“Shhh, Kit!” a familiar voice said as he pulled her to his chest. “It’s just me.”

Kit pulled away from Eli’s grasp, and he let her go. She punched him, hard, in the arm. “What in the hell are you doing? You scared the shite out of me!”

If her blow bothered him, he didn’t let on. “You’re a fine one to be asking what I’m doing, Katrinetta. Where have you been?”

“What makes you think I answer to you?” Her voice was too loud, and he shushed her again. Tired of being stalked, Kit stepped around him, headed for the armoire where she’d hidden her gown.

He followed but...