Page 66 of A Dagger in the Ivy

She raises her glass. “Sweet dreams, Celeste.”

For a second, my gaze drifts to Dante, who gives me the slightest of nods before returning his focus to his drink.

And as I turn away from them, a strange feeling washes over me. Like I don’t want to leave them alone together. Like I don’t want anything to transpire between them.

It’s not… jealousy. It can’t be.

No. It must be my protectiveness of Nadya because I don’t trust Dante. I wouldn’t put it past him to use Nadya as a way of hurting me.

But maybe that’s the brandy speaking.

Torbin’s hand on the small of my back travels up and down as we walk. I can’t tell if it’s comforting or bothersome.

When we get to the door of my room, Sir Holden gives me a nod. I wonder how long he’s been standing there, waiting for me to return. His duty is to stand sentry, to guard my room when I’m in it, but this is the latest I’ve come to my room when there wasn’t a ball or a party taking place.

Torbin casts him a weary glance.

“I’m glad we were able to spend some time together,” I say to Torbin, turning to him. “Feels almost like old times.”

“Except this time with brandy.”

“Yes, that does add a new level to it.”

He smiles and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Oh!” I perk up. “I have something for you.”

“For me?”

I glance up at Sir Holden for a second before addressing Torbin. “Wait here.”

The floor feels uneven under my feet as I push open my door. I waver as I make my way to the drawer where I’ve stashed his present. A giddiness comes over me that is part brandy and part excitement about giving Torbin the special gift I picked out for him.

Holding the gloves, my mind flashes back to the day I bought them,and how Dante came to my aid when I was cornered. I didn’t express it at the time, but I realize, in the quiet of my thoughts, that it was a noble gesture. Gestures like that usually speak of unwavering sense of duty and desire to protect someone.

Is that what it was? Did Dante have a desire to protect me?

The room spins, and I realize I got lost in my thoughts. Damned brandy! I hold the gloves to my chest and turn toward the door.

When I return to Torbin, I find him rocking on his heels. I smile to myself, remembering how he’d often do that when we were young. It’s reassuring to know some things haven’t changed. And it eases my mind a bit too. Maybe he was telling the truth. Maybe it was wrong of me to assume he can’t be trusted.

“What’s this?” he asks, reaching for the hunting gloves. He runs his fingers over the fine material.

“I chose them for you.” My chest swells with pride.

The look in his eyes softens. His gaze moves over the gloves like he’s reading a love letter. When he shifts his focus to me, there’s a warmth behind his expression. It’s as if he’s actually seeing me for the first time since I’ve arrived at Ivystone. Really seeing me. As if, up until now, it was all for show, part of the arranged union and the parts we were meant to play. But now, he seems genuinely pleased being bonded to me.

Or maybe I’ve had too much to drink and my mind is playing tricks on me.

“They’re perfect.” He locks his gaze with mine, leaning closer.

I’m tempted to close the distance between our lips, wanting to see if his feel as supple as they look. But Sir Holden shifts slightly in my peripheral, and I stop myself.

Torbin’s smile widens, as if he’s read my mind. “Thank you, Celeste.” Though his eyes drift over my mouth, he leans closer and places a soft kiss upon my cheek. “I hope to see you in your dreams.”

He backs away, still holding my gaze for a moment before turning around and continuing on his way.

I watch him until he turns the corner, biting the inside of my cheek and feeling giddy. It’s not until I turn back toward my door that Iremember that Sir Holden has been standing there, witnessing me acting like a fool.

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