Fear of Fire and Shadow (The Fade #1) - Samantha Young Page 0,26

through the next few hours and then I could find sleep.

As I descended the grand staircase in Grof Krill’s home, I watched as Wolfe walked into the entrance hall. The grof had obviously lent him evening wear; the crisp darkness of the tailored suit made his hair burn gold under the chandelier. I stopped to watch him as he stared up at a tall painting of the Silver Sea crashing against the cliffs. One could see the palace depicted in the distance. Wolfe examined the painting as I studied his handsome profile. What was he thinking? He looked so stark, so alone.

And I suddenly felt as if I knew him.

A strange flutter in my lower belly made me stumble and as I righted myself, I caught Wolfe’s attention. I flushed beneath his unwavering stare and met him in the middle of the hall. His jaw clenched tightly as he took in my attire.

“What?” I snapped, already feeling stupid and in no mood for his quips.

Wolfe cleared his throat. “You look beautiful.”

I narrowed my eyes. Obviously, he was mocking me. “Will you cease with the sarcasm for one evening, Captain?”

His mouth fell open at my rebuke but his riposte was interrupted by Grof Krill.

“Rogan!” We turned as he greeted me. For a moment he looked astonished at my appearance and then he smiled—a real, genuine smile—as he took my hand and placed a gentlemanly kiss upon the back of it. “Why, you look beautiful, Lady Rogan.”

Sensing he was being sincere, I smiled politely. “Thank you, my lord.”

Wolfe grunted at my side but I ignored the good captain as the grof escorted me from the mansion.

The opera was wonderful, the singers breathtaking, the sets incandescent. My senses were overwhelmed by the vibrancy and decadence of the opera hall, the wealthy, glittering audience and vivacious singers who took to the stage. The scent of jasmine hung in the air, mingling with tobacco. I had been to the opera in Silvera with Haydyn, but there was something different about being at the opera in the homeland of opera. Even the ogling nobility who recognized me from royal events and balls in Silvera did not sway my attention from the stage.

It would have been an unspoiled evening if Grof Krill hadn’t begun his insincere pursuit of me again. His fingers kept brushing my arms, my skirts, even my breast as he squeezed past me. I scowled, ready to eviscerate him if he tried it again. Thankfully, Wolfe hadn’t noticed the grof’s forwardness on that occasion.

Unfortunately, my enjoyment of the effervescent opera crowd and its stars was ruined by Grof Krill flirting. I attempted to lean away from him, trying to keep as much distance between us as possible.

Grof Krill placed my hand on his arm and with Wolfe at our backs, the grof led me out of his opera box and through the crowds outside it. He descended the stairs ahead of me and I understood his plot as he “accidentally” tripped on a stair, pulling me down so I was captured in his arms.

I grew flush with anger at his games and apologies as he kept hold of me, pretending he was trying to right my footing, even though I already had. I struggled little in his arms, desperate not to cause a scene. A warm, strong hand wrapped around my biceps and I looked up to find Wolfe glaring daggers at Grof Krill.

“Release her,” he demanded under his breath.

The grof smiled blandly and let me go.

I allowed Wolfe to hook my arm through his and the three of us descended the stairs, no one else having noticed our little tussle. My mind whirled with confusion. I knew now why Grof Krill didn’t flirt. He was awful at it! Which begged the question … why was he trying so hard to flirt with me?

I was grateful as Wolfe helped me into the carriage and sat beside me before Grof Krill could.

And then I tensed as I realized I’d been thankful to Wolfe.

Thankful for his presence.

Guilt filled me and I sidled a little away from him as the carriage departed.

Having shooed away the maids who were waiting for me in the guest suite, I undressed and practically threw the offending gown into the garderobe. I dug through my traveling bag in agitation and drew out my nightgown. I was so angry. Furious and confused and I didn’t know why. I took a deep breath, pouring cold water from the ewer into the basin to splash