Deliberate Charm

Dante and Xander remained where they were, both wearing unmistakably dejected expressions.

Marcella went downstairs with Cassian close behind her. He followed her with an easy grin and moved ahead to prepare the bath, clearly in high spirits.

"Ms. Vance," he asked, "would you like me to help you wash?"

Marcella's lips twitched slightly. She could not help but wonder why all of them seemed so inves