ANNABEL’S POV
"Why are you looking at me with those eyes?" I asked a bemused expression playing on my face.
Lombard feigned innocence, his features adopting an almost childlike demeanor. "What eyes?"
"Those eyes," I insisted, narrowing my gaze. "Murderous eyes."
He burst into laughter, a hearty sound that echoed in the room. "Not my intention, Annabel. I assure you, I'm not plotting anything nefarious."
I chuckled, the tension easing with his laughter. "Well, you certainly had me concerned for a moment."
Lombard grinned, a hint of mischief still lingering. "I just can't help it. These eyes have seen their fair share of darkness, and sometimes, they have a mind of their own."
As the atmosphere lightened, Lombard's eyes, no longer bearing the weight of shadows, sparkled with a renewed
