Page 15 of Revelation (Love Isn't What It Seems 3)

“Ready to have the best time ever, Brandon?” I smiled at my new nephew. He raised his head, a small worry in his eyes. He tried to be so brave. He nodded in response, his lower lip trembling. “Don’t worry, before you know it, they’ll be back.” I gave him a big smile and squeezed his hand gently in comfort. Poor guy had been through so much already.

“That’s right, buddy,” Layla chimed in, lowering to his eye level. “How about we go explore this monstrosity of a castle?”

“I’ll be the guide,” I volunteered. Layla’s blue eyes shifted to me, her brows frowning. She didn’t want me to come along. Well, too bad. “Want to get a piggy back ride?”

That was all it took to rein in Brandon’s worries. He jumped in excitement and his eyes lit up. I knew the answer even before it left his lips.

“Yes!” he exclaimed enthusiastically as I watched in amusement Layla’s lips thin in displeasure. She was so eager to get rid of me; I found it entertaining.

Now that she was in my sights, I’d find a way to get her.

Chapter Nine

Layla

Gazing after the car that became smaller and smaller as the distance between us grew farther, the tension within my body was like a stretched rubber band. Maxim must have sensed Brandon’s distress at Liberty leaving. I’d give it to him, he was in tune with Brandon’s emotions. And the way he spoke to him, it showed he was good with children.

I appreciated his offer to give us a tour of the castle, but selfishly, I wished he hadn’t. I worried I’d melt into a puddle of want around this man. That was exactly the opposite of smart here. Definitely not what I needed.

“The castle was built in the fifteenth century,” Maxim told me. Then his eyes went to Brandon. “That was over five hundred years ago, when knights came to visit riding on their horses.”

Brandon’s eyes got large. “Like real knights?”

Maxim nodded. “There are even a few suits of armor around the castle. We could check some out.”

And just like that, Maxim was Brandon’s favorite uncle. The only uncle too, but that was a moot point. The whole castle really had the most beautiful setting. It took my breath away when we first came in, but with Liberty’s stress, I was more focused on her than my surroundings. Now that the ceremony was over and those two enroute to their honeymoon, I could take my time to appreciate the area.

Maxim mentioned upon our arrival that the estate expanded for thousands of acres. There was a large manicured park, settled in front of the woods with a large maze that separated the castle from the forest. The flowers bloomed everywhere despite it being early fall. It almost gave it an enchanted backdrop. The scent drifting all around was a woodsy and flowery smell, carried on the light breeze. Depending on the direction of the breeze, the fragrance became stronger or lighter.

“Let’s take the secret door in,” Maxim suggested. “That way we can avoid all the guests.”

“What secret door?” I questioned him suspiciously.

He smirked, a sparkling glint in his sapphire gaze. “Follow me, my lady.”

I rolled my eyes at that. “I’m only following because I want to avoid the guests,” I murmured.

He guided the way, taking the path to the right of the house. I spotted a glass garden house, full of peonies, all shades and colors.

Now, I know where Liberty’s bouquet came from.

The same flowers were laid on her mother’s grave. And Lena’s too. The pain in my chest swelled again. Liberty used to say they were her mother’s favorite. I never really noticed them till the day of her mother’s funeral. I might have liked them if I saw them before, but I wasn't a fan after that. After Lena’s and Larry’s funeral, I didn’t like them at all.

The flower fragrance drifted even though they were enclosed in the garden house. Glancing around, I wondered if maybe they were all over the grounds too.

“Everything alright?” Maxim’s voice came through. Brandon and his uncle watched me, waiting.For what though?

Then I realized. I had stopped walking and stood, staring at the flowers. Wonderful, I could add to my list that I was slightly mental too.

“Yes, of course.” Hopefully, I sounded convincing. “Which way is this secret door?”

We resumed walking and I noticed Maxim throwing me a curious, sideways glance. Ignoring it, I focused on Brandon. My mind started chanting again that Maxim Caldwell was not my type, working hard to remind myself I didn’t need to add any more mistakes to my long list. Not to mention this darkness and pain I sensed underneath Maxim’s exterior. He didn’t need my issues and I couldn’t handle his. I barely handled mine.

“So in the old days, this used to be a staff door,” Maxim explained when we got to the farthest door on the right side of the house. “Today, it is a convenient way to go in and out, and avoid everyone.”

“You avoid people a lot?” The question came out before I thought better of it. But it was out already, and I couldn’t take it back.

His piercing gaze settled on me again, and I swore he could see every fear, nightmare, or dreadful thing I had ever done. The notion was ridiculous, but I couldn’t shake it off that he really saw me. All my shallowness, selfishness, and unworthiness… just as my family always said.

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