I put ice in a glass but stopped. While the rest of the family enjoyed the frigid water, I remembered Nico never drank it at meals.
Dumping the ice in the sink, I turned on the faucet. When the filtered water seemed to be about room temperature against my wrist, I filled the glass.
“Rae?” Cathy pressed.
“Mr. Dominico requested a glass of water,” I explained, lifting the cup.
Cathy frowned. “Odd. He usually gets things himself.”
“That boy is nothing if not self-sufficient.” Franky sipped his tiny cup of inky black swill.
I should have lied. Rushing around might get me caught.
“Yeah, well, I don’t think he’s feeling well,” I said lamely.
My co-workers didn’t comment. I escaped the kitchen without any more questions. The halls were clear. I hurried along, careful not to spill. What was I doing? This uncharacteristic behavior was going to raise suspicions.
I’m serving.
That was what I was here to do. No one was going to read into it. Pushing into the library, I pulled up short.
“Magnolia! We knock before entering a room,” Sanderson barked.
Nico’s gaze was murderous. I didn’t want to be the housekeeper for a million dollars.
“I’m sorry, I was just—”
“I have a headache, Francesca,” Nico snapped. “Rae was kind enough to fetch me some water instead of finishing dusting the shelves.”
The housekeeper looked between us. Her lips thinned. “She’s not supposed to be doing that when the family is present.”
“I barged in on her,” Nico growled. “I forbade her stopping.”
Sanderson nodded but didn’t make a move to leave.
I kept my spine straight as I crossed the room and set the glass on a coaster. I forced my movements to seem natural, even though it was the farthest thing from the truth.
“Magnolia, return that glass to the kitchen and put some ice in it,” she sniped.
Nico’s gaze met mine for a split second. “Actually, I hate ice.”
I knew it!
Nico’s voice was clipped. “Have a good day, Francesca.”
“Sta meglio, Signor Dominico.” With that, the witch left. She didn’t close the door all the way.
“I should go.” I looked over my shoulder. “She’s probably listening.”
“Mmm….” The sound was a low rumble that shot straight through me, making my toes curl. “Thank you for the water, Rae.”
I couldn’t help it. I reached out and brushed my fingers along his face. He turned into my touch.
“I’m just glad I guessed right. About the ice.”
“It’s perfect.” This time his smile had a bit more light to it. “How did you know I hated it?”
I shrugged. “I’ve been watching you, killer.”
