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My eyes narrowed. “Dickie, I suggest you vet your journalists a bit better.”
“Dear God, I’m not sure who you think you are, man, but you’re disturbing our meal,” Granger said, wiping the crumbs from his face.
“You’ll know soon enough, Dickie” I threatened. “Sam, I suggest you leave before I finish my meal. I don’t want you upsetting Navy when we walk through the restaurant. You wouldn’t want to see me mad.” I walked off.
I used the restroom and returned to the table as dessert was being served. Figs from Provence with tarragon and a fig sorbet.
“Did you enjoy it,” I asked when we finished.
“Very much so. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
“I’m glad I was able to take your mind off things. Even if it was only for a little bit.”
Our waiter came to check on us. “Can I get our check, please,” I said.
“It’s already been taken care of, sir.”
“By who?”
“The person asked to remain anonymous.”
A tickle of unease ran up my spine. “Well, please extend them my gratitude.” I stood up and held my arm out for Navy. As we exited the Lumíere, I noticed Granger and Sam were gone, and I breathed a sigh of relief. No need for another scene. We were walking through the restaurant when I felt the same shift in energy as I did when I woke up this morning. A cool breath on the back of my neck as the energy around me shifted ever so slightly. I turned and looked behind me. Sitting off to the side was a beautiful older woman. Her soft gray hair was swept elegantly into a French twist. She gave me a slight nod. My eyes blurred as Vortigern rose up, my pupils elongating to take in more light, and I looked again. Instead of the beautiful woman, a hideous hag sat at the table with blood dripping from her rotting mouth. My hand went to my amulet. The image was gone in an instant, and so was the woman.
“Is everything okay?” Navy asked me.
“Of course.” I put my arm around her, holding her tighter than necessary.
The Dearg Due was here in London.
ChapterFifteen
NAVY
Ikicked my shoes off and curled up on Rhys’ couch, looking out at the city lights. Tonight had been amazing, and I was glad I finally agreed to let him buy me the dress. Actually, I wasn’t so sure I had a say in the matter. He played dirty.
He handed me a glass of wine, sat down next to me, and loosened his bow tie. “You got quiet after dinner,” I said.
He smiled tightly. “Nah. I’m full and happy. That’s all.” He put his arm around me, and I relaxed into him.
“What is this, Rhys?” I asked cautiously, wondering what he felt about our budding relationship. Neither of us had defined it, yet we both knew something was there.
“You tell me, darling.” His hand ran through my long hair. “Just don’t overthink it.”
“I’m trying not to.”
“Tell me about your name. I know there is a story behind it.”
I tried not to let my body tighten and took a deep breath. The first time he asked me the question, I bit his head off. It was a story I left behind me when I came to London. And it wasn’t hard to. At that point, I had become invisible to those around me. I spent more time in my journals and the stories I wrote than with my family. I doubted anyone even noticed when I left. “It’s not really a good story,” I began. “My father was deployed when I was born. He was a lieutenant in the Navy. My mom resented the fact he was always gone, and to be spiteful, she named me after the very thing she thought he loved the most. At least loved more than her.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s actually rather boring. They divorced when he returned eight months later. He was remarried six months later and started a new family. His new wife didn’t want any stepchildren. She thought it would ruin the perfect family she planned to have. So, I only saw him two weeks a year during my summer breaks when my mom needed alone time. Forced visitation.”
“That had to be painful.”
I shrugged.
“You shouldn’t downplay it.”
