Julian did not look bothered. If anything, the caution in her voice seemed to deepen the focus in his eyes. He remained where he stood, making no move to close the distance yet, but also offering no apology for the remark.
"He is occupied," Julian said, matching her quieter volume.
He took a small step closer and his voice dropped further so that it would not carry beyond the sitting room.
"I missed you, Mother."
Olivia's eyes widened a fraction. Her gaze flicked once more toward the closed door of the study, then back to him.
Her heart was racing.
Seeing Kraven in her private chambers was already a surprise. Hearing him admit that he had missed her was even more unexpected. But knowing her husband was sitting only a single door away made the entire moment feel dangerously unstable.
Is Kraven not afraid that the Duke might hear? Or had he come specifically to tease me?
The questions tumbled through her mind too quickly for her to answer any of them.
rustle
