I moved my hair over the black eye.
“I’m here to see Asher Kersey,” I mumbled, digging my cold hands into my pockets.
“I’m afraid Mr Kersey isn’t taking visitors today.”
“And might he be taking visitors tomorrow?” I asked sarcastically.
His white brow arched up.
“I doubt it, madam.”
“Tell him his daughter-in-law will be remaining outside until he sees me.”
His eyes widened a fraction. A almost imperceptible recalculation behind them. He nodded before closing the door in my face.
I held my ribs and slowly sat on the top step.
The gardens were immaculate. Hedgerows trimmed to within an inch of their life, flower beds that looked like someone cared about them deeply and consistently. A stone birdbath sat near the far wall, water collecting in its bowl from the same rain that was now soaking through my jacket.
I’d forgotten how important the little things were. How long it had been since I’d noticed anything at all.
My breath caught in my throat.
He’d be awake now.
Gabriel would be looking for me.
Chapter 2
Sayla
The door creaked open and I gripped the stone wall for support as I stood. Every muscle protested. The man who answered—servant, butler, valet, rich person’s slave, I genuinely couldn’t decide—held the door without comment, which was either professional courtesy or pity. Possibly both.
I shivered as I stepped into the warmth.
It hit me all at once. The kind of heat that makes you realise how cold you’ve been.
As we walked, I glanced around at the dark wooden floors and panelling. Nothing had changed. It was all exactly the same as it had been two years ago—same portraits watching from the walls, same heavy silence that big houses wore like a coat. The kind of silence that had been purchased and maintained.
The man—I settled on butler, it seemed the least loaded—showed me into a sage green drawing room. Reception room. Sitting room. Whatever they called it here. As soon as he left I sank onto the couch, and the cushions received me like they’d been waiting.
So warm.
Soft.
Soothing.
My eyes drifted closed.
I forced them open.
They swayed again.
Just for a moment, I told myself.
Just one moment.
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