But then he smiled—composed, reassuring. “However, if they haven’t returned by the end of the week, I’ll organize a search party. I’ll even join the search myself.”
A breath I hadn’t realized I was holding escaped me.
“Oh, would you?” I asked, relieved despite myself. “I would be most grateful.”
“Of course, my dear. I don’t want you wasting another moment fretting.” He waved a hand dismissively as if worry itself was an inconvenience. “All will be well.”
Then, leaning back, he rested his hands on the chair’s arms and propped one ankle over his knee.
A picture of effortless control.
“How else,” he queried, “can I ease your minds?”
I thought for a moment. “Why don’t you tell us a story? You still know how to make a woman smile.”
The second the words left my mouth, I regretted them.
Heat flooded my face. Why did I say that?
Hoping to redirect the conversation, I quickly added, “What makes you who you are, Count Montego?”
His lips curled in amusement, his eyes twinkling as if savoring my slip. “I’m glad you appreciate my prowess with the opposite sex.”
He chuckled.
My cheeks blazed.
“First off,” he continued, “you must stop calling me Count Montego. Friends call me Mathias.”
I hesitated. Friends?
I glanced at Emily. She gave a tiny shrug.
I cleared my throat. “Okay… Mathias. What can you tell us about yourself?”
Mathias leaned back as if settling in for a long journey. His gaze drifted toward the snow-covered window, lost in something distant.
At last, he spoke.
“I will tell you my background—the story of my life and how I came here. Once upon a time, I was a man who had everything. Power, allies, a team of loyal soldiers… My background is that of a teacher. I taught for many years, honing my craft.”
Intrigued, I leaned forward. “What did you teach?”
Mathias’ gaze snapped to mine.
“Please don’t interrupt me,” he said coolly.
I blinked.
The air in the room shifted.
I leaned back against the sofa, feeling like a scolded child.
“You may ask questions later,” he added, his tone softer.
I nodded, lips pressing together.
Satisfied, he continued.
