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“I can get you a different room,” he adds quickly, his face grimacing.
The tightness winding in my chest comes loose when I find the ability to laugh. He looks relieved when I shake my head.
“Honestly, it’s not that bad. I don’t mind the color.” Taking a few steps into the room, I fight the urge to throw myself onto the bed. At least it’s not a small bed. However old Idris thought I was, he at least played it safe by getting one with more than enough room.
“There is a bathroom connected there, but there are others located throughout the home.” Setting my belongings down, he shoves his hands in his pockets. “Do you have any questions? I know this is a bit much.”
No kidding.
“You don’t happen to have a map of the place, do you? Maybe a translator book.” Attempting to joke, my chest grows tight all over again at the reminder.
Suddenly, there’s a warmth on my shoulder followed by one reassuring squeeze. If Idris is trying to distract me, he’s already learning how.
“I will draw you a map if you want one. Or, I’ll help you find your way as long as it takes for you to memorize everything. I’ll get you whatever you need.” His smile is as warm as his touch. “How about some tea? Or, would you rather take some time to rest? I’m sure all that traveling has left you exhausted.”
My body relaxes even after his hand slides away. Nodding my head, I try to return with a smile of my own.
“Tea sounds lovely, thank you.”
Idris
She’s gorgeous. William didn’t warn me that his daughter got none of his rugged looks. No, she’s looking more like a goddess if I have to describe her.
He didn’t give me enough information at all. Nothing could’ve prepared me for this intrusion in my life. Hell, I’m still reeling from seeing her for the first time.
Couldn’t he have given me some sort of description so I could’ve painted an image in my head? He’s the type of guy who’d carry a picture or something in his wallet. Very family-driven. If only I knew better to ask. Even then, I’m not sure I’d be alright seeing her in person. A picture can’t capture what I’m looking at.
Daria’s got the deepest blue eyes I’ve ever seen in my life, matching the color of the deepest part of the ocean. The way they match her sandy blond hair makes me want to visit the nearest beach and take in a lungful of the salty air.
Any sane man would’ve asked for her hand by now. It’s no wonder why the man wanted to hide his daughter. Hell, I’m ready to fight anyone who even wants to try to get their hands on her. However long her stay is going to be, I plan on keeping my word to my old friend. No one will touch her.
That includes my own hands. Even now, the thoughts are there. In the back of my mind, I can recognize the hunger brewing. Looking at her now, I wish I’d met her in different circumstances. I also wish there wasn’t a fifteen-year difference between us. That alone should be enough to put out the flame igniting each time I accidentally let my eyes drift in her direction longer than necessary.
Daria is also nervous too, for good reason. The way her gaze drifts in my direction every few minutes, it’s like she’s searching for something to be scared of. In the last few minutes, she’d hardly sipped any of the tea I offered.
“You have more questions,” I start up, hoping to edge her into conversation. “Please, ask away. I’ll tell you what I know.”
No point in hiding anything. Despite such innocence, the woman’s been thrown into the mix. Her life is at risk, just as much as Williams’. Under my protection, she has nothing to worry about.
“Why do I have to be here?” Her first question comes immediately, and I even chuckle because of it. Poor timing on my part.
“Your father made a risky deal trading a piece he didn’t realize was a fake to a powerful man and it didn’t end as well as he wished. Some threats were made and you were mentioned. William believes this is the safest place for you to be.” I take a sip of my drink in hopes that she’ll try her own.
She grimaces at that and looks down at her cup. There’s no surprise on her face, so I’m left to expect that she knows all about William’s career choices.
“Do you know where he’s going?” she asks next, looking worse.
Maybe the truth isn’t the best choice, even if she is owed it. I almost want to lie to her and tell her that he’s going somewhere as safe as my own home.
“I’m not sure. For his safety, he’s going somewhere only he knows of.” Keeping a smile on my lips, seeing disappointment creep over her face, I know it’s not the answer she wants.
Relief fills my stomach when she drinks from her cup and even nibbles on the krichlate I had made earlier.
“Do you live here all by yourself? This place is too big for one guy.” She looks around like she’s expecting to see my staff hiding behind corners, ready to pop out and scare her. Very much the same reason why I’ve given them all a paid afternoon off to visit their families.
“There are others, you’ll meet them soon enough. Cooks, maids, gardeners. All the sorts. This place is too large to upkeep by myself. They are very trustworthy, so you have nothing to worry about. So please, don’t worry when they return later tonight.” I snag a cookie for myself and sigh softly. “My home is yours, Daria. I can give you a tour if you’d like.”
There’s a bit of reluctance before she nods her head. Good. A part of me loves the idea of showing the woman everything I offer. Like I’m here trying toimpressher. Again, I have to remind myself that there is no point. She’ll only be here until all the mess has settled. Might take a few weeks, that’s hardly enough time to make the woman want to stick around.
