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“That place is still going? It was haunted when I was alive!” Benedict exclaimed.
“Yes, and popular for ghost hunters.”
“Are you close to them?” Benedict asked.
“Yes, we speak on the phone often. They were good parents and spoiled me rotten as a child,” Mariah said with a smile.
Benedict liked that, that her parents were living and were close.
“What did they say about the… um…”
“Scandal? Well, my mum fell out with her sister, and my cousin, her niece. Mum refuses to talk to both of them. Mum always claimed that Aunt Susan ruined Chanelle, and no one can deny anything different. If Chanelle saw it, she wanted it and didn’t care if it belonged to someone else. I thought I was spoiled, but Chanelle takes the biscuit.
“Well, when she slept with Tom and I caught them in my bed together, Aunt Susan said I wasn’t doing a good job keeping him happy. Plus, how on earth could I compare to Chanelle? Mum and Dad blew their tops and cut them off, which probably hurt them because whenever they ran short of money, they turned to Mum and Dad. My brother and sister also cut them off, but some of the family took their sides.
“I’m unaware of what family members commented, but I am not bothered. Anyone who can condone someone sleeping with another person’s boyfriend is as low as the person doing it! I’m not surprised she and Tom broke up. Chanelle never wants to work, while Tom does the minimum to get by. Tom probably saw the inn and thought he could play the happy landlord while I rushed around doing everything. This would be a goldmine to him. But it’s mine, and should anything happen to me, this reverts to Maggie. Tom will never get his greedy hands on it,” Mariah said firmly.
Benedict nodded as he played with the necklace in his pocket. Mariah was strong and brave, and he was proud of her. The little glow inside him sparked, and Benedict knew he was falling in love with her.
“May I offer you a gift? This belonged to Lady Catherine and is imbued with protection spells,” Benedict said and held out the pendant.
Mariah’s eyes widened as she reached out and touched it.
“That’s so beautiful. What is it?” she asked.
“It’s called moonstone, but this is actually from the moon! It’s why the spells are potent in this. Lady Catherine made this a powerful amulet, and I’d be honoured to have you wear it. Please,” Benedict added the last, sensing her wavering.
“I’d be honoured to. Here, come put it on me,” Mariah said as she gathered her hair away from her neck.
Benedict rose fluidly and bent and carefully fastened the chain. Mariah turned as he did so, and their lips were inches apart.
“Kiss me,” Mariah breathed, and Benedict didn’t need telling twice.
Mariah
Benedict may have kissed no one for three centuries, but he hadn’t forgotten how! Mariah thought in a daze as the kiss ended.
Hazel eyes were now molten lava as Benedict cupped the back of her neck and kissed Mariah again. The first was panty-melting hot; the second was hotter than Hades.
“Oh, my word!” Mariah exclaimed when it ended. She touched her swollen lips as Benedict looked a little unsure.
“Stealing kisses was acceptable in my time,” Benedict muttered, and Mariah melted into a smile.
“They’re very acceptable now. But don’t be surprised if I steal some back,” she whispered.
Benedict took a step back, and Mariah’s face fell. Had she said something wrong?
“No. Not you, Mariah; my control is stretched even with the amulet. I wish to tell you I am falling in love with you. With my whole being, I adore you, but I cannot relax,” Benedict spoke hurriedly.
“It is okay,” Mariah replied, smiling. She understood. However much she might resent it, she understood.
“I need to distract my urges,” Benedict admitted sheepishly.
“Let’s play chess,” Mariah suggested. Benedict nodded as he smiled at her. “And, despite the worms, I am falling for you too!”
Prudence
“It is time. The signs are all pointing in one direction. We shall need thirteen. Please call on aid,” she declared to Rose-Marie down the phone.
