Murphy looked at Zeda and let out a heavy sigh, shame boldly written on his face. “Look, Zeda, I am truly sorry for my behavior at Torvin’s house. I was completely out of line, and there is no excuse for disrespecting you like that.”

“Shouldn’t you be groveling at her feet?” Torvin asked him with a fierce stare.

Zeda’s eyes widened as Murphy began to kneel, and she reached out and held his arm to stop him from getting on his knees.

“No, that’s unnecessary!” She glared at ...