Chapter 22

This was the first time Laurelle had looked at Zachariah up close. A gentle breeze drifted through the window, and half of his body was lit by sunlight that cast across his face at an angle. His deep, dark eyes held hers, calm yet with an intensity that felt utterly resolute. She froze, realizing how captivating his eyes were. It took her a moment to realize she'd been staring for well over ten seconds. Embarrassed, she quickly looked away. Trying to calm her racing heart, she murmured, "But I was engaged before I…" "Wasn't that engagement called off?" he replied smoothly. "Yes, but he's very powerful. I'm worried he might—" "I'm not worried." Not worried? But her former fiancé was Maverick, the scion of one of the most powerful families in Juville. She continued, "But what if he tries to take revenge?" Zachariah chuckled. "He won't." Laurelle paused, silent for a few seconds. For some reason, seeing the confidence in his eyes made her believe he truly wasn't afraid. He was d