Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50869 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50869 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
“You’re being protective,” she continues gently. “I understand. But you’re going to smother her if you’re not careful. She needs space to breathe. To find her place.”
I run a hand through my hair. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. “She’s overwhelmed.”
“Of course she is. Anyone would be.” Cordelia smiles, reassuring. “Let me help. I can show her around and introduce her to people. Make her feel welcome.”
I want to say no, but I need to speak with Mable. I want her as comfortable as possible, and if that pisses people off or hurts their feelings? Well, I don’t give a fuck. Not when it comes to Mable.
“Just... back off for today,” I say finally. “Give us space.”
“Of course.” She squeezes my arm. “I’m here if you need me. Either of you.”
“Hey,” I say, stopping her before she goes. “I need you to stop with all the touching.”
Her brows pull together. “What do you mean?”
“Stop with all the touching. That sentence doesn’t need further explanation.”
“All right,” she laughs, holding her hands up again. “I got you.” I’m not sure she does, but she turns, heading back down the hallway.
I stand there wondering if I’m making something out of nothing. If the protectiveness I feel is necessary or just excessive.
Mable’s waiting when I return, her eyes finding mine immediately. “Everything okay?”
“Fine.” I sit beside her, taking her hand, trying to shake the doubt Cordelia planted. “I wanted to clear the air. About the press rumors. I don’t want it to be awkward for anyone. She agreed.”
“Oh.” Mable’s expression doesn’t change, but I feel her fingers tighten in mine. “That was nice of her.”
“Yeah.” I kiss her knuckles, watching Cordelia settle back into her seat across the aisle, already pulling out her phone, looking helpful and harmless.
Maybe I’m wrong about her. Maybe the jealousy I felt seeing Mable smile at James and hearing Cordelia’s voice has me seeing threats where there aren’t any.
Mable leans into my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around her, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve just been outmaneuvered somehow.
Chapter Fifteen
MABLE
The car drives along an endless stone wall that has cut off the beautiful view. It was all a bit overwhelming when we landed. It wasn’t the breathtaking view or his parents and Cordelia. It was all the security that really brought home who exactly the man I’m seeing is. It can be easy to forget when it’s only the two of us.
Up ahead, I see huge iron gates that are already opening for us. The security team is in cars trailing behind us and in front. The cars even have those little flags on them you see presidents have. I’m going to need to do a crash course on Solaria.
Wells has been quiet, but his hand still rests on my thigh. “You okay?” I ask. He gives me a warm smile.
“Yes, I was going over the list of things I need to handle after we’re settled in.” Right, he helps run a whole freaking country. That’s got to keep a person busy.
“She seemed nice,” I say because we hadn’t talked about it. Well, we couldn’t with her right there.
“What?” His brows pull together, not knowing who I’m talking about.
“Cordelia.”
“Oh.” Caldwell shifts slightly. “Did she?”
“She offered to show me around.” I pick at a thread on my skirt. “Maybe I was wrong about her. At the wedding, I mean. I was so nervous, and Eleanor was—” I stop, not wanting to sound like I’m complaining about his family before I’ve even met the rest of them.
I don’t want to be overly sensitive. It could be my own insecurities that I’m putting onto other people. What the hell do I know about family dynamics and having a friendship with the opposite gender? I went to an all-girls college. Boys were the last thing on any of our minds. There wasn’t time even if you wanted to.
He doesn’t answer right away. The car slows as we crest a hill, and then I see it.
The house.
No, that’s more than a house; hell, it’s more than an estate. It’s a freaking palace!
Honestly, I don’t even think palace is the right word for how grand it is. It’s limestone with tall windows and wings stretching in different directions. It’s beautiful in a way I’ve never seen before. It’s the very definition of regal.
It’s full of history and probably so many stories. I bet it has a library.
“Holy shit,” I whisper, trying to play it cool.
Caldwell’s hand on my thigh gives a small squeeze. “It’s just a house.”
“That’s not a house. That’s a museum that happens to have beds.”
He laughs, low and genuine, and some of the tension leaves his shoulders. “Wait until you see the beds.” He leans over and kisses below the shell of my ear. I lick my lips, very much looking forward to seeing the bed with him.