The moment seemed to stretch endlessly between them until she became that pitiful, friendless orphan once again, clambering after Alec, begging for his friendship, desperate for the warmth, the care, her duty-bound uncle could never provide, to feel wanted, needed, by another person.

Promise you won’t ever leave me again.

Her cheeks now burned at the memory. Back then she had no shame in revealing such raw emotions to him. In admitting how much she needed him, how small and weak she was without him. What had he said in return? She couldn’t remember now. But it didn’t matter. She had her answer. She’d had it a thousand times over already.

The ladies faded into the background as Alec wavered before her eyes. She knew he was speaking, and yet the words couldn’t penetrate her woolly mind. Just as her vision began to blur, his warm hand clasped her upper arm—the only part that wasn’t covered by her evening gloves. She trembled under his touch as he anchored her to the ground. To this moment. With him.

“Look at me.” The commanding tone washed over her, cool and calming. His voice was even deeper than usual, and the very sound felt like a long, lingering caress.

It would take a lifetime to forget him now, if she was lucky. One could not outrun their own memories, and she had amassed so many more over the past few days. Lottie blinked, and her eyes flickered to his face. Alec was so close she could see the flecks of gold in his irises. His intense gaze pierced straight through to her chest, but she would never know what it felt like to belong to him. She was just another obligation. Just another part of his duty.

“Sit.” Alec guided her down to the sofa. Then he called to one of the women behind her and asked for food and drink. Lottie frowned as he kneeled before her. He would wrinkle his trousers before they even left, but Alec didn’t seem to care. He took a tray from one of the ladies and handed her a plate of the rice Nico had brought earlier. “Here. You must eat. I thought you were going to faint right in front of me.”

Lottie gave no response. She did as she was told, barely registering the taste of the food. After a few bites, Lottie moved on to the glass of wine. It was cool and sweet. She drank deeply, greedily, until Alec clucked his tongue and stilled her hand. “Careful. I can’t have you foxed before supper,” he said with a small smile, then he took the glass, stood up, and walked over to the sisters.