Page 26 of Captured Beauty
Once I made sure the coast was clear, I went to the library, locating a historical romance I’d never heard of. From the synopsis, it sounded good. Making my way through the house, I walked outside through the backyard to the garden.
“Marvin!” I called out, surprised he was still here. It was later in the day and I was sure he would be gone by now.
Marvin, the gardener, whipped around. What surprised me was the fear in his eyes.
“I’m glad you’re here. I was looking for you the other day and—” I stepped forward and he raised his hand.
“Please, please go away,” he begged.
Confusion passed through me and my brows furrowed. “What’s wrong? I was wondering if peonies could be planted. Next to roses they’re my favorite—”
“I can’t help you.” His eyes darted around wildly. “I’ll be finished here soon and you’ll have the place to yourself.”
I wasn’t sure why he was acting like this. Last time I was in the garden with him he was friendly and even let me help him. I always enjoyed gardening. My mom had one when I was growing up and she always let me help her maintain it. She was the cause for my love of flowers and planting.
I studied Marvin. When my eyes dropped to his hand, they bucked.
“What happened?” I tucked the book under my arm, rushed him and grabbed his hand. It was wrapped up as if he had injured it.
He snatched his hand out my grasp and looked around. “Nothing, please, I don’t want any trouble. Leave…now!” I jumped back, dropping the book in the process.
“Marvin.” He gave me his back and went back to whatever he was doing. I looked around the garden for a second, focusing on the pond and waterfall.
“Okay,” I finally answered and bent down to grab the book.
I turned to leave, unable to process what just happened. Running the conversation through my head over and over, I paused and widened my eyes.
My mouth turned upside down and my nostrils flared. Storming into the house, I dropped the book on the island inthe kitchen and went down the hall until I got to Kairus’s office. Without bothering to knock, I pushed it open.
“Kairus!” I called out but instantly halted. Kairus’s dark orbs found mine. He was sitting behind his desk and the guy who had cut my dad’s finger off was sitting in the chair in front of it looking mighty comfortable.
“You!” I shouted, stalking toward him. “You’re the one who cut my dad’s finger off!” I bellowed.
One corner of his mouth quirked up. “Actually my name is Nolan. It’s way past time we met, Azeira.” He held his hand out. Disgust filled me as I stared down at his pecan colored hand.
“Nolan,” Kairus called out with a warning in his tone.
The snarky grin on his face grew and his hand slowly lowered.
“You must have forgotten your place, barging in my office like that.” Kairus’s deep timber reminded me why I was in here.
I spun to face him. “Did you do that to Marvin’s hand?”
“Even if I knew who Marvin was, you are not in any position to question me.”
“The gardener! His hand is injured and he would barely look at me. Did you do that?” Kairus’s jaw ticked. A small chortle left Nolan’s mouth.
Kairus’s eyes lowered and grew darker. My stomach stirred but I refused to back down.
Slowly Kairus lifted and slammed his hands down on the desk, causing me to jump. “You come to me and ask about another man?” His head tilted.
My lips thinned and my nose expanded. “Did you hurt him?” Instead of responding, Kairus walked around his desk. He approached me slowly. My heart pounded at a thunderous rate and my stomach twisted with fear.
He reached behind me and I gritted my teeth when he clenched my hair in his hands and yanked it.
“It seems you’ve forgotten who’s in charge here. You don’t come in here demanding answers, especially about another man.” He lowered his eyes, pausing at my neck. I inhaled a sharp breath thinking maybe he’d noticed the markings. His eyes flashed with heavy emotion briefly.
“Maybe I’ve been too nice and you’ve gotten too comfortable.” I swallowed hard, watching and anticipating his next move.
