*Everly*

As twilight descends upon our return to the house, the atmosphere shifts.

It doesn't surprise me that we head straight to my room, with Tristan quickly shedding his jacket, waistcoat, and shirt. It's been a week since I discovered his dislike for excessive clothing, and during that time, his side has been healing remarkably well.

I take my time unbuttoning my dress, more intrigued by the man whom I thought I was beginning to understand. I had assumed he was well into his thirties, but it turns out he's only three years my senior.

I was aware that he had endured a challenging life, yet it never crossed my...