A sudden knock echoed at the door.
Rosalind, lounging with feigned ease in his chamber, glanced toward the sound but made no move to acknowledge it.
"Do not trouble yourself over it," she said with a sly smile. "Whoever it is will see that we are not answering and will eventually leave us be."
It took every ounce of Stephen's restraint not to shove her away. He needed to rid himself of her presence, but force alone would not suffice.
For now, he would endure. She pressed her hands against his chest, guiding him back onto the bed before leaning over him.
"Your companions are likely waiting outside. Aren't you going to going with them?"
"Why are you so eager for me to leave? Do you not want me here?" she breathed, her voice just above a whisper, her lips brushing near his ear.
Stephen's jaw tightened. "I simply despise interruptions, as you well know," he replied, his tone sharp with irritation.
