I would know her. I would have her trust me in time. But love?
Dominic spared a final glance at Cassian who held his head up high now, staring back and waiting. Except there was nothing to say. Dominic didn’t want to think about whether or not love was real. If he even deserved it or knew how to provide it. He couldn’t arrange expectations he was certain to fail. Not when it came to Verity.
“Good night,” he said at last and swept out of the room. He breathed in deeply to appear the picture of calm.
Inside, however, Dominic was a storm.
CHAPTER 20
“Wait.”
Dominic looked at Verity as she sucked in a deep breath. Praying her cheeks wouldn’t flush, she forced a smile. “I’m not tired yet. Would you care to join me for a nightcap?”
He tilted his head. “It’s near dawn.”
“I know. I think I danced too much. Or not enough,” she added lightly. “Only one glass. In the library, perhaps?”
Glancing at the footman they stood by in the front hall, Dominic fixed his gloves before offering her an arm. “Very well. A glass in the library. Is a fire stoked?”
“Yes, Your Grace. A small one. We can assist, if you like.”
“No need, I can manage it. Come along, Your Grace,” Dominic added to her lightly.
Her heart pattered as she hurried over to his side, eager to join him and relax. The evening had been going well for the most part. She enjoyed a ball. There was much to listen to and talk. Not only had she been able to gather some decent gossip, two of the young ladies had also delivered information to her as well. She had almost too much to write about.
But that could wait until morning.
Besides the gossip, she’d also had a lovely evening with Dominic. Their plan was to show London they liked each other. And now, she was starting to believe that was the truth.
I don’t want to be a fool. But there is something between us. I can feel it. Like we are two cards leaning in on each other, about to topple over. What happens when we do tumble over one another? Could it be something good? He makes me…
The thoughts were too unfamiliar for her to know where they led. All she knew was that she wanted to try them. She wanted to have that time with Dominic. To talk to him. To get to know him.
Every time they talked, she learned a little more.
His parents had created a tense home, one he obviously didn’t wish to maintain based on the way he supported their union. He spoke perfect Italian and had once purchased a villa onlyto realize his mistake a week later and sell it back, knowing he might not return. She felt certain he would return for a holiday if given the chance. He cared about the estate and she particularly had learned that the sunroom was once a favorite of his mother’s.
Every piece of information created a bigger picture. They filled the book inside her mind that she wrote of her husband, piecing him together to create something whole.
“Verity?”
She blinked and smiled as he offered her a glass of brandy. “Thank you.”
“What have you done?”
“I’m making us seats.” She looked down, beaming at the pile of pillows. “Haven’t you ever sat on the ground like this?”
He raised an eyebrow. “I can’t say I have.”
“It will be rather undistinguished but I believe you will survive,” she announced primly before sliding down to lean against a chair while seated on several pillows. “See?”
His gaze slid over her from head to toe. Those dark eyes caught on the brandy glass and then her bare feet that she quickly tucked under her skirts. “I do see. Very well. I suppose I had best join you.”
“Please do.”
They had pillows and wine and a warm fire before them. The flames cast a golden glow across the entire room. She inhaled deeply before relaxing. Everything felt softer. Warmer. She was sleepy but not exhausted. Her limbs were relaxed and she felt awfully cozy.
“You are an empress of your own empire wherever you go,” Dominic murmured before sipping his drink. “I believe you control a room without even trying.”
