Delaney pushed the heavy door open. The hinges were well-oiled and made no sound.
When she entered, Rowan didn't even notice. He was sitting behind his massive desk. He had discarded his formal dinner jacket long ago. His waistcoat was unbuttoned, his cravat was completely undone, and the sleeves of his white linen shirt were rolled up to his elbows, revealing his strong forearms.
His elbows were resting on the desk, his head buried in his hands. His eyes were glued to the large, open ledger in front of him, though he did not seem to be reading the numbers. He looked like a man carrying the weight of the entire world.
Rowan, realizing that his butler had not announced himself, spoke without lifting his gaze.
"Is anything the matter, Simmons?" Rowan asked wearily. "I told you I did not wish to be disturbed."
The question died completely in his throat when he finally raised his head.
He froze. His eyes widened in pure, unadulterated shock.
