As she stood by the doorway, Diana realized with a pang of guilt that she'd been rude, failing to greet Cassius. Her suspicion, the frantic fear that he'd harm Vivi, had clouded her manners, and now, embarrassment flushed her cheeks. She was a noblewoman, a figure of grace, yet she'd let distrust taint her welcome.
Steeling herself, she resolved to rectify her lapse, though the thought of meeting his gaze sent her heart skittering like a schoolgirl's. At her age, older than Cassius by years, older even than her own daughter, the way her body betrayed her with blushes felt absurd, a delicious humiliation that made her skin prickle.
She lifted her eyes, ready to offer a belated greeting, her lips parting with a hesitant smile, when all of sudden...Cassius's face broke into a wide, glowing grin that stole her breath.
