Jonathan couldn’t help himself—his gaze lingered on her for an extra moment.

Noticing his attention, Grace cast him a glance, cool and indifferent, like a frost descending on a room.

Jonathan faltered for a beat.

In the old days, he, Alexander, and Owen had been as thick as thieves—inseparable, their loyalty an unspoken bond. And Grace, he remembered vividly, had made every effort to get along with him and Owen.

But he and Owen had ...