AT THE SAME EVENING
ISABELLA
The servants retreated. Not fast, never fast, but with the kind of reverent slowness usually reserved for sacred objects or priceless antiques. The door closed softly behind them, leaving silence so thick it rang in my ears.
I exhaled, then I realized something far worse. Xavier hadn't moved. He was still sitting there, elbow resting casually on the table, chin propped on his hand, watching me like I was the most entertaining thing in the room.
"You survived." He said mildly.
"I was attacked by kindness." I replied. "I may never recover."
His mouth twitched.
"That was restraint." He corrected. "If they truly liked you, you'd already be wrapped in three blankets and drinking soup."
"They like me that much?"I stared at him.
"Yes."He said.
"That explains the eye contact."I swallowed.
He leaned back slightly, posture relaxed, gaze still locked on mine.
"You look charming when you panic."He said.
"I do not."I sighed.
