Chapter 198 - Hundred And Ninety Eight
The knock came again, three distinct raps this time. Knock,knock,knock. It echoed slightly in the quiet room.
"Who’s there?" Ryan called out, his voice calm, not moving from his position with Suzy settled comfortably on his lap.
"It’s Davis, your grace," a familiar, respectful voice replied from the hallway.
Suzy’s eyes widened slightly. Instinctively, she tensed and tried to push herself up, intending to get off Ryan’s lap before Davis entered. But Ryan’s arm held her firmly, gently but undeniably keeping her in place. He leaned his head closer to her ear, his breath warm against her skin.
"What are you shy about?" he whispered, a teasing smile in his voice, though his eyes still held that deeper warmth as they met hers. " I’m sure they have heard your screams a million times so what’s there to hide from?"
Suzy shot him a glare, narrowing her eyes in a silent warning. This isn’t appropriate ! her look clearly said.
Ryan simply ignored her pointed stare, his smile widening just a fraction. He raised his voice slightly and called towards the door, "Enter."
The door opened, and Davis stepped inside. He was dressed impeccably as always. He took in the scene – Ryan in the chair, Suzy perched on his lap in her nightgown, her hair still tousled from sleep – with only the slightest pause before his expression settled back into polite neutrality. He gave a small bow. "Good morning, your grace. Good morning, your grace."
Ryan nodded a greeting, his hand moving in slow, soothing circles on Suzy’s lower back as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The gentle, continuous touch sent little sparks through her, making it hard to maintain her glare. "What is it, Davis?" Ryan asked, his tone relaxed.