Page 40 of Reckless Promises

“I’m settling. It helps that everyone is nice.” I cross my legs under me and take another sip of my coffee. “What about you? Do you like working here?”

“Of course.” Her eyes pinch like she’s not sure why I’d ask that. “It’s good money and Mr. Cross treats the staff well. Although, I heard it wasn’t quite the same when his father was here.”

“You never worked for Ronan?”

She shakes her head. “I started a little after he passed. But Mr. Cross has been very accommodating.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m still finishing school.” Peyton lines up a pair of black pumps with rubies on the heel. “He doesn’t mind that Darci works my schedule around my classes.”

“What are you studying?”

“Communications. Who knows, maybe I’ll be working for your husband in a different capacity someday.” She smiles confidently, and I don’t doubt it, even if it’ssurprising that she wants to, given most of Cillian’s business is illegal. “But for now, I’m happy doing this.”

She smooths her fingers over another dress before slipping it into the closet.

I’m not sure what it’s like to have dreams or go to school for any reason other than graduating. I didn’t have the opportunity to pick a degree or think about where I’d focus my studies. I’ve never been given the option to care about anything that interested me just because I wanted to.

It’s not something I can relate to.

“Do you know where Cillian is?” I change the subject, trying to ignore the fact that it’s kicking up a blender of emotions. “I should probably thank him for the new wardrobe.”

“His office. But he might be in a meeting.”

“I’ll just pop my head in.” Standing up, Birdie follows me to the door.

Peyton closes the closet and wheels one of the empty carts to follow me. “I can take you.”

“I’m sure I can find it.”

“It’s fine, really. It’ll be much quicker this way. Less of a chance you’ll get lost and accidentally end up in the dungeon.”

“Dungeon?” My eyes widen.

“Joking.” Petyon smiles. “I think… You never really know what’s rumor and what’s real around here.”

Knowing Cillian, it probably isn’t a rumor at all.

I follow Peyton to the door, considering changing into clothing with more coverage first since Cillian’s beenvocal about how he feels when I wander the main part of the house in my nightgowns. But I’m not in the mood to get dressed this early or care, so people will just have to look away.

Tying my robe tight, I follow Peyton out of the room, and we slowly make our way to the end of the hall with Birdie running in circles around both of us. It isn’t until we reach the core of the house that she darts off.

The one good thing about people always bustling around the house is that Birdie always has someone to play with. And when she makes her way to one of Cillian’s guards, he leads her outside to run around.

This late in the morning, the house is busy, but the staff averts their eyes as I make my way to Cillian’s office. I get the impression Cillian’s ordered them not to speak to me unless it’s necessary because Peyton, Darci, and Daniel are the only ones to start conversations.

“Here we are.” Peyton stops in front of a large door at the end of the wing opposite mine and Cillian’s.

“Thanks, Peyton.”

“Anything you need.” She smiles as she walks away, and I’m thankful at least someone around here is friendly.

I knock twice, but the door is so thick, I’m not sure he’ll hear it.

“Come in.”

Turning the handle, I push open the door and freeze.

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