Page 79 of Undercover Savior

“Of course. I’ll lead the way,” I offered, hoping to be able to speak to Sullivan alone.

“A moment, sir?” Mrs. Drummond asked.

“Err, certainly,” I responded when Sullivan scowled at me. “The library is just ahead on the right.” I watched them walk away, silently willing her to look over her shoulder at me. She didn’t.

“What is it?” I asked, snapping at the last person who deserved it. “Apologies, Mairi. What can I assist with?”

“I was wondering how you’d like to handle Christmas dinner.”

“I have no preference.”

She leaned closer. “What I mean to say is, what about Ambrose?”

“Bloody hell,” I said under my breath. “I’d forgotten he was here.”

“Would there be an issue with him joining you?”

Beyond annoyance? Probably not. Sullivan’s presence on the estate was hardly a secret at this point. “Please issue the invitation. There’s always the chance he’ll decline.”

“Unlikely, and yes, sir.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask about her earlier behavior at Thistle Gate, except what would I say? Not to mention, Sullivan was quite miffed at me presently.

When I approached the library, I found her sitting on her own, studying her computer. “May I interrupt?”

“Yes.” She barely glanced in my direction, even when I took the seat next to her.

“I overstepped and I apologize.” I ran my finger down her arm.

Her gaze met mine. “Why did you?”

“Protecting you has become a reflex. I know that’s a horrible excuse, but…”

“Go on.”

I scooted closer. “If anything should happen to you, I don’t know how I’d bear it.” My words were hardly above a whisper, but I was close enough for her to hear me.

“He’s my uncle. It should be my decision.”

“I agree and will offer my apologies a second time.”

“Accepted.”

“Am I forgiven?”

“Yes,” she said, looking up when Fallon entered the room.

“Sorry to interrupt.”

When Sullivan told her she wasn’t, I took that as my cue to leave. “We’ll speak later?” I asked.

“Of course.”

“Well,I made a bloody mess of that,” I said, rejoining Con and Gus.

“I’d say,” Gus muttered.

“By the way, your mum stopped me on the way to the library to inquire about Brose joining us for dinner.”

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