Joseph’s words sank into my skin like cold water. I know who you really are.
My heart thudded once, hard and painful.
Had he been listening at the door?
Had he heard everything?
My blood chilled.
He pushed off the wall slowly, like he had all the time in the world. “At first, I thought you were Ansel’s woman. He brought you here so suddenly.” His gaze slid over me. “But now I see you creeping out of my father’s office. So I cannot help but wonder.” He lowered his voice. “Are you his mistress?”
“Mistress?” The word scraped out of me in disbelief. “No. No, I would never.”
Joseph’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “Then who are you, skulking around where you should not be?”
“I just brought him dinner.” I tried to sound calm. “He missed the meal at the table.”
Joseph took a slow step towa
