Page 23 of Hot Blooded
“Hungry?” she asks. “There’s stew on the stove. The fixings for sandwiches too.”
I nod. “I’ll help myself in a little bit. Thank you.” Her stew smells delicious where it bubbles away in a large copper pot on the gas range.
“How’s the library been treating you?”
“Fine,” I say, mesmerized by the way the dough twists and bubbles under her skilled touch. “I won’t have any problems with the six months to complete the assignment.” She nods. “I found an old diary today. It looks interesting.”
“Hmm,” she says, slicing the dough into two equal portions with a white plastic pastry cutter. I expect her to say more, maybe ask a question, but she stays silent, concentrating on the dough. I get up to help myself to some dinner.
After a bowl of stew, I thank Mrs. Potts and retreat to my room. All is quiet as I pass by Reign’s private quarters, and I decide to give him his space. I settle on my bed with the journal.
I begin reading the first journal entry and am immediately entranced.
Dear Diary,
Today I met the most dashing man at King’s Chapel. There was something very different about him, but I can’t put my finger on it. Like a klutz, I bumped into him and dumped my books on the ground. I swear I felt something weird when we collided, like a cross between electricity and gravity, heating me and pulling me to him.
Of course, he didn’t bat a lash at me, but he helped me gather my belongings, and gave me a polite smile.
I hope I bump into him again.
Until tomorrow,
Daniella
I flip to the next page and read for a while longer. It’s so personal. So intimate.
He’s as tempting as the world’s finest treasure, and I am weak, unable to resist him. Even when he tells me, my life’s in danger.
Chills race over my skin and I close the diary. Is it the most shockingly erotic thing I’ve ever read? Well, no. But I’ve enjoyed some smutty books in the past. What it lacks in graphic detail, it makes up for in pure-unbridled lust. The desire practically drips from its aged pages. My eyelids are getting heavy though, so I decide to stop for the evening. I’m only a little ways through, and there will be plenty to read later on.
***
My roses have come along nicely. It’s been four days since my chat with Reign in the garden. Four days since I’ve felt that heart-pounding anticipation when a thorn has pricked my finger. Four days since I met Lena. She’s texted me a couple of times—just to make small talk, and I can tell we’re going to get along well. I may even go out with her this weekend into town. We’ll see… meeting new friends is a big deal for me. I guess I’m every bit the clichéd introverted librarian. Whatever. I’m happy this way. Even if my head has been clouded by a whole lot of confusing thoughts lately.
“Knock, knock,” a masculine voice calls before entering the kitchen, startling me.
I spin around and find Alastair standing on the other side of the marble island. “Oh.” My hand flies to my heart. “Hi.” I attempt a smile, but it feels a little forced. I get nervous around him and I’m not even sure why.
“Tressa,” he murmurs, seductively. “I was beginning to think my brother was keeping you locked away so he could have you all to himself.”
My cheeks heat at the idea.Not hardly…
“Reign’s not here today. He said he had business to take care of in town.” Part of me wondered if that meant he was meeting up with his brother, but apparently not.
Alastair nods, looking thoughtful. “That’s not a problem. I don’t have anything on the agenda today. I can hang out until he arrives.” His mouth tilts up in a lopsided smile.
I blink at him twice. I have no idea how long that will be, butokay then. I fill a crystal vase with water and then resume trimming the rose stems with a paring knife. I plan to keep fresh roses in the library for as long as they’re in bloom. I think it will be a nice touch. I can feel Alastair watching me as I work.
I’ve been wondering about Reign’s brother for weeks now, and today, it seems I’m going to get my chance to get to know him. Like Reign, his skin is pale. He’s fit and attractive and sophisticated. Unlike Reign, he’s playful and rarely serious. I’m really not sure what to make of his personality.
“So, Tressa…” he purrs, leaning one hip against the counter across from me. “How are you and my brother getting along?” His eyebrows wag suggestively, and I instantly know what he’s thinking.
I consider lying, and I’m not sure why that’s my first instinct, it just is. I guess it’s because things with Reign and I are so new and so fragile, and so…confusing, that the urge to protect it from prying eyes is my natural reaction.
And there’s no denying, thingsareconfusing with Reign. I love my new job, and the place where I get to live is incredible. And Mrs. Potts is so very wonderful. But I’m not convinced that this isn't all headed toward some great disaster. I can’t shake the feelings that I have, the curiosity about Reign as a man. It feels dangerous and disorienting. But I also know I’m not strong enough to walk away, to go back home to Ohio, where I have nothing and no one. So even if it isn’t the best decision, I’m committed to seeing this through, no matter where it takes me.
I clear my throat. “It’s going well. I’m enjoying my work in the library. And Reign is… well,Reign.” I give him another shy smile. “I’m getting to know him slowly.”
