Page 123 of Hunters and Prey

Chapter 15

Cailyn lowered her eyes the moment Connor Prince walked down the main black stairway of the mansion he’d purchased.

Her bags were packed and stacked at the door as she waited to find out exactly what Connor had in store for her.

He was one of the most attractive men she’d ever seen, but she hated him. Wearing a black suit and expensive black shoes, he was the man who could ruin her chance at happiness.

His bright green eyes brightened when he saw her face.

“Cailyn,” he called. His voice echoed off the walls.

She looked up, her hands shaking. She gripped her purse strap to steady them. “Connor.”

Amusement came to his face as he reached the bottom of the staircase. The butler didn’t betray any emotion on his face as he stood at her side, just inside the foyer.

“Lovely.” His reached an arm out for her.

Cailyn stared at his arm, wishing she had an ax to chop it right off.

His charming grin at the reluctant expression on her face only angered her more.

“Come now. Let’s have a little chat. Walk with me to the sun room.”

“Fine,” she said. She stepped to him and laced her arm through his. He stood a foot taller than her, and beneath his suit she could feel his hard muscles.

“But I want to know what your expectations are for me.”

He placed his hand over hers, surprising her by its warmth. She’d half expected his hand to be frigid.

“Of course. It’s only natural that you’d want an explanation.”

Cailyn had expected a bit of resistance, not the gentle kindness he displayed at that moment.

Hesitant, she nodded. “Good.”

They walked through the first floor toward the back of the mansion. Her insides were in a bunch, but the beauty of his home still overwhelmed her.

For a home so large, it was bright and airy. The scent of fresh cut flowers and berries tantalized her senses.

The heels of her boots made soft tapping on the exquisitely painted wood floors as they crossed hundreds of square feet to get from one end of the mansion to the other.

They went through two dining rooms, an elegant sitting area, a long hallway, and a ballroom before reaching the French doors that led to the sunroom at the back of the house.

“You came at the perfect time, Cailyn.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I’m hosting this year’s Halloween party, and I want you by my side.”

“A party?”

“Yes. It’s a big tradition here. Isn’t it?”

She nodded.

“Well, the mayor wants it held here. It will be part tradition and also a way to welcome me back to town. Of course, there will be all of the pomp and circumstance fit for a king.”

Connor put his hand on the small of Cailyn’s back. “And his queen.”

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