Chapter 25: The caring brother-in-law

Ruelle sat rigid in her seat, her gaze flitting between Ezekiel and Hailey. She wasn’t the type to seek attention, and she prayed Ezekiel wouldn’t treat her differently because she was his wife’s sister. But then his eyes shifted from her to Hailey.

“Miss Elliot, if you would be kind enough to join me,” Ezekiel said, his voice assured. Hailey, with a mix of nerves and excitement, rose from her seat. The room was filled with curiosity, with every student—including Ruelle—wondering what this exercise was going to be about.

Ezekiel’s smile was calm, almost disarming, as he turned to address the class. He said, “Today’s exercise will focus on something simple but often overlooked: the way a pair greets each other in formal settings. There is always an unspoken exchange—a delicate balance of power.”

He extended his hand towards Hailey, his movement slow, drawing every pair of eyes in the room. His fingers were steady, waiting for Hailey to place her hand in his, which she did, though her fingers trembled slightly at the touch.

“The key,” Ezekiel continued, his gaze sweeping over the students before settling on Hailey, “is control. There’s a balance between dominance and respect, an unspoken negotiation in every touch. It is to know how much to give, and just when to pull back.” He lifted Hailey’s hand, just enough to bring her knuckles close to his lips, brushing them with the faintest kiss—a mere whisper of contact.

The gesture was elegant and controlled. The subtle tension in the room increased, the girls watching with a mix of envy and fascination. Hailey’s face flushed a deep red, the heat in her cheeks visible for all to see, but she held her composure, her smile shy as she stepped back.

“A woman’s response dictates the course of the interaction. She must accept the gesture, but not at the cost of her own agency. Vulnerability, when wielded with awareness, is not weakness—it’s a form of power,” Gemma added to the class.

Hailey’s nod was faint; her face was still flushed, but her smile was more confident than before as she took her seat.

“Would anyone else like to try?” Gemma asked, her tone light, but the invitation clear.

A flurry of hands shot up from the girls seated closest to the front, each one looking to be chosen for their own moment under Ezekiel’s steady gaze. One by one, they each took their turn, entranced by the way Ezekiel guided them through the greeting—his touch never lingering too long, his lips brushing over their hands with the same grace he had shown before.

When the class came to an end with the toll of the bell tower, the students began stuffing their notebooks and quills into their bags, the room gradually filling with the shuffle of movement. Ezekiel, ever composed, gathered a few stray papers from the desk. His eyes then landed on Ruelle.

“Miss Belmont,” he called out. “Would you mind collecting the written assignments from your classmates and bringing them to my office?”

“Of course,” Ruelle replied softly with a nod.

As the remaining students trickled out of the room, a few girls lingered by the door, casting coy glances in Ezekiel’s direction. They whispered to one another, their words barely audible but filled with admiration for the new assistant instructor. One of the girls giggled before catching Ezekiel’s eye and offering him a smile.

Ezekiel returned a polite nod, but his expression remained detached.

Ruelle collected the students’ assignment papers and walked back to where Ezekiel waited for her. By now, all the students and the head instructor had left the room. She noticed him give her an apologetic smile as she approached.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t greet you properly earlier,” Ezekiel said, his tone shifting to something more intimate. “I didn’t want the other students to think I was showing favouritism towards you.” His words were deliberate, carrying the subtle implication that it would be best to keep their familial connection discreet, especially within the walls of Sexton.

“Oh…” Ruelle blinked, momentarily taken aback by the change in his demeanour. A little unsure, she replied, “I understand.”

“I appreciate that,” he said, his voice softening. “It’s important to keep things professional here.”

He reached out, taking the stack of papers from her hands, his fingers gently brushing against hers for just a moment. The contact was fleeting, but it sent a ripple of discomfort through her. She quickly pulled her hand back, trying not to let it show.

“I didn’t know you worked here,” Ruelle said carefully, her curiosity getting the better of her as she straightened her posture. “Did you tell Caroline about this? I thought you were more involved in high society.”

Ezekiel’s smile remained warm and reassuring, but beneath it, a calculated lie slipped effortlessly from his lips. “Of course she knows. Caroline and I discussed it before I started working here. She understands it’s just a job—a necessary step before I can move up. Some of us don’t have everything when we start out and need to work hard for it. In fact, she said she feels better knowing I’m here to keep an eye on you; to make sure you’re alright.” His voice held just the right amount of sincerity, making it almost impossible to question him.

“Ah, she didn’t mention it. Probably because I was here, and when I went home we were busy with the wedding preparations,” Ruelle replied thoughtfully.

He gave her an understanding nod, his smile never wavering, and said, “I’m sure that’s all it is. She has been worried about you.”

Ruelle smiled at the thought of Caroline worrying about her. She replied, “Tell her she shouldn’t be. Especially with having someone I know here.”

Ezekiel’s smile deepened, his eyes briefly darkening as he replied, “It’s the least I can do. I care about your family, Ruelle. You can always count on me.” After a pause, he added, “I’ll review these assignments now.”

Ruelle nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance that everything was alright. She felt a small wave of relief wash over her, believing that any awkwardness she had imagined between them after the tower bell incident had simply vanished—or better yet, had been forgotten.

As she stepped into the corridor, the coolness of the air wrapped around her, clearing the lingering unease. She was grateful that everything seemed to have smoothed over with Ezekiel. Though the moment her eyes landed on him when he first entered the classroom had been somewhat unsettling, his calm explanations and reassuring tone made it easier for her to push the awkwardness aside. He was her brother-in-law, after all—a kind, supportive husband to her sister.

“Ruelle!” Hailey hurried to her side. “You won’t believe this! Tess, the Elite vampiress I’ve been working for—I mentioned the scarf you’ve been working on, and she’s interested in taking a look at it!”

Ruelle’s heart skipped a beat. “Really?” she asked, eyes widening in surprise. “When would she like to see it?”

“Right now is a good time,” Hailey replied excitedly.

“I will go get it,” Ruelle said, quickly making her way to her room with Hailey following close behind. On her way, she wondered how much the scarf would earn her.

Reaching her room, Ruelle pushed open the door and went straight to her drawer. She pulled it, her hand reaching into emptiness. A frown formed on her face. Was this not where she had placed it this morning?

Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes scanned the room, her hands anxiously moving through her belongings, finding nothing. She whispered, “It’s not here.”

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