Penelope’s POV

Daemon’s eyes dropped for a fraction of a second.

But then he looked away, jaw locking and his throat shifting as he swallowed.

He wasn’t unaffected. He just wouldn’t let himself be.

“Freshen up,” he said tightly. “Someone will be sent to tend to your needs.”

He turned to leave, hand already on the door handle.

“And Penelope…” His voice dropped, almost gravel now. “Don’t come out. Not unless I tell you to.”

The door slammed shut behind him.

And I was ...