Page 29 of The Hermit

Evinka looks at Grace again, who doesn’t waste a second to return the stare.

I feel a little tense as I watch the two women, then Grace asks, “Aren’t you going to introduce us?”

“Evinka is my sister and second-in-charge,” I reply, using the term sister so Grace will know I consider Evinka family. Gesturing in their direction, I say, “Grace and Ciara.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Grace says, her tone cautious but polite.

Evinka’s eyes flick to my face, then she signs, “Tell her same here.”

“She says likewise,” I relay the message.

The housekeeper brings the food, and before she can prepare a plate for me, Evinka rises to her feet to dish up for her and me.

When she sets the plate loaded with bacon, pancakes, and eggs down in front of me, I murmur, “Thanks.”

With the Devlins sitting on the other side of the table, it feels as if the room has been divided in half, tension filling the space between us.

After eating a pancake, Evinka signs, “Why change from the redhead to the blond?”

Not wanting the Devlins to hear, I sign my reply, “Her name is Grace. She’s stronger and will survive at my side.”

A frown forms on Evinka’s face. “At your side?” She glances at Grace again before meeting my eyes. “What happened to the marriage only being in name.”

My eyes narrow on hers as I snap, “Drop the subject.”

Evinka does as she’s ordered, and returning her attention to her food, she continues to eat.

I stare at the plate in front of me as my mind races to catch up.

When did it change from leaving my wife here in Ireland to her coming with me?

My eyes flick to Grace, and the longer I stare at her, the faster my heart beats.

Jebat.I like the woman way too fucking much.

I shake my head hard, and it has Grace glancing in my direction.

Not even a second passes then she asks, “What? Why are you staring at me like that?”

I can feel Evinka’s eyes on me as I mutter, “No reason.”

Leaving my food untouched, I shove the chair back and climb to my feet.

Evinka grabs the bacon off my plate and eats it as she quickly sets after me when I stalk out of the dining room.

My years on this planet have proven I’m incapable of expressing romantic interest in a woman, yet my heart is beating a different tune.

When we finally reach the privacy of the cottage, Evinka signs, “What was that?”

I shake my head as I stop in front of the window that gives me a perfect view of the backyard and mansion.

Minutes of silence pass before Evinka pats my arm so I’ll look at her.

“Talk to me,” she signs.

My face pulls in a grimace then I admit, “I think I like Grace.”

Evinka’s eyebrows shoot up, and then her hands fly at the speed of light. “What? Like in a romantic way? Are you sure?”

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