Chapter 1016

Frederick’s dark, fathomless eyes locked onto Hazel with unwavering intensity. “It’s me,” he said softly. Hazel’s earlier reaction had been pure reflex—muscle memory kicking in at the sense of someone approaching. But now, recognizing Frederick’s face and voice, she quickly slipped the scalpel out of sight. With a teasing arch of her brow, she quipped, “Frederick, sneaking into my bed in the dead of night—are you here to fulfill your duties as a kept man?” He wrapped an arm around her slender waist, pulling her flush against him. His obsidian gaze burned into hers. “Whenever you’re ready,” he murmured, his voice thick with promise. “I’m at your service.” Bathed in moonlight spilling through the window, Hazel’s eyes sparkled. Her delicate fingers trailed lazily across his chest, drawing invisible patterns. “If you’re going to fulfill those duties,” she purred, “you’d better do it right. Otherwise, I might have to fire you.” Each touch of her fingers sparked like fire against his skin, s