Chapter 54

Alexei's expression didn't change but she could see his jaw tighten even more as he took only one step into the room. His fists clenched at his sides like he was holding himself back from reaching for her. Keira's heart hammered against her ribs, her mind racing… exactly how much had he heard.

"The master key," he finally said, his voice low and very controlled. "I came to see you and found the doors locked. I always keep the key with me in case one of the staff lock the doors."

Keira couldn't meet his gaze. "How long were you standing there?"

"Long enough." His shoulders were rigid, tension radiating from every line of his stiff body. "You're thinking of leaving me."

The blunt statement hung in the air between them, impossible to deny because that was what she had been thinking of doing. Keira's fingers twisted nervously, unconsciously playing with the ring he had given her.

"Alexei—"

"Why wasn't I the first one to find out about how you were feeling?"