Chapter 16
Perhaps sensing her nervousness, Asher said, “Let me know if you need anything. I’ll go up for a shower.”
“Wait.”
He paused, turning back. “Yes?”
Thalia pulled a glass bottle from her bag. “Could you help arrange testing for this milk? I think it might have been tampered with.”
Asher’s eyes sharpened. “Someone’s trying to harm you?”
She nodded gravely. “I think so. Better safe than sorry.”
“Leave it to me.”
He stepped away to make a call.
“Come up. I need you to handle something.” His voice faded as he disappeared around the corner.
Thalia exhaled, finally relaxing.
When she’d handed him the bottle, she’d unexpectedly met his dark eyes. Her heart had nearly stopped.
His eyes were stunning.
No–not just his eyes. His entire face was a masterpiece, and meeting his gaze made her pulse race
involuntarily.
After he left, she surveyed the suite.
Signs of regular occupancy were evident–personal items scattered in the living room, as if someone stayed here often.
Strange. The suite didn’t seem newly booked, but rather frequently used.
Wasn’t he always in London?
She pushed the thought aside–it wasn’t her business.
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Bringing her suitcase to the bedroom, she realized she had clothes and skincare but no slippers for the
shower.
As she debated mentioning this to Asher, the doorbell rang.
A uniformed hotel staff member stood outside with a tray and bag. “Delivery for Mr. Blackwood, ma’am.”
Thalia accepted them. “Thank you.”
On the tray sat a glass of warm milk, and in the bag were new women’s slippers, fresh towels, and
toiletries.
All for her, she realized, touched by his thoughtfulness.
“Did everything arrive?” Asher appeared at the stairs.
“Yes, thank you.”
Their eyes met, creating an odd moment. He wasn’t just her childhood neighbor anymore, but her fiancé.
He approached. “The milk’s for you.”
“Oh?” she looked up, surprised. “I thought it was yours.”
“Not my habit. Please, have it.”
He opened the door to his waiting assistant.
“Get this tested,” he handed over the suspect bottle.
“Right away, sir.”
Turning back, he caught Thalia watching him.
Her clear, bright eyes held such curiosity, like a small woodland creature.
Something fluttered in his chest, light as a feather.
He couldn’t resist ruffling her hair gently, just as he had when they were younger. “Early night? What time should I wake you?”
“Ten AM.” She looked up from the sofa.
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A drop of milk lingered on her lip, the sight affecting him more than it should.
His eyes darkened slightly, throat working as he looked away. “Sleep well then. Goodnight.”
He left quickly, not waiting for her response.
Oblivious to his reaction, she continued sipping her milk.
The next morning, Asher knocked just before her alarm.
“Time to wake up, Lia.”
She checked her phone: 9:59 AM.
Perfect timing.
After washing up, she found breakfast laid out.
A plate of eggs Benedict with perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
She sat down, unwrapped the silverware, and took a bite. Her eyes widened. “This tastes exactly like the
café near my firm!”
Across the table, Asher merely hummed noncommittally.
Thalia wasn’t sure what to make of that response.
She tried another bite. The taste was identical to her favorite breakfast spot–the hollandaise had that same subtle hint of lemon, the eggs were poached to the same perfect consistency.
She eyed him suspiciously. “Did you get this from The Morning Room behind my office?”
“Yes.” His expression remained neutral.
“How did you know about that place?”
It was at least six miles from the hotel, and certainly not a spot tourists would know about.
Seeing no point in hiding it, he admitted, “I’ve… visited New York before. To check on you.”
Thalia froze.
He’d come to see her?
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Without her knowing?
“When?” she choked out.
“The first year after you left. And the second. This year too.” His tone was matter of fact.
Thalia felt her head spin.
He’d come every year to watch over her, secretly.
The suite’s lived in feel suddenly made sense. He must have stayed frequently.
Something stirred in her chest, her heart racing.
Too afraid to examine the feeling, she changed the subject. “Thank you for the wontons. They’re really good.”
Seeing her ear tips turn scarlet, he smiled.
Playing along, he said, “By the way, I know an exceptional restoration expert. She’s worked on pieces for the British Museum. She might be able to help.”
“Really?” Thalia’s head shot up, eyes bright with hope.
He nodded. “When we’re back in London, I’ll take you to meet her.”
“Okay.”
His words were like a balm to her aching heart. She couldn’t explain why, but she trusted him completely.
If he said this expert was skilled, she knew her Beagle could be saved.
What a morning of revelations. After all Asher’s “surprises” today, she wondered what else she didn’t
know about him.
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Chapter 17
Chapter 17
