Chapter 0030
He studied me for a moment. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
“I feel like I overstepped,” I insisted. “Especially knowing that you have a mate.
He sighed softly. “Agnes, the situation with Olivia is… complicated. But that doesn’t excuse my actions, either.”
I bit my lip, unsure of what to say. “I just don’t want to cause any trouble.”
He took a step closer. “You’re not causing trouble. If anything, I’ve been the one making things difficult for you.
I looked up at him, meeting his gaze. His eyes were steady, fixed on me like I was the only thing in the world. Unbidden, memories of last night’s kiss flitted back through my mind. But I quickly looked away, not wanting to make the same mistake
twice.
Because that mark was still on prominent display on his neck, and there was no ignoring it.
“Well, um…” I swallowed hard, feeling awkward beneath his gaze. “Thank you for the apology. But maybe we should keep things
professional from now on. For Thea’s sake.”
He nodded slowly. “Perhaps you’re right.”
I gave a small smile, trying to ease the tension. “Besides, I have enough on my plate with this binder of yours.”
“Finding it challenging?”
“That’s an understatement,” I chuckled. “I’m not sure how I’m supposed to memorize all of it before the gala.”
He crossed his arms, the movement drawing my eyes momentarily before I snapped them back to his face. “You’ll manage. You’re more capable than you give yourself credit for.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I said dryly.
He glanced at the clock on the wall. “You should get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.”
I sighed. “I suppose you’re right. I have a lot more studying to do.”
“Not just studying,” he said. “You have your first etiquette lesson before the gala.”
“Etiquette lesson?” I raised an eyebrow. “Is that really necessary?”
He nodded. “Absolutely. We can’t have you tripping over titles and toasts.”
H
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I’d dealt with plenty of etiquette lessons growing up, courtesy of my well–to–do parents. But then again, it had been years since I had practiced. Maybe a little brush–up wouldn’t hurt.
“Alright,” I finally said. “I’ll be up bright and early.”
1/2
+15 BONUS
He nodded and strode toward me. My heart pounded as he brushed past me, and he paused in the doorway, glancing at me down
the length of his nose.
“First etiquette lesson,” he said, eyeing me for a moment before turning and walking away, “try not to be so flustered around
your own husband.”
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