Page 23 of His Broken Queen

“With my work?”

“No, just in general, I guess.” The less I knew about this situation, the better I would feel.

“Are you hungry?” He ignored my question.

I shook my head.

“You haven’t eaten since yesterday afternoon and you barely ate anything then.”

“I don’t feel like eating.”

“I’ll make you tea and toast.” He took my hand and led me to the kitchen. “Indulge me and eat something.”

“Have you heard from Stella’s family?” I sat on the stool at the island. “Can we go and see them?”

“We should leave them alone for now.” He put the kettle of water on for the tea. “Can I make you my mom’s stuffed French toast?”

“That sounds really good, but I don’t want to waste it.” I pressed my hand to my stomach. “I’m still uneasy.”

“You’ll start to feel better soon.”

“We should pay our respects to her family,” I said. “Don’t you think we owe them that?”

“I sent flowers and food.” He took a mug from the cabinet next to the stove. “That’s enough for now.”

“We’re going to the funeral, right?”

“We’ll talk about that later.”

“Why can’t we talk about it now?”

“Lu!” When he shouted, I jumped. “I’m sorry.” He reached across the island and took my hand. “Do you want breakfast?”

“No.”

Salvi came into the kitchen and smiled at me before addressing Romero.

“He’s here,” Salvi said.

“Send him in.” Romero turned the kettle off as Salvi exited the kitchen.

“Who is here?” I asked, feeling a bit anxious. “Not the doctor again.” I held up my hand. “I don’t need another sedative. I don’t want one.”

“It’s not Brett.” He pointed to the entryway behind me. “You’re going to like this guest.”

I turned around, not quite believing who I saw standing in the doorway. “Sam.”

“Hello, Lu.”

I hopped off the stool and ran into his waiting arms. “What are you doing here?”

“I heard you were in the market for a new guard.” He released me. “Will your old one work?”

“What?” I turned and looked at Romero. “Is this true?”

“Yes.” Romero came and stood next to me. “I think you could use a familiar face around here.”

“I can’t believe this.” The thought of being reunited with my longtime guard and friend was a dream come true. Sam and I had spent years together and when I married Romero, leaving Sam behind was difficult. “Wait.” I thought for a moment. How was this even possible?

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