Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
“I’m stayin’.” Mirren angled away from her aunt, clinging to a man she clearly adored. “No bargains. That’s final!”
“Leave her with me.” Callen kissed his daughter’s brow.
“Aye, sir.” Gavina shrunk into herself, as if she’d been rebuked.
The schoolteacher in me yearned to jump in and take over; the circumstances kept me silent. Every family lived by their own set of rules. Between mortals, I could navigate the different dynamics. But what did I know about berserker families or their regulations, traditions and laws?
“That isn’t my sweet Mira I hear throwing such a ferocious temper tantrum is it?”
A new voice sounded from the doorway, but this one I recognized. Jamison Stewart. AKA Handsome. He entered the office, looking nothing like the man I’d met at the wedding reception. Before he’d worn a suit. Today, he’d dressed in Tavish’s original style. Black T-shirt and leather pants paired with scuffed combat boots. Metal jewelry adored his wrists and fingers.
“Prince Jamie!” Mirren squealed with happiness and wiggled to get down.
Prince? As in a brother to Callen, like Roderick?
“You know you’re not supposed to use his title in public, Mir.” With a wry smile, Callen complied with his daughter’s wishes, putting her on her feet.
I filed away the newest bit of confirmation.
“Mr. Jamie!” the girl called, rushing over to leap into the other man’s arms. He caught her and spun her around, and the two laughed.
Gavina performed a curtsy, her eyes lowered and her cheeks pink. “It’s an honor to see you again, Mr. Stewart.”
“And you as well, Gavina.” With ten levels of disdain, he tossed a stiff nod my way, his good humor erased. “Mrs. Bruce.”
Man, I’d thought my confidence bulletproof, but hit after hit of rejection could really give a gal a complex.
“Stay with Gavina, sweetheart.” Jamison carried the girl to her aunt and handed her over. “I must speak with your da for a bit.” He glanced at me. “In private.”
Though pouting, Mirren allowed Gavina to whisk her out of the office.
I stayed put.
Callen’s electric blues leveled on me. “Go with them and remember my rules.” Any hint of softness had evaporated. “Behave.”
Did the king and prince plan to discuss Tavish? I sooo wanted to listen in, but considering my own treachery, I shouldn’t make waves right now. But that didn’t mean I should accept troublesome behaviors. Until I made my escape, I had to live with this man. Best not to tolerate too much alphaness.
“I make no promises,” I said and blew him a kiss.
A muscle tick migrated from under his eye to his jaw. In other words, my work here was done. Head high, I strolled off, bringing the book with me.
Only a few steps outside the office, I picked up an entourage of two. Buzz and Ponytail claimed their spots, one in front of me, the other behind. They herded me down a twisting hallway and into a sitting area. We passed many other guards along the way. Had they come with Jamie?
“Thanks for the assist, guys.” I scanned my new surroundings. Standard waiting room decor. Potted plants. Easily forgettable framed artwork on the wall, not a heart-ripping in sight. Serviceable couch and armchair that didn’t invite any lingering.
What wasn’t standard? The armed guards standing throughout, some positioned against the wall, staring straight ahead, others peering out the windows, on the hunt for approaching intruders. Gavina and Mirren occupied a plush leather couch. The doll rested in Mirren’s lap as she pretended to read from an upside-down book.
Pass up this opportunity to learn more about her and this life? No. I eased into the chair across from the couch. “When you finish your book, we can get to know each other,” I suggested.
“No, thanks,” Mirren replied, not even bothering to glance up. “I have other plans.”
Gavina winced and turned the book around. “She means you no harm, Mrs. Bruce. She’s had a tough day. First Mr. Bird failed to show up for our morning tea, then there was the bathroom incident.”
The little girl’s lips parted. “You promised not to tell that part.”
Another cringe from Gavina. “My apologies, dear heart.”
Bathroom incident? Been there. “Please, call me Elle,” I invited Mirren. I understood the little girl’s problem with me in a way Gavina might not. My mother had started dating a year after my dad’s death, and in my immaturity, I’d been gutted. I’d lashed out in ways that now embarrassed me. “What’s your book about?”
“Stuff.” Giving a huff, Mirren stood and strode to the other side of the room, where she sank into the only extra plush chair that might have been made especially for her. Blue fabric with pink and yellow flowers.
Message received. I wasn’t welcome. Which I totally understood as well. To Mirren, I was the stranger who’d married her father. She feared losing his affections and hoped to protect herself. Considering Isobel’s awful personality, I should probably encourage distance between us. But dang it, I had a heart. And questions.