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She was focused on T’s safety. He appreciated that. They should be safe in the castle, but the notes had claimed it was someone from within the castle who would kill T.
“Forgive me for being a punk,” Malik spoke up, giving her a brotherly side hug.
“No offense taken,” she said, sweet as ever.
“Thank you.” Malik looked her over, but he wasn’t checking her out. He was evaluating. “I’m excited to have you in the family, Macey.”
“Thank you,” she said.
“Catch you both later.” Malik jabbed Ray in the shoulder, then darted away.
He jogged out the wide-open door and was gone.
Ray stayed facing Macey. T was only fifty feet away, but he’d have his eyes closed, and Ray could hear the soft sounds of a summer storm playing. Were T and Malik scheming to give them time alone? T understood why Ray couldn’t pursue Macey, but he’d try to change it all if Ray would let him.
“Thanks for watching out for T,” he said.
“Of course. It’s my job.” Her smile became a little forced. She was only here for a job. He had to remember that. “Malik’s a lot of fun.”
“Most of the time.” He thumped his closed fist against his leg. “I’m sorry he made it awkward.” Ray was making it awkward right now. Why was he bringing it up?
“It’s okay.” She studied him. “It is interesting, what he sees …”
Ray’s body flushed. Malik had said he and T were both in love with her. Did Macey know Ray had fallen in love with her? Being around her so much, her sweetness and all of their shared interests had just yanked him in. T didn’t love her. Malik didn’t know the engagement was fake, but he could see she and T shared no sparks.
“If you want to head down and shower, I’ll wait for T,” he offered. If she didn’t leave soon, he’d forget his resolve and kiss her until she knew exactly how he felt about her.
Her dark eyes flashed with frustration. “Sounds good. See you soon.”
She whirled and strode off. Ray watched her go. Even when she was gone, he could still see her. He passed a hand over his face. Why couldn’t he find any answers to the murder, the notes, and how to not let the world know he wanted to steal his brother’s fiancée?
Chapter Thirteen
Macey showered, put moisturizer on her face and body, and slid into a tank top and some soft cotton shorts. She brushed out her hair, brushed and flossed her teeth, kneeled to pray, then lay on the huge bed and read from the Bible, looking for answers and solace.
She felt … dejected. T said this would pass and someday she might have a chance with Ray. At the moment that day felt very far away. She squeezed her eyes shut and prayed for faith and the ability to trust in God’s timing and plan not her own.
“Macey!” Tristan was banging on the bedroom door.
She rushed to open it. He stood in the doorframe, towering over her and looking … angry. She hadn’t seen Tristan angry.
“Is everything all right?” she asked.
“Ray’s been pacing, but then that stupid Jobe is trying to climb the wall again. Of course he had to go talk to the kid himself. Has to take care of everything himself.” He shook his head, not moving from the door frame. “This might be the only chance I have to talk to you.”
What would T want to talk about?
“Have you and Ray found anything in all your time spent researching and interviewing and inventing computer programs?”
“No,” she admitted. It was frustrating and embarrassing that she’d found nothing, had been no help to Ray. Would they give up on her? Send her back home? Even with the angst of wanting Ray while being fake engaged to Tristan, she loved it here. She loved being part of this family. She missed Sutton, Liz, Agatha, Gage, and Cassie, but she felt like this was where she belonged. If only Ray could love her and she could be with him.
“I’m fed up with all of it,” Tristan admitted, folding his arms tight across his chest and leaning against the doorframe. “I’m fed up with my brother. Ray is so in love with you. Malik saw it tonight, and the whole world saw it weeks ago when you did the press conference together.”
Macey’s heart raced out of control.
“Why won’t Ray admit it? He’s too honorable, so determined to save the kingdom by himself. I’m sick of it.”
Macey wished Ray would admit he loved her, but maybe he didn’t. Maybe his sense of honor was too strong. Who knew? She was glad Tristan was being so open about it, but if Ray wouldn’t let down his guard, what would it matter?
