Page 46 of Reap the Night
The Raven bell rang again. Mary jumped up once more and went to answer it.
“You don’t think that Crush has answers already, do you?” Edwin said.
“I doubt it,” Padma said.
Merry returned with another note for me. “You’re popular today.”
My pulse jumped when I opened it and recognized Ezekiel’s writing.
Miss Lighthart,
Ariella will be delivered to you at midday by Matthew. You will spend the day with her and return her safely to the castle personally before sunset.
E.H.T.
It was the coldest and most impersonal note he’d ever sent me, and it hurt. I crumpled it up and lobbed it into thewastepaper bin, then realized that everyone was staring at me, waiting for me to share what the note had been about.
“Ariella is coming to town, and Ezekiel wants me to show her around.”
“What, so you’re a babysitter now?” Padma said, pissed on my behalf.
I was too drained to summon any indignation. I’d agreed to this, after all. “It’s fine. I’ll take her to the spa, get her endorphins going with a great day out, and then hopefully she can go back, charm Ezekiel, and get us closer to breaking this damn curse.” They exchanged glances. “What?”
“Ezekiel was out last night following you,” Padma said. “When he could have been with Ariella. Orina…don’t you think that he might have feelings for you?”
I wanted to deny it. To say something flippant, but I was too tired to weave lies. “Yeah, he does, but it doesn’t matter. He needs to focus on Ariella. I made that clear last night.” I drained my cup. “And she’ll be here soon, so let’s get some work done.”
The conversation was over, just like Ezekiel and I were over, even though we had never officially begun.
It wasn’t Matthewwho delivered Ariella but Ordell.
My gut twisted seeing them together, standing in reception, her arm looped through his as if she was some kind of nobility on the arm of a beau.
Was he spending time at the castle with her now?
Bitch, get your hands off my man.
The thought rolled through my mind before I could stop it, and the look on Ordell’s face told me that he’d read my emotions on my face.
I forced a smile. “Ariella, so good to see you.”
She returned my smile with a beam of her own. “I’m so excited. Are there any bookshops we can visit? I’m low on reading material.”
Books? Had no one shown her the library at Branwood? I glanced at Ordell, who arched a brow as if to say,It’s up to you if you want to tell her.
I didn’t.
I couldn’t have Ezekiel, but I could have his library…If I ever went back, that is.
I was being selfish, but maybe it was okay just this once.
“Hi, you must be Ariella.” Merry hurried out of the office to greet her. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Merry.”
“So this is an Order office.” Ariella moved toward the coffee machine. “Oh my, this is impressive.”
Ordell tugged at the collar of his polo top, and I caught a glimpse of something gray beneath.
His skin?
