“You shouldn’t be here, Rohan.” As I spoke the words, I smiled.
“You are all I can think about.”
But for how long? Letting someone into my heart—again—felt like a fool’s errand. Who would see me, who would think of me beyond Death? What could I offer, except a few good years? Rohan was a family man. Jacques had been one, too. He’d wanted me to carry his children. Having faced his descendant, I was glad it had never been a choice. And yet, Jacques had carried his memory of me, over generations, despite our distance. Maybe I didn’t need crowds of people to know me.
Maybe I just needed one.
“Come up, you’ll catch a chill. I’ll put on the kettle.” I shrugged on a thin silk robe and hurried down the stairs to open the door. Rohan was still dressed in his party clothes, a little timid and unsure, but there nonetheless.
We settled into my receiving room, him sitting on one couch and I on the other, the air thick and electric. I lit a lamp, aware I was in my nightclothes and of the precise distance he sat across from me.
“I appreciate the concern, Rohan, but I’m fine. There was no harm done.”
“Oh, but there was. I’d thought you’d like to know the result of your encounter and your keen observation.”
I put the kettle on and brought him a cup of tea. “It isn’t chai, but I hope it’ll do.”
He tipped his head in appreciation and blew on the hot liquid before taking a sip. He set the cup down. “After the scene Boudreaux caused, I told my uncle of your misgivings, and what you’d overheard. No sooner had we discussed it than another investor approached my uncle and told him of a double deal the Boudreaux family planned. They meant to nullify the land deal, which would undercut all our shares and cause their price to fall. They would bet on the short, thereby raking in the funds. That would have left us in ruins, and the land in foreign hands.”
I gasped. I hadn’t imagined the scale of the betrayal. “Could they do that to you?”
“Lesser men have tried greater.” He reached out for my hand. “The point is, because of you, my uncle believed what he was told. We were able to pull out of the agreement before it was signed, thanks to you.”
“Based on what you said, it would’ve been discovered eventually.”
“Your modesty is heartwarming. But maybe, just maybe, I’m giving you the credit you deserve.”
Our thumbs brushed together for a moment before he drew away. “I am glad your family’s business is safe.”
“I have something for you—a gift. In thanks.”
I hadn’t noticed he’d brought in a small bundle. He offered it to me and I was too eager to open it, revealing a glorious dupatta—a long red shawl stitched with golden thread depicting birds, vines, and flowers, with intricate beading along the edge. The whisper-soft fabric rippled in the breeze from the open window, swirling around us.
“It’s beautiful,” I said, clutching it against my heart.
“Not as beautiful as you.”
“You are too charming.” I playfully poked his chest, tempted to linger. I shook my head to dispel the snap of desire. “It’s the middle of the night. Where did you buy this?”
“I got it on Brick Lane, just after our dinner there. I had been saving it. Then I thought, ‘Why wait?’ I felt drawn to it, as it appears I feel drawn to you.”
“Rohan,” I said gently. “You are so kind, but does ... does your uncle know that you’re here?”
He pressed his lips together, his expression rueful. The answer was clear. I stood, and he followed, slowing as we reached the door. I held it for him.
“Thank you for the gift. I hope you have a good night.”
He closed the distance between us. “You were brave enough to tell me the truth about the Boudreaux family, now I must do the same. The truth is, being with you is the first thing I have ever wanted for myself,outside of my family duties. When I saw you across the lecture hall, something came alive in here.” He gripped the place over his heart. “I believe it to be love. I am no longer consumed solely by my duty and responsibility. Instead, I think of my brief moments with you, and the simplicity of, well,being, and I imagine I could have thousands of those moments with you.”
“Rohan,” I pleaded. Thank goodness for my solid door. I had something sturdy to keep me upright.
“Please, Arden, let me finish. I know of my uncle’s plans. But when I’m with you, I think of more.”
I told myself to return to bed, but instead I reached for him. He wrapped his arms around me, his heart thundering through the thin fabric of his shirt. The dupatta tangled between us.
“I can’t promise you anything.”Especially forever,I thought darkly.No one can ever stay long enough for that.
“All I’m asking of you is your company.”
