Page 155 of Nanny and the Beast

“It’s going to be okay,” he whispers.

I nod quickly. I try to pull my hand away, but he doesn’t let go.

“Do you have the sample with you right now?” Vera turns to look at me. Her eyes drop to our joined hands, but she doesn’t remark on it.

“I do,” I reply. “I hope it’s enough. I had to give most of it to the detectives, but I saved some just in case.”

“Good thinking.” Vera nods.

“Also, thank you so much for agreeing to help me,” I say.

“Of course.” She gives me a warm smile.

The greenhouse looms ahead of us like a living creature, its iron frame draped with creeping vines. The glass panes are fogged with condensation, glowing faintly from the warm light inside.

The glass doors slide open as we approach. We’re blasted with humid air that smells like damp earth after a rainstorm. An ancient, vibrant energy thrums around me, curling around me like a spell.

It feels like stepping inside a forest.

I’m surrounded by dozens of species of plants—from potted herbs to fully-grown trees that nearly brush the high ceiling. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. There’s a workbench nearby, its surface cluttered with glass jars, stone mortars, and open books filled with handwritten notes.

“This place looks unreal,” I say, trying to take everything in. “I feel like I’m in some kind of private museum.”

To my right, there’s even an aquarium filled with underwater plant species.

“It’s my favorite place in the world,” Vera says, rolling up the sleeves of her sweater.

Klaus’s phone rings. His eyebrows furrow as he stares at the screen.

“It’s Alaric,” he says, looking up at me. “Is it okay if I step out for a few minutes?”

I nod. I really appreciate him checking in with meeven though he doesn’t have to.

As he retreats, I stare at the bunched muscles of his shoulders. He’s stressed about something.

“How long have you two been together?” Vera asks.

Heat rushes to my cheeks.

“Oh, we’re not... it’s not official or anything,” I say.

“Looks pretty serious to me,” she says, tilting her head to the side. “Everyone who knows Klaus knows that he hates being touched. Byanyone. But somehow, you’re the exception.”

“We’re just...fond of each other, I guess?” I say. My face feels like it’s on fire.

“You love him,” she observes. “Love is never something you need to be embarrassed about.”

Love is dangerous. It makes you do stupid things like fall for the wrong man. I don’t even want to think about the depth of my feelings for him, but I know I can’t run from it either.

I glance back outside.

I can see his broad silhouette against the darkening sky. My body fills with heat every time I look at him. My heart skips a beat whenever his eyes lock with mine.

I’m so scared to get attached to someone I could lose in the end, but I never experienced happiness like this before.

“And he’s completely crazy about you,” Vera says. “I can tell by the way he looks at you. I know a man in love when I see one.”

It’s almost too much for me.

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