THIRTY-NINE

ELLEN

I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. I did not know how many seconds or minutes passed us there. But his deep voice jerked me out of my silent reverie.

“Miss Knight, did you forget that you stay here in my room now?”

He left my hand, turned his back to me, and sauntered toward the luxurious bed in his room. I heaved a deep sigh and tried to calm my racing heart. He was in his pajamas already and there was no need to freshen up again, so he lay down on the bed and drew the blanket to his chin.

“Leave the lights on when you come to bed,” he said.

“I cannot sleep with the lights on.”

“You should adapt,” was his reply before he turned to the side, shutting me off.

I inhaled and puffed out the air. Do I need to sleep here tonight? “I think I will manage the guest room tonight until your father comes.”

“You are sleeping here tonight.” He muttered in a tone that indicated he was not interested in the conversation I wanted to have