Page 15 of Catnapped

Confused, I glance at her. Cece is nothing compared to May. If anything is unfair, it’s the way I’m not currently on top of May with her moaning my name.

“Yes. We were both upstairs, as I said.”

I focus on the butler, if only to get this over with so I can talk to May. “Where was Lauren?”

Dudley rolls his eyes. “In the garden, most likely. Or perhaps sitting at an open window in a sad attempt to hide the smell of her preferred vintage. Blue gorilla cheese, I believe, is her particular favorite.”

“And you didn’t see anything out of the ordinary that day?” I ask.

“No.”

“And no one visited the house that you know of?”

“No.” He shoots a glance at Mousey. “Other than that mongrel, of course. Hopefully, Mrs. Farrol will have her put down now that–”

“Don’t you dare!” May yelps, anger and fear in her tone.

He gives her a snide look. “I’m simply saying that without His Royal High–”

Gripping his black jacket, I lift him off the floor and slam him against the wall. “I suggest youstopsimply saying or Fitzy won’t be the only missing person from this estate.” I glare at him.

He sputters, his feet bumping against the wall as he flails pathetically.

“Now apologize to Ms. Levi.”

“I-I apologize,” he heaves out, his voice two octaves higher.

“And to Mousey!” May adds, her warmth at my elbow.

“But I–”

I press him harder against the wall. “Did she fucking stutter?”

He wheezes, “I’m sorry, M-m-mousey.”

“Better.” I drop him, and he crumples to the floor at my feet.

“We’ll be in touch.” I stride to the front door and open it for May.

She hurries out, a big smile on her beautiful face and Mousey at her heels.

10

MAY

Ican't contain the joy that fills my heart and the smile that brightens my face. No one has ever stood up for me. If I wasn’t completely smitten with Carson before, I surely would be now. I didn’t know aggression could be a turn-on.

“You good?” Carson asks when the car rolls to a stop outside the tall stone wall that wraps around the entire estate.

“Yes.” I keep it short. To prevent myself from fidgeting like a dorkball, I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

It was only a kiss. I mean, people kiss all the time. I shouldn’t be obsessing over what it means. Carson reaches over, his hand landing on my thigh. His touch is not helping my situation. My mind is racing with all sorts of thoughts.

“You’d tell me otherwise?”

“I think?” I don’t want to lie. I’m not sure I would admit it.

“I’ll take that for now.” Before letting it go, he gives my leg a squeeze.

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