Page 3 of House of Soot

"The gardens look amazing," he says, nodding to the flowers I was arranging. "You must be the one responsible for that."

"You noticed? Most people just walk past without seeing how the colors complement each other or how the heights create depth…" Oh, my God, I’m rambling. It’s not very often anyone takes a real interest in my work. "Sorry, I get carried away talking about plants."

"Don't apologize. It's refreshing to meet someone passionate about their work."

Our eyes lock, and for a moment I’m lost in him. In many ways, he’s similar to Ronan. Blond hair. Green eyes. Fancy suit. Hint of danger. But Ronan is intense, controlled. This man, Blaise, has a refined appearance, but there's something wild about him, something that makes my pulse quicken.

"I should get back to work," I murmur, but I don’t go to leave.

"Of course." He straightens up. "Maybe you could show me those roses sometime?”

My mouth goes dry.Is he…?No. Men like him don't ask out girls like me. Especially not with that heat in their eyes that makes my skin tingle. I must be misreading this.

He cocks his head, his smile widening, those green eyes flickering with interest, and I’m completely enthralled. "I'd like that."

2

BLAISE

Iarrive at my brother Phoenix’s place after my shift at the Keans’. I had to go home and shower first, feeling the need to wash those motherfuckers off me. It’s not easy protecting the people I know killed my parents.

The rest of my brothers, Phoenix, Ash, and Flint, are already there.

"Well, look who decided to grace us with his presence." Flint lounges on the leather sofa, feet propped up on the coffee table.

Ash raises an eyebrow from his perch by the window, studying me. “You survived.”

“Was there a question?”

“Just worried you might blow your cover.”

“I think you have me confused with Flint.”

Flint gives me the finger.

Phoenix emerges from the kitchen, a steaming mug in hand. “How’d it go?”

"Like taking candy from a baby." I shrug off my jacket, tossing it over a chair.

“No one recognized you?” Phoenix asks.

“Not a single person.” I take the mug from Phoenix. “For me? You shouldn’t have.”

He rolls his eyes but allows me to keep the cup of coffee.

“Are they still shitting their pants?” Flint asks.

“They’re cautious and keeping low… for now. Hampton is pissed, and Ronan is chomping at the bit to go on a rampage against anyone and everyone who looks sideways at them.”

“So what’s new? He always was an asshole.” Ash moves from the window to join us.

“What about the woman?” Phoenix asks, returning with another cup of coffee.

I think about Jenna and how she was nothing like I imagined. It’s difficult to reconcile the innocent looking woman with the traitor I know her to be. “I found her and introduced myself as one of the new soldiers. She didn’t show any signs of recognizing me either. She tends the gardens.”

"The same gardens her mother worked in at our estate?" Phoenix's jaw tightens.

I drop into an armchair, careful not to spill my coffee. "Yep. Still crushing on Ronan too, although I doubt he knows she exists.”

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