Faye stayed with her back pressed against the headboard, unmoved, eyes wide, watching Sterling in shock with an array of emotions swirling in her azure gaze.
The most evident of which was a paralyzing sense of fear.
The Duke used his powerful legs to stand slowly from the floor but remained in place.
He could see that if he moved too fast, he would startle Faye, and Sterling was fearful she would hurt herself trying to escape if she felt threatened by him.
"Are you okay?" He asked, bending over, placing his hands on his knees, and breathing deeply. He was still trying to catch his breath and gather his bearings.
He glanced up to see Faye nod her head that she was fine, but she did not move or speak to answer him.
Sterling stood up and took a step forward. He observed Faye flinch and then launch herself to her feet from the bed. She stood on the other side of the room, with the wrecked mattress separating them.
