The corridor outside the dining room was dim compared to the warm candlelight inside. Linsy had stepped out only for a moment to breathe, to steady herself, but the quiet that met her on her return was deceptive.

She turned the corner and froze.

Katie Pete was in the shadows, one hand hooked firmly around the back of Michael Helwart’s neck, her body pressed into his space with unselfconscious ease. Rising on her toes, she leaned in, lips aimed toward his.

For an instant, Linsy ...