As soon as we emerged from the forest, I heard my name being shouted. A familiar figure jumped up from the stone steps of the front door and rushed toward us.
Rosalie, my petite redhead assistant chef, ran over to meet me.
“Thank God you’re safe,” she said, hugging me tightly. Her relief radiated off her in waves.
“Hey.” Sabrina joined the embrace. My best friend’s short blonde hair was unkempt, hinting at her restless nights and exhaustion. “It took us a while to get here, but we made it.”
“Surprised it took you this long.” I stepped back from their warm embrace. “I half expected you to be here when I arrived home.”
Sabrina slapped her hand on her chest dramatically. “You realize it’s me we’re talking about? I have a reputation for dramatic entrances to uphold. Can’t have the people think I’m losing my touch.” She grinned, but it did little to mask her obvious worry. “Seriously, we would have been here earlier, but when Ty texted to let me know you were on your way home, he asked me to give it a couple of days. Are you okay? We’ve been out of our minds with concern.”
“Really, Liza,” Rosalie added. “We couldn’t just sit around worrying about you, now, could we?”
“Of course not.” I wrapped my arms around her. “I’m really glad you’re both here.”
“Hey, what are best friends and cooking partners for?” Rosalie joked. The three of us laughed, and I could feel the bond between us strengthening.
I was relieved Sabrina had accepted the younger girl, and that they’d supported each other in my absence. Although I’d only recently hired Rosalie, I worried about her. She had an unmistakable aura of loneliness she tried to conceal, but there had been a couple of times in the kitchen I’d caught her off guard, lost in her thoughts, and looking terribly sad. I would have to make sure we included her whenever possible and encourage her to step out of her shell.
“Come on, let’s get comfortable in the tearoom.”
I led Sabrina and Rosalie down the hall. The familiar scent of chamomile and lavender wafted through the air, soothing my frayed nerves.
It didn’t have the same effect on Sabrina. She was pacing in front of me, frustration building up on every pass. “I wish I could meet your kidnapper,” she said, taking on a fierce edge. “Rorydidn’t deserve to be hurt like that, and Ty said the kidnapper is your brother. What the actual fuck, Liza?!”
Rosalie nodded in agreement from where she perched on the edge of her seat.
Sabrina stopped moving, but she still had plenty to say. “I mean it, that’s a dick move. I’d love to give that fucker a piece of my mind. Hell, I’d kick his ass from here to kingdom come.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but my eyes flicked to the doorway. Liam leaned against the doorframe with a bemused smile on his face. He must have been listening to Sabrina’s rant, fully aware he was the subject of her ire.
“Speak of the Devil,” I mumbled, mentally bracing myself for the impending clash.
I paid close attention to Liam to see how he would react to her threats, readying myself to jump in between them if need be, but something unexpected happened. He didn’t do or say anything. He looked at Sabrina as if he was a man in the desert, and she was a glass of water.
“Apologies.” He tore his attention away from her. “I was just... lost in thought,” he confessed, a wistful smile playing on his lips. “Now, what was it you were saying about kicking my ass?” Liam’s voice had taken on a luxurious, velvety quality.
“Liam.” I pointed to Sabrina. “This is mybest friendSabrina Wells.” I placed special emphasis on best friend. “Sabrina, this is my half-brother Liam Russell.”
Sabrina’s eyes roamed over his entire body, a seductive smile forming on her lips. “You know what?” She chuckled throatily. “I’ve changed my mind. You can kidnap me anytime you please.”
“Yuck.” I wrinkled my nose in distaste. I could practically taste the sexual tension in the room, and I suddenly felt extremely protective of Sabrina.
She was human. She didn’t deserve to be caught up in this supernatural mess.
“Anyway,” I remarked, trying to diffuse the tension. “Let’s shift our focus to more pressing matters, like something to eat, and perhaps some upbeat gossip. We can discuss any… personal matters later.” I shot a pointed look at Liam, hoping he understood.
“Of course.” He nodded solemnly and left to go through to Ty’s office, leaving us girls to chat, though I didn’t miss the look he gave Sabrina.
The scent of freshly brewed tea and warm scones wafted through the air, embracing me like a comforting hug as I relaxed in the familiar surroundings of plush velvet chairs and delicate china teacups. It was good to be back in a space without talk of war plans or tactics and enemies, even if just for a little while.
“Ah, I’ve missed this place.” Rosalie sighed and sank back into the chair, her face betraying the tension she carried.
“Don’t worry,” I said, reaching across the table and patting her arm “Once all the chaos has calmed down, we’ll get back to work. Your job here is still secure. I’ll keep paying your salary until this is all sorted.”
“Thanks, Liza.” The worry melted from her brow. “I wasn’t sure what your plans would be, or if you were even going to continue.” Her pale complexion did nothing to hide her embarrassment. “I’ve been contemplating asking for my old job back. I’m so glad I don’t have to. I’ve learned more from you in the short time I’ve worked here than I ever did there.”
“I’m glad you’re happy here. Just remember that when we’re rushed off our feet and you haven’t had a day off.” I laughed. I was so pleased it was working out the way I’d hoped. One of my goals in my business was to train an apprentice. She was a gifted cook, she just lacked confidence, but I’d soon change that.
