Page 34 of Shattered Reign

“Look, there it is,” he said.

I looked up and found a mansion coming into view around a bend in the road. Before we even got up close to the house, I could see the time and care that was given to the property even though it was winter. The house looked to be mostly brick, and it sat on an expansive piece of land. There looked to be a garden I was sure contained lots of flowers when they were in season.

“Come on, let’s go inside.”

He parked the car in the circular driveway, and we left the vehicle. Easton held out his hand once more for me to grab, and together, we walked up to the front door.

The foyer was stunning and more spacious than my childhood home. As I tried to study my new environment further, someone spoke.

“Easton, what are you doing here?”

Both Easton and I turned to see his mother, Amelia, walking down a hallway.

“Mom,” Easton greeted her, his voice warm and tender.

Amelia reached us and wrapped him in a tight embrace. “I haven’t seen you since before you left for Italy,” she said.

I bit my lip. The reason why he’d left the United States was because of me. The two of them stayed like that for a few minutes, and when she released him, she turned to me.

“Ah, Bianca,” she said as her eyes lit up. “It’s lovely to see you again.” She hugged me, and the faded scent of her floral perfume was warm and inviting, just like her.

I hugged her back, immediately feeling welcomed into her home.

Easton took off his coat and I followed suit.

“Can I get you both something to eat or drink?” Amelia asked, leading us down the hallway that she came from. We walked into a spacious kitchen that looked like it belonged on the cover of a magazine. “We have a chef, of course, but I can still whip up a little something.”

She opened the fridge, stocked to the brim with food, and started pulling out ingredients. I glanced over at Easton, who was watching his mother with amusement and adoration.

Easton gave me a playful smirk when he looked over at me. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help the small, relieved smile that appeared on my face.

It took some time, but Amelia made some hot chocolate and poured it into four mugs. Its warmth and sweetness were perfect for this chilly evening.

“Thank you,” I replied, taking a small sip. “It’s delicious.”

“You’re very welcome,” Amelia said. “I made some for Oliver too, because it’s one of his favorite treats in the winter.”

I continued to nurse my hot chocolate when the sound of footsteps approaching from the hallway caught my attention.

“Ah, there you are, sweetheart!” Easton’s father, Oliver, strolled into the kitchen. He gave his wife a warm smile before he clapped his son on the shoulder, then turned his attention to me. “Bianca, welcome to our home. I hope the Amalfi Coast was lovely.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled as I took another sip from my mug. I could feel my cheeks growing warm.

“Oliver, Easton and Bianca decided to stop by tonight, but I’m not sure how long they are staying,” Amelia said.

“I’m not sure how long we are either, to be honest,” Easton chimed in. “I just wanted to bring Bianca here for a break.”

“How about we get some snacks and watch a movie in the home theater?” Oliver offered.

“Sounds good to me,” I replied truthfully. Anything was better than what I’d been through tonight.

“Great! I’ll go set things up.” With one last smile, he left the kitchen and disappeared down the hall.

“Should we make some popcorn?” Amelia asked once her husband was out of earshot.

“That would be perfect,” Easton said as he pulled me close.

“I’d love some too,” I said, enjoying the feel of Easton’s arms wrapped around me.

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