Chapter 526
Chapter 526:
Without warning, the air beside her shifted. He lowered himself into the empty space and extended a glass of wine toward her. “You didn’t drink earlier p>
Her heart skipped — a sudden rush of unease washing over her. She accepted the glass carefully and forced calm into her tone. “I showered, so now I’m completely awake p>
It was a smooth red wine. Under the light, the dark liquid shimmered and caught a deep, tempting glow.
Never in her life had Kailey pictured a moment like this. Who could have known she would one day sit quietly beside Lyman and share a drink with him?
Something in the mood loosened her restraint. Before Lyman could say a word, she raised the glass and swallowed the wine in a single breath.
“More, please p>
He glanced at her but said nothing, refilling her glass.
Above them, the moon shone bright while only a few stars dotted the sky. The night carried the gentle comfort of the best season in Aslesall — neither dry like winter nor heavy like summer, just a soft, soothing breeze.
𝖶еeklу 𝗿e𝘭𝖾𝘢𝘴𝘦𝗌 𝗼𝗻
Kailey’s gaze drifted upward, and a question escaped her lips before she could stop it. “What day is it today p>
“March 24th p>
Almost April. She had spent nearly a full month here.
Silence returned, and they kept drinking and refilling their glasses, with only the faint sound of swallowing disturbing the stillness.
Alcohol never agreed with Kailey, and warmth had already colored her cheeks by the time she reached the second glass. With her eyes lowered, she murmured, “I miss him p>
Lyman paused. A trace of red crept into his eyes.
“I miss him.” The words slipped out again, rougher than before.
Then the glass slid from her fingers and shattered against the floor.
Both her hands rose to cover her face. No sound left her throat, yet her shoulders trembled without control.
Patience held Lyman still. He drained the rest of his glass, set the bottle aside, and rose to his feet. He crossed the distance between them and stood looking down at her for a long, unmoving moment.
Then he bent, slid one arm beneath her knees, and lifted her into his hold. His long strides carried her upstairs.
Awareness returned the instant his hands touched her, yet Kailey stayed still and let him bring her to the bedroom and settle her beneath the covers.
The echo of his retreating steps faded. Her eyes snapped open in the quiet.
Lyman. What was it that he truly wanted from her?
Beyond the windows, the city lay buried in darkness.
Time slipped past without her noticing, and Kailey woke in a haze to find the clock nearing ten.
Downstairs, the housekeeper hurried to set breakfast in front of her. “Mr. Vasquez left early today. He won’t be back for lunch p>
Kailey nodded and pulled out a chair.
Barely a few bites passed her lips before movement caught her eye outside the window. Why was Benny here again?
A thought crossed her mind. She hurried through the last of her breakfast, then turned to the guards. “I’m taking Max out. Keep your distance p>