Page 14 of Brambles and Bellflowers
“Brosnan…” I looked at my knees. He didn’t reply, and I glanced at him. He wore a sour expression, and he glared at a point over my shoulder. “Why?” I asked.
“What is your father’s name?”
“De—” I began without thinking, but I had difficulty processing our relationship. I couldn’t say I didn’t know his name. “I—” I managed instead. “I never met my biological father, but Kieran took care of me before I was adopted.”
“Kieran Brosnan?” He frowned further.
“Do you know him?” I asked.
“In a way,” the man replied. “I am acquainted with his father, Callum. We share a mutual interest. I watched Kieran grow from infancy.”
“Oh,” I breathed. Why was my heart beginning to race? “I liked him.”
“He is a good man,” he agreed, and my pulse quickened. I didn’t want to be the one to tell him that Kieran was probably dead.
“With whom are you studying?” he asked suddenly.
I looked at him through my eyelashes, blinking back the wetness that’d gathered in the corners of my eyes. “Um… Ms. Protean,” I answered. “At least, I will next semester. I think.” My skin flushed as I added. “I—I’m taking a break from school right now.” At his frown, I added, “But Dr. Stephens wants me to study with him. So, I don’t know what to do.”
“You are familiar with the Elders?” he asked, linking his fingers under his chin.
“A—a little,” I pulled back, pressing against the seat. Why was he so interested? “I don’t know everyone. Why?”
“A personal query,” the older man replied. He stood, pulling at the bottom of his jacket, and looked at me. “You may use this room however you desire. I would, however, appreciate discretion regarding your discovery, and of our meeting.”
“O-okay,” I swallowed. Did this mean the room belonged to him? “But…” He’d been fixing his cufflink and looked back at me when I spoke. “What’s your name?”
He studied me, considering, before saying, “You may call me Seigneur du Bois d’Or.”
The sudden change in his tone took me by surprise, and I couldn’t catch all he said. Not that I had any idea how to say it anyway. Still, I nodded.
“I hope to see you again, Bianca Dubois,” he nodded toward me as he moved to the door. “Next time, we will continue our discussion. I’m certain we’ve much to learn from each other.”
I raised my hand, lifting my fingers in a wave, but he’d already stepped through the veil.
3
Damen POV
I waslate for my check-in with Gregory. The man was usually punctual, and even though he didn’t scare me, it was always better to be on time. Today, we were meant to discuss our contract with the police and the potential impact of Alexander Cole’s recent imprisonment on our work. It was a rather serious discussion that didn’t require an audience.
Therefore, I was surprised to see that Gregory had visitors.
I raised my eyebrow and closed the door behind me. This made Gregory’s already small office even more suffocating, but considering the visitors, privacy was paramount.
Declan Dubois barely glanced in my direction. He stayed deep in thought, sitting on the edge of Gregory’s desk, but Bryce was already glaring at me.
“Why areyouhere?” he asked, a challenge heavy in his voice. “Don’t you have girls to be chasing?”
A flare of annoyance washed over me. He’d been in my face—and in my home—since Bianca had returned from the hospital.The only reason I hadn’t tossed him out was because he looked so pathetic when he lost at board games.
“I don’t chase anyone.” I loosened my tie. “Not anymore.”
Bryce scoffed. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed you making eyes at my sister instead. She’s not going to date you.”
“Who are you to say who she can date?” I frowned at him. “It’s none of your business. Besides, it’s not likeyoucan stop me.”
Declan suddenly stood, and my heart leaped into my throat as the enormity of my mistake slammed into me.
