Chapter 41

Alston woke up again, the dawn already breaking. Despite staying up late last night, his body clock, honed over many years, still roused him. The night's vigil left a throbbing pain in his head, and after lying in bed for five minutes to ease it, he got up to freshen up. As soon as Alston descended the stairs, he heard activity coming from the kitchen. His steps halted, and he licked his lips, reaching to fasten the cufflinks on his sleeve. Was Cecilia awake? Planning to thank him with breakfast for saving her life last night? Or was she planning to linger a while longer? No matter how he thought about it, Alston felt the latter possibility was more likely. After all, when he had rescued Cecilia yesterday, she had been murmuring his name. With a flicker of thought, he strode purposefully towards the kitchen. This was his domain, and if Cecilia was awake, she should take Gladys and vacate his territory! To avoid affecting his mood! Upon reaching the kitchen door, he spotted a busy figur