Rain hammered against the city that night, a storm fierce enough to ground flights and flood streets. Amelia stood by the window of the penthouse, watching lightning cut across the skyline, her heart still restless from the confrontation with Alexander.
She told herself to stay in her room. To give him space. But when the power flickered once, then went out entirely, instinct pulled her down the hall.
She found him in the study, the glow of candlelight illuminating the sharp planes of his face. Papers lay forgotten on the desk, his gaze fixed on the storm outside.
“You should be asleep,” he said without turning, his voice low.
“So should you,” she replied softly.
Their eyes met in the dim light, and for a long moment, neither moved. The storm outside raged, but the silence between the
