In the history of bad ideas, there had never been one worse than a Rao heiress kissing an Emerson aristocrat. And not just any Emerson aristocrat, but one who believed himself plagued by a curse that had originated with the Raos themselves. What would her family say? How would it reflect on her, on the Raos’ reputation, the eldest daughter cavorting with an Emerson at boarding school on the heels of the scandal involving the youngest daughter?

Not to mention, now that she was sure Grey hadn’t been behind Isha’s scandal, she had a problem. She was back to square one, trying to figure out who’d been behind the leak. Perhaps she could reach out to the journalist in Mysuru again, offer to pay him for a name. It might be a different Emerson. Just another reason on a very long list of why it was a bad idea to edge emotionally closer to Grey.

He obviously had his own doubts too. Why else would he have jumped up like that to get away from her?

Still, Jaya found herself reaching out, placing a hand on his forearm, his muscles like steel cords under the skin. “Don’t go,” she said softly. The realization that she wasn’t just being polite surprised her; she really didn’t want him to leave.

He turned to her, strands of dark hair dripping water onto his face. “I… I can’t…”

Jaya smiled. “It’s okay. We’ll just sit here and talk. Look, I’ll even move over.” She scooted a few feet so they were nowhere near each other anymore.

Grey paused for a second, studying her, and then the distance between them. Very slowly, as if he were waiting for her to change her mind, he sat.

Jaya nodded, feeling oddly happy. “Good. Now let’s just enjoy the warm water, shall we?”

As the water frothed around them, she lay her head back, let her eyes slip closed, and took deep, calming breaths. Outwardly, she knew she appeared calm and in control, ever poised. Inside, she felt like a shipwreck survivor, on uncharted land she had no idea how to navigate.

The next afternoon, Jaya had just come in from the gardens, book in hand, when Penelope caught up with her on the stairs, going the other way. “Hello, Penny,” she said, smiling.

“I’ve been looking for you! Has Caterina talked to you yet?” Penelope asked, her eyes bright.

“No… why?”

“Oh, I just saw her a few minutes ago and she says she has a surprise for you.” Penelope’s cheeks were pink with glee. “I’m not sure what, though. She said to tell you to go to her room.”

Jaya’s heart hammered. Unlike the innocent Penelope, she knew a surprise from Caterina was not a thing to celebrate. “Okay, thanks, Penny,” she said, quickening her steps.

“Ta!” Penelope continued blithely running down the stairs.