Thomas' gaze was sharp and focused, enough to make my scalp prickle.
I turned away, pulling my hand back from his, my skin still tingling with the warmth of his touch.
The white paint on the wall was peeling, revealing patches of dull gray stone underneath.
Bits of it had fallen onto my new blanket, like fleas crawling over a fancy gown.
I took a long, grounding breath, pressing down the surge of excitement in my chest.
Turning back to Thomas, I let cold logic settle in. "Words mean little to me. I prefer arrangements based on mutual gain. Wouldn't you agree, dear knight?"
For a moment, surprise flickered in his autumn lake-colored eyes, but it vanished almost instantly, replaced by the same stoic expression.
He rose, extending his left hand toward me. "Then, to a profitable partner
