GILDA’S POV
I returned to my room with a smile so wide my cheeks hurt.
If happiness had a sound, it would have been the rapid beating of my heart. Japheth had done that to me, without even trying. Without promises. Without touching me.
He should know he had just made me a very happy woman.
I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, breathing in deeply. My fingers went to my chest instinctively, pressing lightly over my heart as if to steady it. It was racing so fast, like it was trying to escape.
I laughed softly to myself.
I couldn’t wait to be alone with him.
The thought sent a strange thrill through me, dangerous, exciting, unfamiliar. My mind betrayed me instantly, running ahead of reality. I imagined how we would talk, how he would look at me, how his voice would soften
