Page 29 of Touch Of Fate
“What a beautiful name,” Margarete hums, holding out her hand. “So nice to meet you.” I stare at her hand and realize I forgot to put my gloves on. Rome cups my hand, and I sigh gratefully.
“You too.” I slide my free hand into hers, and she squeezes. Margarete has blonde hair and soft blue eyes. Her long yellow skirt floats with every move, and her white long-sleeved top brushes over her hands.
“I hope he’s being good,” she says, releasing me.
“Being good,” Rome snorts. “Am I a puppy? Why wouldn’t I be good to my soul bond?”
“Men do sometimes act like dogs,” Adeline says dryly, and I laugh shortly. “See, she agrees.”
“No, of course not,” I say, not wanting to offend Rome.
“Don’t worry,” Margarete says. “He knows we love him.”
“Where’s Dad?” Rome asks.
“He’s at the hotel,” she answers.
“I believe his exact words were:I will not be a part of your interference. He’s going to be very annoyed.Your dad is hiding,” Adeline says, grinning.
“He’s smart,” Rome grumbles.
“Mara—” Lace stops in the doorway, startled by the newcomers.
“Aren’t you adorable?” Adeline says, and Lace’s eyes widen.
“Very,” Margarete says.
“Lace, my mom, and my aunt. They will be leaving soon.” Rome crosses his arms.
“But we haven’t looked around,” Adeline protests.
“And we need to get to know Mara.” His mom glares at him. “Lace is a lovely name,” Margarete says as she glides closer to her. My sister looks at her cautiously.
“Your power is heavy,” Lace whispers. Margarete cups Lace’s hands between hers.
“Yours is hiding,” she says, smiling gently.
“How can you tell?” Lace asks.
“I feel it burrowed inside.” Margarete presses one hand over her heart. “You’ll see when it’s time.” Lace looks at me and then back at Rome’s mom.
“You are welcome to stay, but I have a client coming soon.”
“You tattoo?” She looks behind her.
“Yes.”
“Adeline,” Margarete squeals, releasing Lace. “We should get new ones while we're here.”
“You won’t have time,” Rome interjects with a scowl.
“Oh, son, be nice.” She moves to the shelf closest to her, running her fingers over the spines of the books. “We could spend forever here.”
“Totally.” Adeline grins and joins her sister.
“Where is Uncle?” Rome asks.
“He is getting the lay of the land,” Adeline replies. “You know he loves to travel but has never been here. You’ll see him at dinner.”
