Chapter 46

Alistair’s POV

The moment I spoke the last sentence, her eyes froze. Damn—she was uncomfortable. Slow down, Alistair. Don’t push her.

“It’s fine,” I said softly, forcing a reassuring smile. “I’ll go to the spa and get a massage.” I stepped closer, brushing a loose hair from her forehead. “You should go to bed. It’s late.” I patted her head gently, rose from the edge of the bed, and walked toward the door. Light from the bedside lamp cast long shadows across the quiet room, and I could feel her watching me.

Just as my hand closed around the doorknob, her voice stopped me.

“Who’d do it?” she asked, eyes lowered to the comforter at her feet.

I paused, twisting back to face her. Her question hung in the air like a challenge. “You mean, will it be a woman?” I hooked a thumb over my shoulder. “Of course. Women give better massages—especially the professional masseuses here in Rome. They have just the right touch. You’ll see, by morning I’ll feel like I