Chapter 97

Leander gave him a hesitant smile. “I almost asked Lennox to tell you I was someone else. I didn’t know if I’d find you at home.” When Julien remained quiet, unable to form a reply, Leander plunged on, speaking quickly. “I was going to have him say I was someone Lady Carysfort sent to catalog the library.”

“Didshe send you?”

“I’m not sure.” Leander tilted his head, a slight frown creasing his brow. “She may have.”

Hardly surprising. “Well, if that’s the case,” Julien gestured grandly around him, “don’t let me keep you from your task.”

“Julien…”

The familiar note of exasperation demolished what little control Julien had left. In three strides, he was across the library, running his hands over Leander’s neck, shoulders, and arms, reassuring himself that Leander was alive, that he was whole, that he was here

Leander stood still, watching Julien’s hands with a soft smile.