Chapter 55

SEBASTIAN

The flicker of confusion in Dahlia’s eyes when I mentioned the “next business of the day” was almost endearing. She blinked at me, her fork halfway to her lips, a small piece of cake forgotten on the tines.

“Sorry?” she asked, her brows drawn in the softest crease of uncertainty.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” I said, standing up and smoothing my suit, offering her a hand.

She hesitated for only a second before slipping her fingers into mine. Still warm, even if she didn’t understand what I was up to.

We left the restaurant hand in hand, and I could feel the slight tension in her grip the moment the driver opened the car door again. I must say it was awkward. But it was more uncomfortable for her than for me. I sense she was concerned about being seen together like that.

Her questions hovered at the edge of her lips, but she didn’t ask. Not yet. Instead, she stared out the window as the city passed us by, quiet but not withdrawn. I could fee