Page 14 of The Gargoyle and the Songbird

With that comforting thought, I settle back in my seat, smiling.

6

ECCO

The heavy wooden door of The Moonflower Inn swings open, its bell chiming cheerfully to announce my arrival. Minx trots in ahead of me on her glittery lead, her white fur catching the warm glow of the fairy lights strung around the cozy lobby.

I barely have time to take in the familiar dark wood paneling and stained glass windows before a joyful squeal pierces the air.

“Ecco!”

Mariah comes barreling towards me, chestnut waves flying behind her.

We collide in a fierce hug, melding together like two halves of a whole. Gods, I’ve missed this—missed her. The scent of her perfume envelops me as we sway back and forth.

In my periphery, I catch sight of Graeme hovering by the door, his granite features in their typical scowl, his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest.

He looks wildly out of place amidst the quaint, colorful charm of the inn, hulking and menacing in head-to-toe black. Discomfort practically radiates off him as he watches our affectionate display.

What’s the deal, does this guy not have any friends of his own?

Mariah pulls back, hands still gripping my shoulders as her green eyes look me over. “So? How was the drive, babe? Looks like you had some interesting company?”

She raises a brow, glancing not-so-subtly toward Graeme.

I force a grin, hyper aware of Graeme listening. “Oh, it was fine! Lucky me, I had company to pass the time.” Reaching back, I beckon him closer. “Mariah, this is Graeme, my new bodyguard.”

The mischievous expression is wiped from her face in an instant. “Bodyguard? Since when do you need a bodyguard?”

Shit. My palms go clammy as I scramble for a low-key explanation, determined to keep my stalker situation from putting a damper on Mariah’s big week.

I wave a dismissive hand. “It’s nothing major, just something the label and my manager insisted on. You know, with all the extra attention lately...”

I trail off, internally cringing at the half-truth.

Graeme stiffens beside me and I can sense his irritation without even seeing his face. He hates when I downplay the threat I’m under.

I silently will him not to say anything.

Mariah’s gaze darts between us, her smile faltering slightly. “Ecco, I feel terrible. With all the wedding guests arriving, we only have the one room available that I’d originally reserved for you. I thought it would be perfect for you, but now with your… friend here...”

Her eyes flick over to Graeme, assessing his hulking form.

I kick myself mentally. Of course the inn is booked solid, I should’ve thought of that.

“Maybe Graeme could stay at one of the boarding houses in town?” I suggest weakly. “They might have a room open?”

Graeme’s growl reverberates through the lobby.

“Absolutely not,” he snaps. “Haven’t I made myself clear? I need to be by your side at all times, Ms. Waverly. No way am I staying at another property.”

Mariah watches our exchange, slender fingers twisting together, the worry lines around her mouth deepening.

Guilt stabs through me. I’m supposed to be here making wedding preparations easier for her, not causing extra drama.

Pasting on my sunniest smile, I reach out to squeeze her hands. “You know what, it’s no problem at all! Graeme and I will just go stay with my dad. You know he’s always got room for his favorite daughter. Graeme can camp out on the couch there.”

Graeme makes a disgruntled noise but I ignore him.

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