Lena smiled to cover up her slipped composure.

"Well… that took you long enough."

Theon's intense gaze stayed on her. "I had good motivation." Lena could feel his gaze burning on her, but she refused to meet his eyes. So she busied herself with the napkins. "Is that so?"

"Hmm."

The silence between them was charged. Heavy with everything unsaid. Leo's voice shattered it.

"Are you two going to set the table all night, or can we eat?"

Lena turned to walk away. Theon's hands tightened on the plate he was holding.

—-

Dinner was lively and filled with laughter. The house felt warm, in contrast to the cold outside....