Page 100 of Mostly Shattered

He turns to me and takes my hands in his. I can tell he doesn’t want to leave me.

“I know,” I whisper, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest. “Go.”

Costin hesitates, his gaze sweeping over the flowers and gifts. His attention stops onthe stacks of messages littering the coffee table. His eyes narrow slightly before coming back to rest on me.

“I’ll be back for you tonight at dusk,” he promises.

Before I can answer, he leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead. It lingers briefly, like a promise, and then he’s gone.

“Tamara,” Astrid’s tone instantly changes now that he’s left. She comes at me, shaking her head. “What on earth are you thinking?”

“I’m sorry,” I defend. “I should have told you about the prophecy, but I didn’t want you to worry. I swear to you I didn’t have a choice. Grandfather George did not learn about the threat of the dragon until after he gave me the amulet, and it was too late. And I think he was going to tell us about it, but then he died and never got the chance. Costin knew about it so he came with me, and we had to go to see a troll and?—”

“Tamara, stop babbling.” Astrid finishes her martini and holds her empty glass out to the side. One of the maids rushes to grab it from her. My mother doesn’t look at the woman, not even to thank her. “Yes, I’m not pleased about the prophecy. And yes, you should have told us. It was embarrassing to find out about it by a bouquet of goblins delivering flowers. However, that is a conversationfor another time.”

I’m confused. “I don’t understand. Am I in trouble?”

I mean, I kind of assumed that I would be, but if she’s okay with the prophecy, then what is this about? Surely she’s not pissed that people are giving me gifts. Honestly, I’m more annoyed because I’m the one who’s going to have to fill out ten billion thank you cards.

“Today is the worst possible day to deal with any of this. Your father left for Europe last night to personally oversee a shipment of iron weaponry. Chester and his family know you’re in a supernatural city with a vampire. Fairies saw you two kissing. Those gossip whores told everybody. I thought we talked about this. You were to end it with him until a later date. And always,always,you must act with discretion.” Astrid pauses as the maid returns with a fresh martini and hands it to her. My mother takes a sip and wrinkles her nose before handing it back. “More liquor, Rosemary. I want to taste the gin, not just guess that it’s there.”

Rosemary takes the glass and rushes away. It’s not the maid’s fault. My mother gets like this when she’s annoyed. It’s one of the reasons why there’s a heavy turnover with the New York penthouse staff.

“Mabel, with her usual lack of etiquette and foresight, told the ladies at her club about her son’s engagement. Any imbecile knows you don’t makeannouncements before the ink is dry on the contracts. But thinking has never been your future mother-in-law’s strong suit.”

“About Chester,” I try to interrupt.

“Don’t worry.” Astrid pats me on the shoulders. “The Freemonts will be here first thing this morning. Chester is a man, and about as bright as his mother. Men are easy. Play dumb about the rumors. Don’t admit to any wrongdoing. Bat your eyelashes, stroke his ego, and make him feel like a man.”

Gross.

“I’m more concerned about his father. I just know that he’s going to use this to renegotiate some of the contract’s terms. I’ve asked your uncle Mortimer to join us as well.” Astrid stops as the maid returns with a fresh drink. She gives it a light sniff and then nods in approval. Rosemary looks only too happy to return to the gift table. “I don’t want you to worry. This will all get straightened out. But afterward, you and I are going to sit down, and we’re going to have a talk about what discretion means.”

I catch her staring at my clothes again. Her nose wrinkles, and she shakes her head. “There is no time for you to change. They’re going to be here soon. When this is over, though, I want you to burn that outfit. I never want to see it again.”

I really wish Costin would comeback. I should never have left his room. I would much rather lay in his arms, feeling his kisses lingering on my skin.

The elevator dings. Astrid busies herself, heading toward it. Delivery people bring in more boxes, and she directs them to add them to the stack.

Though I tell myself, I’m not really surprised. This is what I expected. Well, that is what I expected, minus the flower garden and presents.

“I think we should talk before everyone gets here.” I follow my mother, and she gestures for me to be quiet as she waits for the delivery people to leave.

As soon as the elevator closes, Rosemary says, “That was the front desk, Lady Astrid. Mortimer is on his way up.”

“Yes, yes, thank you.” Astrid looks around the room in a complete fluster. “Oh, this mess!”

She’s not stopping to listen to me. I suppose it’s best if I make my case to everybody at the same time. It’ll save me from repeating myself all morning to people who don’t want to listen.

It’s not long before the elevator dings again, and I hear the doors sliding open.

“Ladies,” Mortimer states by way of greeting.

I don’t turn around as I hear the distinct sound of footsteps entering the foyer. They’re deliberate, as if my uncle wants me to know his displeasure before he even begins his tirade.

I turned slowly to face him and realize he’s not alone. Chester is with him.

Fuck.

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