Page 60 of Moonlit Thorns

His hands drop from my shoulders, and he pushes up off the desk. “He’s lucky I didn’t bury him out back in the garden.”

The viciousness in his voice says he’s serious.

“Why would you put your company and your family at risk? I mean, we’re not…” I’m not sure how to put it. We’re not what? Boyfriend and girlfriend, lovers, friends? All of that is true, but at the same time, it doesn’t feel wholly true either.

He ignores my question. “I spoke to Marcel this morning, and the repairs on your room in the staff building are complete.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll be sure to move my things out when I’m done working today.”

I hate the twinge of pain in my chest at having to move farther away from him, which is stupid. It’s not as if I spend any time with him in his bedroom, or him in mine. And sure, Midnight Manor is kind of creepy at the best of times, but especially at night. Still, I know I’ll miss sleeping in the west wing.

“You’re not going anywhere. I’ve already told Marcel that you are to stay right where you are.”

“Why would you do that?” My voice is almost a whisper.

He levels me with his stare. “I think you know why, Anabelle.” Then he leans in and brushes a soft kiss over my eyebrow before retreating to his desk.

It takes me a moment to move again, sinking back into my chair. I told myself I wouldn’t develop feelings for Asher Voss, that this is just about sex and the pleasure he can give me during my time here. But something makes me think that maybe that promise is futile. Because the more layers of Asher I discover, the more I want to keep unraveling.

At the end of the workday, I head back to the staff housing to scrounge up something for dinner. After dinner, I plan to venture back into the maze until I find the center, where I’ll finish the book I’m reading. It’s getting really good. The hero has just broken the heroine’s heart, but I know he’ll put it back together. That’s always my favorite part of any romance novel. The maze is a private space, and it reminds me of Asher and the night we first crossed the line. If I go in early enough, I have every expectation that I’ll be able to find my way out before it’s dark.

The humidity outside makes sweat slick my skin as I make my way along the path. It’s always like that this time of year, even when it’s overcast like today.

I turn when I hear my name called and see Marcel rushing toward me. I’ve been nervous about seeing the other staff members today now that Asher has told Marcel I’ll be staying in the manor. It was one thing to be staying there when there was nowhere else to go, but it’s another now that my old room has been repaired.

What will they think of me? Will they know I’ve had sex with Asher? Do they know about the sex club, and if so, will they somehow know I’ve been there with him?

I wait for Marcel to catch up and smile at him, hoping it looks natural.

“Where are you headed off to?” he asks.

“I was going to go make myself some dinner, same as I do every night. Why? Do you need my help with something?”

He laughs. “Not at all. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t headed back to the staff quarters to take over your old room.”

I shift in place. “About that?—”

“I think it’s marvelous.” He throws his hands in the air as though it’s a celebration.

“You do?”

“Of course.” He loops his arm through mine, and we continue walking the path. “Mr. Voss obviously cares about you, otherwise he wouldn’t have insisted. We all think that’s a great thing.”

I don’t even know where to start with that statement. “We?”

“The rest of the staff. Well, not everyone knows of course, but eventually they all will.”

I groan.

“What’s that about?” He stops us, and I turn to look at him.

“I’m just thinking about what everyone else must think.”

“They think the same as I do—that Mr. Voss finally has someone in his life he’s opening up to, maybe even opening his heart to.”

God, his words give me hope, but no. That will only lead to heartbreak.

I shake my head and walk again. “It’s not like that.”

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