before Annette could react, she was engulfed in a warm hug.
"I missed your company. I have been so busy planning my birthday that I grew overwhelmed and needed to leave." She held Annette's hand, guiding her to the couch.
"Your birthday? I didn't know it was so soon," Annette replied, joining the young lady on the couch.
"It is in two days. My mother nagged me to begin preparations a week ahead. We've been visiting seamstresses, florists, markets, and so many other places. I physically cannot bear it any longer." She sighed audibly before turning to Annette. "Promise me that you shall help me with the wedding planning or else I shall go mad."
Annette smiled. Beth was a strange girl.
"Of course. I will definitely help however I can," she responded.
Beth let out a breath of relief. "Thank you. You are such a godsend."
Annette's smile broadened. Beth was the godsend.