Page 28 of The Hermit

Once I’m done, I search for another pan and turn on the heat while my thoughts revolve around Grace.

I enjoyed watching her in the kitchen and actually found it relaxing.

Instead of seeking solitude in the cottage, I find myself gravitating more and more toward Grace.

It’s only been two days, but I’ve learned a lot about her. She’s strong, and when she sets her mind to something, she carries it through. Not even the threat of death makes her back off.

Her fiery temper and bravery are only making my attraction toward her grow.

I think it’s safe to say there’s no way I’m marrying Ciara. Ian doesn’t have to know yet. Once I’ve had the meeting with the Portuguese, Italians, and Greeks, and we’ve formed an alliance, I’ll tell him I’m taking Grace.

The man should be only too relieved I’m still agreeing to marry one of his daughters to put up a fight.

And if he tries to fight, I’ll just kill him.

I continue making one pancake after the other while I plan the next couple of weeks.

Evinka should arrive today. I’ll instruct her to find a place where we can hold the meetings. Somewhere, the bratva can’t easily attack us. Maybe a bunker or island in the middle of nowhere.

When I hear someone coming toward the kitchen, I’m pulled out of my thoughts. I glance over my shoulder and see the housekeeper shooting anxious glances my way as she comes into the room.

Her tone is strained with fear as she asks, “Do you need help, sir?”

I glance at the pancakes and mutter, “Bring me eggs and bacon.”

“I can prepare breakfast,” she offers while I hear her open the fridge.

I shake my head and continue to focus on the pancakes.

Living alone in the mountains, I’ve gotten quite good at cooking. It’s one of the few things I enjoy doing.

When the housekeeper places a tray of eggs and two packs of bacon on the counter near me, irritation ghosts over my skin.

I’m highly aware of the woman as she moves around the kitchen, and not even five minutes later, I snap, “Leave!”

I listen to her footsteps hurry out of the room before I let out a sigh of relief.

I continue preparing breakfast while making plans to conquer the bratva. Just as I switch off the stove, I hear footsteps again.

“He’s been making breakfast, and from the anxious state my housekeeper is in, he seems to be in a bad mood,” I hear Ian whisper outside the kitchen.

I walk to the sink and wash my hands before turning around to see who’s with Ian. When my eyes lock on Evinka, the corner of my mouth lifts.

There’s a shocked expression on her face as she glances between me and the food I prepared, then she signs, “Who are you, and what did you do with my brother?”

I let out a chuckle, which seems to give Ian the guts to pop his head into the kitchen. “I hear you made breakfast. Should we move to the dining room?”

Nodding, I leave the kitchen with Evinka right behind me.

When we walk into the dining room, I ask, “Did you bring the clothes and ammunition?”

She nods, and while I take a seat, she decides to sit at the head of the table, which makes me smirk.

As the Devlins join us, I assume none of them know sign language, so I sign to Evinka, “Eat fast. We have a lot of work to do.”

She nods again, then looks at Grace and Ciara before asking, “Which one are you marrying?”

My hands move quickly as I reply, “The deal is for the redhead, but I’m going to change it to the blond.”

---