CHAPTER 22
As they walked, Sterling reached for Amelia’s hand, his fingers enveloping her cold, trembling ones. He held her hand firmly, his warmth a surprising comfort against her rising anxiety. He gave her tiny hand a gentle squeeze, his smile confident and reassuring.
He leaned his head close to hers, his low voice a quiet murmur meant only for her ears. “Take it easy,” he whispered just enough to let her hear, the sound a soft command that broke through the storm of her nerves.
The silence stretched, thick and suffocating, punctuated only by the soft click of Prudence’s heels as she took a single, slow step forward. Her gaze, cold and assessing, swept over Amelia before she finally addressed Sterling.
“You didn’t mention you were bringing a guest, darling.” Her voice was a perfec
