Nic held a chair out for Maria and helped her sit, then crossed to the other side to do the same for Cassandra. It was a strangely formal gesture that also seemed fitting for the tall, lean man wearing an evening suit in a formal dining room. He took his own seat and gestured to someone in the back of the room. Seconds later a bowl of steaming soup was placed in front of Maria.
The moment the aroma hit her, Maria's mouth started watering and everyone else in the room faded. She picked up her spoon and lifted a sample to her mouth. It was everything, delicious, warm and comforting. She opened her eyes to look up the table toward the host.
Nic was watching her intently, ignoring his own bowl of soup. "You didn't find the closet filled with clothes?" he drawled.
Maria shrugged. "I prefer m
