Shivers went down Adam's spine at the nearness of Ronan, the warmth of his breath tickling at Adam's hair, lips moving against his ear.

Adam didn't hear a thing.

Lost with yearning and uncertainty, Adam's brow furrowed. Ronan was looking at him, waiting for something, expecting something, and Adam didn't have a clue as to what. He hesitated, because he was so protective of that secret, he went so far to hide it. Who would hire a servant who was half-deaf?

"Ronan, I..." he said, faltering, cheeks red with nerves and dread.