Alethea’s gaze locked with his. Her body was rigid, except for her hands, which trembled slightly. She looked away suddenly, then nearly spilled her wine as she fumbled putting the glass back on the table.

“Look,” she said loudly and with obvious relief. “Ella brings our dinner. I am looking forward to the roast beef most of all.”

They spoke of little as they ate. Or rather, he ate and she played with her food, moving it around on her plate. She seemed flustered and ill at ease.

He had not meant to upset her, although he was pleased to know how powerfully she had reacted to his words. It boded well for his plans.

Zeke wanted her with a desire he hadn’t felt in a long time. Perhaps it was her combination of intelligence and beauty. Or the fact that she’d been married before. His seductions leaned toward virgins and those women whom one bought for an evening. One required too much work and the other, not enough. But Alethea already understood the mystery, yet would not take the experience lightly. An intriguing possibility. He must remember to thank Billy for setting him on this path. Although he liked to think he would have noticed a woman like Alethea, regardless of circumstance.

When the meal was finished, they rose and left the dining room. At the foot of the stairs, she turned to him.

“I am more than capable of climbing the stairs on my own. Thank you for the meal.”

“I don’t mind accompanying you. My room is on the same floor.”

She narrowed her gaze. “While that may be true, there is no need for us to discuss it or acknowledge it in any way.”

“Mr. Titan,” he whispered.

“What?”

“You forgot to add ‘Mr. Titan’ at the end. You’re annoyed. I can tell.”

“You are as presumptuous and infuriating as you are charming. However, I am more than capable of maintaining control over my emotions.”