AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Better than expected, my dear,” he replies.
“And your physical therapy?” She pauses near the arched entrance, not stepping a foot farther into the room.
Although I’m astonished, Burt gasps. “I had no idea you were aware. Tomorrow, I’ll endure lap pool exercises by a woman who resembles . . .” His cough covers whatever he meant to say. “I-I’ll be chasing you all around soon enough.”
Her smile fades. Instantly, I recall how a single word could set me off.We had a baby. A little boy or girl who we’ll never chase around.
In the past, any term could prompt my search for another X-Member mission, regardless of whether I’d just returned from the previous assignment.
“Well, have a good morning, guys.” She starts to back away.
I hurry after Luxury. Careful not to touch any part of her body, I zip around my lady until I’m in front of her. I softly knock my knuckles together. “You came downstairs for breakfast? You usually take your meals in our room.”That’s progress, Little One.
While folding her arms over and chewing her lip, Luxury murmurs, “I, uh, changed my mind. I’m not even hungry.”
“Well, then, I’ve got you downstairs for longer than a therapeutic session.” I feel like my wee brother, Graham.
A bumbling idiot.
Nevertheless, I power through. “Will you accompany me to the gardens?”
“I’ve seen them, Victor.” Luxury steps forward in her fluffy house shoes. I mirror her movement, prompting her to stop walking.
“I thought you could assist with the roses.” I gesture toward the French doors. “How much water is adequate for the red roses or the yellow roses?”Dammit, Luxury, recall our moment at Kew Gardens when I called all the various flowers roses.
“Ehhh, you have more servants now than when we first met. I’m positive you have a gardener or two.”
My eyes devour the hard set of her mouth. I snap, “Shall I fire them?”
“No, Burt’s not in the position to . . .”
The butler’s voice carries from the kitchen. “I could leave as well, if you’d prefer it, Luxury?”
I grind my teeth together.Nosey bloke.
“No, Burt,” Luxury calls out and drops her palm to her forehead. “Your family. Vic can’t...Vic can’t live without you.”
I have myself a laugh. A few seconds of overkill on my part, and Luxury just stands there. I clear my throat and grovel. “Lux, if you do not consent to anything else I ask for another year, will you join me in the garden?”
16
Victor
She said yes.
All I deserve concerning Luxury Whitson is for her to turn and flee in the opposite direction. But she agreed if I did not ask anything of her in the next 365, she’d accompany me to the garden. Though I butchered my chuckles a little while ago, I decided not to get carried away with the romantic gesture. We’re both dressed in pajama pants and shirts. Without holding my hand or glimpsing any of the lovely blooms, Luxury follows me toward an area of the garden near the conservatory. A handmade clay pot and fresh potting soil sit near a wooden bench, which she settles into, placing her feet on the edge and hugging her knees.
That bloody hurts. Observing my woman in the throes of self-preservation.
Time escapes me as I stare at Luxury, finally afforded the sight of her outside, beneath the sunlight. I’ve wealth beyond measure, but I realize I’ve been a poor bloke these past few weeks with her stuck in the house. Now, the sunshine pours over the bow of her lip. But the arches of her brows sit over a furious gaze. And her lack of smile further cuts the contour of her cheeks.
Don’t be a tosser, Vic. Say something. Perhaps witty.
“Roses, roses, roses.” I point to a few bushes away from us that I doubt are roses. Or maybe they are. Either way, they’re not all the same species. Luxury chooses not to correct me.All right, time for new tricks, Vic.
She groans, “What are we doing out here?”
I tap the velvety box in my hand, which is the size of one my late grandfather would keep his cigars. “Will you plant a flower with me?”
