Page 8 of Twisted Knight

“Timbits, maple syrup chocolates, Nanaimo bars…”

Dom laughed a full belly laugh and for a second I was just in awe. This austere man was… beautiful. “Wait until Luca hears about it.”

Cassie pointed an accusing finger at him. “You wouldn’t dare!”

He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Your secret is safe with me, munchkin.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

Dom rolled his eyes. “Don’t worry, she got me to smuggle her food three times this week.”

“Four,” Cassie replied with a little cheeky smile. “It’s just Luca’s on my ass about eating healthier for the babies and I do but—” She shrugged.

“He might not be wrong now, is he?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Not you too!” Cassie sighed with exasperation.

Dom raised his hands in surrender. “I’m out of here. I’ll leave your suitcase in front of your room.” He turned to me, his smile a little more generic than before. “It was nice meeting you.”

I nodded, looking at him jog up the stairs with my super heavy suitcase like it weighed nothing at all. That man was something.

When I turned toward Cassie, she was looking at me with a little smile on her face. What was that for?

“Let’s go to the kitchen. We can have a cup of tea and chat for a while.”

I gave her a side-look. “You want to eat some of the food I brought you, right?”

She laughed. It was so melodious and happy that it eased the remainder of worry I had about her. She was clearly happy. I didn’t need to be a psychologist to see that she transpired happiness.

“Let me help you; that’s why I’m here.” I pointed at a chair. “Just sit and tell me where everything is.”

I saw she was about to argue when I reached into my bag for the box of Timbits. “Here.”

Her face lit up and she took a seat as she grabbed the box from me. “The teapot is in the first cabinet. You can pick the loose herbal teas from the counter just beside the kettle.”

I nodded and started to make us tea.

“I’m happy you’re here,” she said, her mouth full of Timbits.

I couldn’t help but laugh because even if I brought her the fifty box; I was not sure I’d see one.

“Where’s Jude?”

She sighed. “Boarding school.” She shook her head. “I didn’t want him to go but Luca said I had to let him do what he wanted. This is a school upstate for little geniuses like him.” I shrugged. “He went for their summer program and fell in love with the school.” She popped another Timbit in her mouth. “What choice did I have?”

It was a bummer, but I got it. “Luca was right here. Jude’s a smart kid; he needs to make his own choices.”

She leaned back on her chair. “I know.” She rubbed her stomach. “I hope these two will stay with me.”

“Yeah…” I was not about to discourage her before her babies were even born.

“My back is really hurting me today so I won’t be able to give you a tour of the house.”

I shook my head. “Hey, don’t worry about it, I don’t need a tour. I’ll explore as we go.” I brought the tray with the tea and cups to the table before sitting across from her.

“I’ll have Dom give you a tour later,” she added decisively. I’d forgotten how stubborn she could be.

“Dom…” I trailed off. “He’s something, isn't he?” I was not sure how to put it; that man was just so hard to read.

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