"You didn’t have to do this."
Of course, she didn’t. Nothing about their contract demanded this. Arnav had long known that Raellyn was unpredictable. Their marriage contract never demanded any of this. He had tried to understand her, but she remained a riddle. But Arnav couldn’t ignore the flicker of warmth her words stirred in him and yet something in him warmed at her gesture. He wasn’t used to being received like this. No one had ever waited for him. No one had ever cared.
Still, something inside him remained guarded. He brushed past her, silent. But she followed him.
Still, suspicion stirred beneath the warmth. Was this another ploy?
He said nothing and walked ahead. But she followed him into the library.
He stopped.
"Do you need something?" he asked, a hint of irritation returni
