Olivia bit her lower lip. “But what if he doesn’t return my feelings? What then?”
Her question hung in the air. Richard and Dosia exchanged a look—meaningful and unspoken. It only made her heart pound harder.
Richard cleared his throat. “When I told Dosia how I felt, I was terrified. But I loved her too much to remain silent.”
“And I’m glad you told me,” Dosia added, giving her husband a fond glance.
“Life is full of uncertainty,” Richard said, “but Evander doesn’t have to be one of them.”
Before Olivia could respond, the door opened and Evander entered the room with a purposeful stride. His eyes found hers instantly, and in that moment—despite everything—she felt the knot inside her begin to loosen.
“Olivia,” he said gently. “How are you faring?”
She rose to her feet, her heart steadying. “I am well.”
“I am relieved to hear that.”
Richard’s voice cut in, sharp with protectiveness. “What are you doing to keep my sister safe?”
Olivia turned her head towards Evander, suddenly aware of how still he’d become. But when he answered, his voice was calm, unyielding. “I’ve hired more footmen. They’re stationed throughout the townhouse. No one will get to her again.”
She felt a rush of warmth at his words, though she knew they were more for Richard’s benefit than hers. Evander had been on edge since she returned. Vigilant. Watchful. As if he blamed himself.
“Good,” Richard replied, though he didn’t sound fully appeased. “I would prefer if she returned home with me?—”
“She is home,” Evander stated, his voice clipped. “Now, and forever.”
Olivia’s breath caught. Not because of his defiance but because of the quiet certainty in his voice. He meant it. Every word.
Richard studied Evander for a long moment. Then, finally, he nodded. “Then I expect you to protect her with your life.”
“That goes without saying.”
Before Richard could say more, Gillingham stepped into the drawing room with practiced formality. “Your father has requested your presence in the study, my lord.”
“Inform him we’ll be there shortly,” Evander responded.
Richard turned to Dosia and held out a hand to help her rise. “We can see ourselves out.”
Olivia offered her sister-in-law a grateful glance. Dosia gave her a small smile and a wink before they left, and the room fell into a quiet hush.
Evander turned to her, his gaze moving over her as if seeing her for the first time since their guests had arrived. “How are you doing—truly?”
Olivia hesitated, then gave a small, rueful smile. “My head aches a bit, but I’ll survive.”
Her attempt at lightness didn’t reach him. The seriousness in his eyes deepened. “I’m sorry I failed you.”
Her heart clenched. “You didn’t?—”
“It was my fault,” he said, his voice low and thick with emotion. “You were taken. And I wasn’t strong enough to stop it. I wasn’t enough.”
She stepped forward without thinking, her hand finding his. “Don’t say that. You were—are—everything I needed. You didn’t fail me, Evander. The people who did this… they did. Not you.”
But he didn’t seem to hear her. His shoulders were tight, his jaw clenched. “What kind of husband lets harm come to his wife?”
She reached up and cupped his cheek, gently forcing him to meet her gaze. “The best kind. The kind who cares so much he’ll carry the blame even when it doesn’t belong to him.”
His eyes grew moist. “You deserve better.”
