Chapter 75. Suspicion

She blinked, her lips parting to respond, but no sound came out. His gaze on her was unwavering, making any confidence and courage in her disappear.

She fiddled nervously with her fingers, her gaze cast downward. “M-my room?” she murmured, barely above a whisper.

“This is your room,” he declared, his tone final. The mirth in his eyes dissipated instantly, replaced by a cold, unnegotiating expression.

Her lips trembled as she tried to form her next words. “But I-I can’t… here… one room, you… I c-can’t,” she stammered, a deep frown settling on her delicate features. Worry clouded her otherwise beautiful face.

A lop-sided smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, but his eyes were devoid of humor. “You can’t go away,” he gave his verdict. Then, as if catching himself, he added "Not now," he murmured, almost too softly for her to hear.

“Please,” she beseeched, her voice trembling, “please let me go.” Her large, pleading eyes searched his face for any sign of