Page 25 of The Enemy's Daughter

“Christmas?”

“Yeah.”

“Not really. It’s just me, you know. I tend to work over it.”

“Oh, that’s really sad. I have a tree up, and sometimes Rebecca, my friend, she comes around, or I go to my dad’s if he’s not got guests of his own. He works too much. I’d love for him to find someone,” she said.

“Just not a younger woman?” he asked.

“Young, old, I don’t care so long as they love him for him, not for his bank balance.” She gasped. “Crap, I didn’t mean to say that.”

“Your father is wealthy?” It only seemed right to ask that question seeing as many others would.

“Yes.” She bit her lip. “This is where everything goes wrong.”

“Why?”

“A lot of people only like me for my father’s money. It sucks but it’s the truth, and I’ve suffered in the past because of it.”

“I’m not here for your father’s money, Bella. I’ve got my own, and I’m very happy. I’m here because I like you, and what we shared on Saturday, I want that again.”

“You do?”

“Yeah, I do.” He cupped her cheeks, and leaned in close, pressing his lips against hers. “Isn’t that what you want? A man who understands and gets you? Someone who doesn’t want to change you, or reject you because you like to be loved?”

“Loved? That’s a pretty strong word.”

“I’ve got plenty more.”

She smiled, and Alaric was just happy to see that damn smile on her lips.

“Don’t think about everything, Bella. Just feel.” Kissing her lips once again, he ran his thumb across her lip. “I’ve got a better idea for what I want to do to those lips.”

“You’re a charmer.”

She kissed Buster’s head before handing him back. “I’m going to head home. Thank you, Blue. For everything.”

Alaric watched her go, stroking Buster’s fur. “Do you think we’re getting through to her?”

Buster’s only response was a lick of his tongue.

****

Bella tucked her hair behind her ear as she made her way toward her door. She had left Blue at the veterinary practice, and was wondering if she should have followed him back to his place or something.

Opening her door without checking who it was, she was surprised to see Blue standing there.

“Blue.”

“I went and got a babysitter for Buster.” He held up a bottle of wine. “I figured you’d want some company, and I did promise your boss that I’d take care of you.”

“That’s really not necessary though. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m used to taking care of myself.”

“And now you don’t. Come on, some wine, some good food. I can smell something. What do you have cooking?”

“I have a chicken parm bake in the oven.”

“Smells amazing. Come on, what do you have to lose?” he asked.

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