Page 130 of Seducing Hope (The Hope Legacy)

Duncan chuckles. “Never underestimate the power of a sincere apology.”

“He confuses me.”

“He scares you,” Duncan mutters.

I rub my temples as Zee collects some more dishes and joins me in the kitchen. “What? Do you have a little ‘dissect Natia’s emotions’ group going on with him?”

Zee chuckles and bumps my arm. “You’re not that hard to read. Whatever you want, though, we’ll be here for you.”

Duncan begins walking around the house, erecting wards to keep prying ears and eyes out. He shares his thoughts in between muttering words I don’t understand. “Anyway. The sharing of information went well, I think.”

I study his movements, wondering if I can cast wards. “At least they’ve agreed to hold off acting on the Jar and Pan.”

Aaden glances up from his laptop. “Do you trust them?”

Drumming my fingers on the kitchen countertop, I nod. “Yes, their intentions are good, but Archan’s right—the replica Jar is different and might be there to confuse and mislead.”

In a moment of pure domestication, Zee reorganizes the dishwasher to fit every last dish in and offers it a smug smile like he’s achieved something worthy of a Mensa Prize. “You honestly think a set of potential gods has it wrong?”

Aaden looks baffled. “Gods?”

“Duncan believes they’re some kind of all-powerful beings, maybe gods, because of the way they teleport. It’s a long story… Duncan will fill you in.”

I put my head in my hands. “I’m back to being confused. One, are we really dealing with gods? Two, who the hell am I, if I’m not one of the protectors? Three, Pandora—really? Argh! This hurts my tiny brain.”

Zee rubs the top of my head. “Your brain isn’t tiny. But you refuse to go out with me, so I guess I do have to question your intelligence.”

I glare at him. “Are you suddenly interested in testicular reconstructive surgery?”

He barks out a laugh just as a light and airy familiar voice floats just outside the house. A gentle knock echoes around the room—all the guys freeze and stare at the door like hellhounds have come for our souls, and not my stylist here to prep me for tomorrow.

“Come in!” I yell.

A short, plump lady in her sixties appears, carrying a number of garment bags. “Hey, Nat! I’m here with your dress choices to make you gorgeous…” She stops when she sees the guys, her eyes growing wide.

“She’s already gorgeous,” Zee mutters.

“Hi, Mary. This is Duncan, Zee, and Aaden, my colleagues.”

She composes herself. “Oh, I see. Should I pop these in your bedroom?”

“Sure, I’ll be along in a few minutes.”

I sigh and stare up at the ceiling. Damn! I completely forgot the Christmas ball is tomorrow night. Duncan clears his throat, gathering my attention. All of the guys are staring at me with their mouths slightly open. “Umm, are we missing something here, Natia?”

I groan. “I promised my grandfather I would attend the Christmas ball,” I explain.

Zee snickers. “Would you like me to stay around and help? I could make sure you have the correct underwear on? It can be tricky making sure it doesn’t show.” I smack him over the head. “You have a dirty mouth.”

He grins at me. “Indeed, but I’ve been assured it tastes divine.”

I sigh. “If you guys want to stay here and continue to work on the inscription, I can catch up after the ball. We need to focus on finding Pan. I’m sure she can shed some light on this mystery. However, tonight I need to pick my dress and check the florists and staff have prepped the house accordingly. Then tomorrow I’ve promised to help organize the chaos that precedes the ball and attend said ball.”

Aaden grimaces. “You don’t look too happy.”

“I’m not, for a lot of reasons.”

Mary reappears. “Ready for you!”

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