His words stunned her, revealing the truth of his discoveries to her; he had somehow discovered that she slept on the floor in Ellie's room.

Horrified, she felt the blood drain from her face as she contemplated the implications of his words; there was no doubt in her mind that he was upset. And perhaps he was right to be upset; perhaps she shouldn't have taken up new accommodation in the room of her employer's daughter without gaining his consent? What had she even been thinking, it wasn't as if the floors were exactly comfortable! On the contrary, the hard surface was beginning to take a toll on her body.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't see him lean forward until something settled on her chin and gently nudged her head up, her eyes immediately locking with his.

She sat, barely able to breathe as his warm breath washed over her skin, filling her with a strange sensation. He stared at her, the beautiful silver that was his eyes rendering her speechless.

Her gaze drifted to his thin lips, the overwhelming desire to breach the distance between their bodies and take captive of them, suddenly intoxicating her.

For her sanity's sake, she tore her eyes off of his lips and to his eyes, shocked to find the same desire in her heart, burning so brightly in his eyes —he desired to kiss her as well.

She shook her head, lowering her gaze to her hands. She was being silly, for surely Ethan couldn't possibly view her in that manner. She was his employee and he, her employer. She was nothing but a nanny and he was a rich baron; they had nothing in common.

“Gretchen,” His soft whisper interrupted her thoughts. “I apologize for being so cruel in the beginning.”

She knew she was expected to speak —to accept his apology, even if she didn't hold any grudge against him. Yet, she couldn't, because it felt like she couldn't breathe; like the air was thick and her lungs were incapable of taking in oxygen.

“Thank you for caring for my daughter enough to actually give up your comfort for her.”

She shook her head in response, surprised to find that her actions didn't anger him. Afraid to lift her gaze and melt under his stare, she kept her eyes on her hands.

She felt him lean back and raised her eyes just in time to watch him rise to his feet, to her disappointment.

“I shall have a bed put in the nursery for you. While I admire your sacrifice, Miss Riverside,” he announced, settling on the chair behind his desk. “I shall not have your comfort taken away from you.”

“Thank you, Lord Williams.” She whispered, managing to speak past the lump that had built up in her throat as Ethan sat there, smiling back at her.