Page 4 of Arranging Ayra
“I know you must be exhausted, Mum,” Devi said. “You can head home now. I’ll take care of everything on this end.”
Naya looked at her son and tenderly ran her hand over his clean-shaven cheek. With a light tap, she smiled. “Be a good boy and I’ll see you in a few days.”
He bent over slightly to kiss her cheek.
“Have fun, kids.” And she walked off.
Tension immediately took up the place vacated by Naya. Devi and I stood facing one another, assessing each other. His scrutinizing gaze was suddenly harsh and judgmental leaving me feeling self-conscious. My heart pounded as his upper lip rose, almost to a snarl.
“So, you’re Ayra,” he said.
“And you’re Barnaby Darcy,” I replied.
“About our arrangements,” he said. “I’m really not that old-fashioned. But Mum insisted, and well, Mum runs the show in the family, and I’ll go along with it for a while.”
“Is she going to be here at Moon Manor during the filming?” I asked.
“No, we own a cottage in Derbyshire, a summer retreat, that she’s staying at, so she came by for a visit.”
“Oh,” I said. “So, you’re staying here with me.”
“I believe I’m staying in the grand suites, while you’ll be with the crew,” Barnaby said with a sniff.
“Devi,” I said.
“Barnaby,” he corrected me. “I go by Barnaby now. Got to keep up with my new sharp image, you know.”
“Oh, Barnaby,” I said. “What are we going to do about our arrangement?”
“We act like we are dating when my mother’s around,” Barnaby said. "But don’t expect me to be lovey-dovey with you otherwise. You’re not my type.”
Ouch. Barnaby Darcy was a snob. Just like Mr. Darcy inPride and Prejudice.
Was he the most perfect Mr. Darcy? Only time would tell.
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