Chapter 37

• Emilia’s POV
• I turned around on my bed, blinking open one eye and wincing et the ray of sunlight that threatened to blind me. I closed my eyes and turned away from the window, then opened it and stared at the alarm clock on my night stand. It was almost ten in the morning, and there was that urge that always tugged at me every morning—an instinctive urge to check on Francesca. Maybe it was the way she looked at me, or how she’d laugh like she’d known me her whole life. Whatever it was, it had a hold on me, something fierce and protective.
• I pulled on a robe and padded quietly down the hall, heading to her room. I could hear faint voices as I neared, a woman’s gentle tone and Francesca’s soft giggles. Confusion and a little bit of panic washed over me. Alaric wouldn’t just allow any woman in this house, much less near Francesca’s room. He was Intensely private, and I doubted he’d invite anyone without good reason.