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I smile at both of them now—him for his support and her for her love. We’re slowly making progress. “I know and I appreciate you looking out for me but I’m fine. He’s good to me, I swear.”
Still cautious, she squints at me, tilting her head in inquisition. “And he never interferes with your job?”
I shake my head. “No, he doesn’t even come into the building except to drop me off and pick me up.”
“He’s taking you to work? That seems kind of controlling, doesn’t it?”
The improvement I was making teeters on the edge of a cliff I’m scared I won’t be able to climb back up if I fall off. I turn to Alex, seeking his assistance again.
She mimics me, with her gaze boring into her boyfriend to rally him to her point of view.
He squeezes her fingers. “First you thought he was harassing her and now you think he’s trying to control her. But look at her. She’s here with us. She seems happy and healthy. I think you just need to let it be.”
Grateful for his rationality, I pile on with more verification. “It’s sweet actually. He doesn’t want me to ride the bus alone or spend the money on a pass.”
A hum buzzes in her throat as she’s pondering my defense. More evidence is needed to convince her. “He has lunch delivered to me every day. And, he had a Christmas tree sent to the office too because he knows how much I love them.”
Her expression softens, and my heart flutters that I’m actually swaying her opinion of him. Uncertain if I should keep going or stop, I hold my tongue. Sometimes less is more. I hope anyway.
“He hasn’t tried anything, has he?”
Uncertain what she means bytried, but I’m guessing she means sex. Alex must think the same thing because he picks up his glass of water that’s still three-fourths of the way full and goes into the kitchen.
Bree’s like my sister but some things should remain private. “Everything we’ve done is because I wanted to, but no we haven’t slept together yet.”
She slowly nods her head. “That’s good. Don’t rush into anything.”
Her finger jabs in my direction. “Don’t lethimrush you into anything. I mean there’s nothing wrong with waiting until you’re married.”
The sound of a strangled cough barks from the other room, and I laugh a little. Funny how she advises one thing for me that she didn’t follow for herself. “I know there’s not. But, I also trust myself to know when the time is right.”
I’m fudging on that knowledge. The thought of making love to Balthazar stirs emotions I didn’t know existed until I met him. Until he touched me.
But even if I don’t trust myself, I trust him. I just hope I can persuade her to trust both of us.
With a huff, she stabs at her food again. “Well if he thinks he gets you for Christmas, he’s sadly mistaken! You’re spending the day with us!”
Alex’s eye catches mine above her bent head. He’s trying to keep from laughing too. It feels good to be this loved. I am very fortunate to have them fighting over me. Not everyone is this lucky.
Balthazar
The housekeeper’s head continues to bob as she scribbles down notes from my request. If she’s shocked by my interest in our menu for Thursday, she doesn’t show her surprise. Hums of agreement vibrate in her mouth, yet she doesn’t utter a word.
That’s why she’s worked for our family so long. She keeps to herself and out of our business, both legal and otherwise. Dad trusts her and so do I.
Finally, she finishes her list and looks up. “Will Miss Snow be joining us for any other meals this weekend?”
Fuck, I hope so. “I’m not sure but go ahead and plan for it.”
The hint of a smile flits over her lips but she instantly subdues the pleased expression and nods. “Very good.”
I’m not sure what difference it makes. Seraphina isn’t picky from what I can tell, and my mom always ate what my dad and brother and I did. Albeit smaller servings and more sides of salad and fruit than us.
Must be a woman thing that Mary understands. Good. She can handle the food, and I’ll handle everything else with my girl.
Including my dumb ass brother who just waltzed in. Luckily, he celebrates Thanksgiving in the ring rather than at home, so I won’t have to deal with his shit while Seraphina is here.
Melchior beelines straight to the refrigerator and grabs out two bottles of his favorite beer.
