Page 38 of Devotion: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 1)

“What did your uncle say in Gaelic?” I asked him curiously, remembering the reaction from Ainslee and her mother.

He chuckled softly. “He said I better take good care of you or he’ll make me pay.”

I frowned trying to comprehend why would that cause a reaction out of Ainslee and her mother but I didn’t ask anything else.

He took me around and introduced me to every person he stopped to talk to. The entire time, he never let go of my hand and his warmth spread through my body, calm easing into my soul, soothing my senses.

My hand still in his, we stood on the terrace, surrounded by other older couples, everyone relaxed and chattering away. Lizzy and Jack were there too. Lachlan included me in all conversations and I was thankful since I’d never liked large social settings. He was a thoughtful host.

A few couples kept our conversations going, and I’d answered questions when directed at me, but otherwise, I loved observing them all. His guests were friendly, but I couldn’t help feeling slightly out of place. It had been so long since I socialized in large group settings, and it had never been something I particularly enjoyed.

They all seemed happy and carefree. With Lachlan, I felt content and he brought a sense of peace. It made me wonder if I could be carefree again and experience full happiness. I had loss, sorrow, and regret engraved on my heart but with him I started to hope I could move past that.

My eyes traveled to Lizzy and her husband remembering her comment on our first ice cream shop gathering. She survived the tragedy of losing twins. She was perfect evidence of hope; although, the guilt I felt was hard to get over.

Dusk fell over the gardens and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so at peace. The air smelled fresh, like warm spring rain. Except there was no sign of rain at all.

“Lachlan, my love,” a shrill woman’s voice reached me from behind. “Where have you been hiding?”

I could have sworn Lachlan's relaxed posture tensed at the sound of the voice. I noted a few other couples tensed as well or shifted uncomfortably as if ready to bolt.

The blonde woman that hung on his arm earlier came to us. Uncomfortable, I tried to pull my hand out of his but he held it firmly, not letting go.

She had a beautiful smile on her face but it did not reach her cold blue eyes. In fact, I was sure, if she could, she’d throw daggers at me.

“And who are you?” she asked in her shrill voice.

I debated whether to ignore her but being rude was never me so I answered curt.

“Eve.”

As if I hadn’t spoken, she ignored me and batted her lashes at Lachlan.

“Can we talk, love?” She trailed her finger down his shirt, playfully and seductively.

Lachlan's grey eyes turned cold but he didn’t lose his cool. With his free hand, never letting go of mine, he took her hand off of him.

“No.” His answer was cold and warranted no response.

But it was his posture that was the scariest of all. I could feel the tension rolling off his shoulders and body withdon’t fuck with mevibes. I watched him in fascination, never catching this side of him before.

“I was hoping for a quick fuck, love,” she cooed at Lachlan as if he didn’t just bat her hand off of him.

If it wasn’t uncomfortable before, it certainly was way past that point now.

I cleared my throat, this time firmly pulling my hand out of Lachlan's. “I think you two have things to clear up. I’m going to find Ainslee.”

Lachlan's eyes were telling me the opposite but I didn’t want to be in the middle of whatever was going on between those two. Seems everyone else followed my suit and cleared too.

I turned away from Lachlan without a backward glance and went in search of Ainslee and her mother or uncle.

They spotted me before I spotted them and flagged me over.

“Where is Lachlan?” Colin asked with surprise on his face to see me alone.

I shrugged my shoulder. Ainslee kissed me on the cheek in greeting. I really liked her, but her openness would take getting used to.

She’d get along great with Elise,I thought to myself.

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