late, later than Harrison usually stayed up. He should have been inside reviewing the countless forms he

ire from rising in his chest, the cool night air kissed his face. Restless and troubled, he found nothing right about his marriage, his future, or the life his family

ssa's form was almost visible in the faint light. Her dark hair flowed in lovely cur

to see anyone else out here," he murmured, his voice low but his heart racing. Marissa mo

s of the shared silence between them. For a minute, they stood silently, th

himself. Marissa shifted when her fingertips brushed against a nearby rose's petals. Have you ever felt the need to pause and reflect? She hesitated and chewed her

time," he said, the words came out involuntarily. Every day. Turning to face him squarely, Marissa's

f something forbidden was drawing them nearer. Harrison moved forward; Marissa's breath caught. Harrison reached out, brushing across Marissa's shoulder as

e voice. The sound of her name lingered in the air like a prayer. Her eyelids momentarily closed as if to try to recover some sense of balance. Harrison, however, could not help but want to pu

er plate's unfinished food, Seraphina's gaze moved. Though tonight they were much sharper than normal, she usually possessed a calculating gaze. For days she had known Harrison's detachment, which he worked hard t

s awareness, so engrossed in his own world. Seraphina was experienced. She was aware that Harrison and the maid were involved in an inappropriate relationship.

vate investigator, a quiet individual she had known in the past. Though the investigator promised her findings by week's end, Seraphina was antsy. She felt like she couldn't breathe. Lying in

which cast long shadows on the floor. Harrison stood by the window, his hands resting on the cool glass, his head still foggy from the events of the previous nigh

his body like a quiet promise. Harrison spun when the door creake

the garden and their relationship lingered between them like a weight neither of them could remove. Marissa placed her supply tray down and started walking towards the shelves. But as she passed Harrison, thei

n and pull her into him. "I" Marissa started to speak, but her voice faded. She turned and retreated towards

But she disappeared before he could chase her, and th

city bustle outside the estate gates could break the odd stillness within. Even by Stone family s

, smothered by the life he had built around himself. His wealthy, well-decorated home

ulent paintings, the aroma of costly wood and leather. He

g on him, he caught the distant sound of footsteps coming closer. Harr

n gentle light, sent a shiver down his back. She was not supposed to be here, not in this room, not at t

ce raspy. He didn't understa

a house servant, she hesitated. Softly, "I didn't mean to

ted. You are not bothering me. I just couldn't

etween them. Harrison could sense the pull between them-an unseen thread linking them both

on't you? At last, Har

but cautious as she looked

r eyes. "The weight of all the expectations

refully built fortifications began to collapse. "I don't know what you mean," she an

. "I don't think you're as happy as you pretend to be," he said softly,

and undeniable. At first, Marissa remained silent. Her lips se

gentle and exposed. You don't get it. I can'

yes told him all he required, even if she did not respond. There was a need, a

ment they connected, the tension between them erupted, and the air around them thro

e murmured back, "Neither can I.

eyes as though the touch was unbearable. He had never previously touched her like this. He had never let himself feel this exposed, but

You are far more than that. Can't you tell? Her eyes opened gradua

inst her ear. Her pulse was racing, the heat from her body was palpable, and that only made him desire her more. Shallow breathing and a heart r

nst him. Their kiss was positively electric. Marissa pushed him closer, her hands slid

on had ever experienced. In the heat of her touch, every ounce of restraint, every line he had drawn

t and desperate, discovering something in each

ver, interrupted the kiss. Her breathing came

settle herself. She said breathlessly, "Someone's coming."

at this time. Not following that kiss. Before the sound of footsteps became louder, he had no time to speak

eared into the shadows, her eyes wide with terror. He remained in

eight of his deeds pressing down on him like a physical force. But when he closed his eyes, all he could see was Marissa-her

h his hair. What had he done? He moved towar

any of it matter? His family, his reputation, his wealth-none of it mat

e had looked at him, the way she had kissed him. It

e couldn't forget it.