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“H-Hector…Hector?”

Juliet knew with complete certainty that she was about to fall to her death, just as her mother had done.

CHAPTER 13

“Juliet?”

She wanted to look at him, but she couldn’t risk falling over the ledge, so she kept her eyes sealed shut and blindly reached out for him.

Suddenly, two strong hands clasped her shoulders and gently pulled her backwards and slightly to one side.

“Juliet!” Hector’s deep voice was full of concern as his hands released her shoulders. “What are you doing? Are you all right?”

She tried to speak, but her voice failed her. The touch of his hands had made her shudder with relief, had lessened her overwhelming panic, and had given her enough courage to finally open her eyes.

Juliet was filled with gratitude and relief to see that Hector had not only managed to move her from the balcony but hadalso turned her away from its railing. His expression grew more concerned as he registered the intense fear in her eyes. “Come,” he said, his tone unexpectedly gentle. “Take my hand.”

Juliet hesitated, unsure if she could trust her shaking, wobbly legs. The sincerity of his gaze gave her the strength she’d needed, and she slowly grasped his hand. His grip was warm and reassuring, and she could feel the strength in his hold.

Hector guided her down the hall, away from the balcony, his measured pace steadily matching hers.

It was as if he had comprehended her fear without her having to say a word. Being near him was surprisingly comforting in comparison with what she had envisioned.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

She wasn’t only thanking him for his help but also for the unexpected kindness he had shown her. This was a side of him she had rarely glimpsed before.

Hector nodded, his eyes lingering on her longer than usual before shifting to the stairs that would lead them back to the lower floor.

Juliet’s eyes roamed over his face. He was unshaven, and his eyes looked sunken.

“Were you looking for me?” Hector asked, glancing at her.

“Yes. I…”

Once they’d arrived safely downstairs, he let go of her hand and walked alongside her to his study.

“Shall we go inside?” Hector put a hand at her back and nudged her forward through the door, his unexpected contact causing her to startle.

The room was just as remarkable as the rest of the house. The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, dark wood paneling, and a large desk took command of the space. The windows were draped with heavy curtains that reflected the warm glow of the fireplace across the room and gave it an aura of quiet power.

Hector walked to his desk and leaned against it as he watched her take in the surroundings. Juliet’s earlier fears seemed to evaporate in the comforting enclosure of the study before her focus shifted to the man that stood before her.

“Did you need something, then?” Hector asked, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

He remained near his desk, his posture tense as he observed Juliet’s expression. Juliet hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully.

“I wanted to ask when it would be appropriate for me to visit the convent. I am concerned because I haven’t heard from anyone there since I left.”

Hector looked at her for a long moment as though carefully weighing his response. His brow furrowed slightly, the lines of his face deepening in thought.

“No,” he finally said.

Juliet blinked, confused.

“No?”

Hector’s gaze narrowed, and his posture remained guarded. “No. There is no appropriate time for you to visit because you should not go back there at all.”