Page 96 of Betrayed in the Dark
Eli
“Jack, leave the poor girl alone. She’s barely had a chance to take a breath between each one of your questions.” Mom playfully shoves my dad’s shoulder, shaking her head.
“What?” Dad exclaims. “It’s the first time our son has ever brought someone home, and I’m not allowed to find out a little about her?”
“I’m the first one?” Madeleine asks with a pleased smile, sliding her arms into her coat that I’m holding out for her.
“The only one,” Dad responds with a wink.
“For fuck’s sake.” I drag a hand down my face. “Don’t you have a game to watch?”
“Ah. You’re right. I think it’s time for a little American football.” He regards Madeleine with warmth. “It was lovely to meet you, dear.”
“Lovely to meet you, sir,” she responds politely.
“Sir?” Dad looks at me and points at her. “I like this one.”
“Yeah, I’m pretty partial myself,” I say, noting the blush that spreads over her cheeks. “You ready to go?” I ask her.
“I will be if you tell me where we’re going.”
“And where is the fun in that?”
Dad walks off, heading toward the living room, where I’m guessing he’ll spend the rest of the night in his favorite recliner. Mom will eventually join him after she feels the house is put back together properly. All my aunts and uncles will meander through the house with full stomachs and drinks in their hands before deciding to call it a night, while Ava will take all her new toys to her room to inspect.
The typical Christmas day at my family’s home.
Mom laughs at the two of us, a speculative gleam in her eyes. “You know, when Eli was just a little boy, he came home from school on winter break and told me story after story of all the exciting things he learned in the States. But one story always stood out to me the most.”
“Oh? Was it about the time he screamed like a little girl when he spotted a spider on his shirt?” Madeleine teases.
“I didn’t scream.” I roll my eyes but smirk, remembering that day. Unfortunately, I did, in fact, scream like a little girl.
“No.” Mom chuckles, appearing so at ease. “He told me about a princess he met and how he was going to be her knight in shining armor. He never called her by her first name; he just kept referring to her as his princess. Told us she had hair as dark as the night with big, beautiful blue eyes and that she lived in a castle.” She smiles. “I always wondered if I was going to meet you.”
Madeleine momentarily stills beside me, her lips parting and closing in surprise. “I didn’t…” She turns toward me, her eyes wide. “You did?”
Fuck, she’s cute when she’s uncomfortable.
“Well, thank you, Mom. Can always count on you to make things awkward.” I lean into my mom to place a kiss on her cheek.
“That’s what I’m here for,” she responds.
I shake my head, the corners of my lips lifting with ease. “We’ll be back later. Don’t wait up.”
“Oh, to be young again,” she muses.
I place my hand on Madeleine’s lower back as I guide her toward my Land Rover and open the passenger door for her before making my way to the driver’s side. The engine purrs to life as I accelerate, and heat quickly fills the space.
Madeleine sits quietly as I back out of the narrow driveway and turn onto the calm road. Streets that are usually bustling at this time of night are subdued, twinkling with strings of white lights.
It’s my favorite time of year.
And the fact that I get to spend today with her…well, this might be the best Christmas yet. One I’ll have to ensure she never forgets.
After driving for some time with only a soft hum of Christmas music in the background, Madeleine says softly, “I’ve never been to London before.” Her curious eyes remain glued to the window as she takes in everything that the city has to offer.
I know she hasn’t been, which is precisely why I’m taking her to the most prominent tourist attraction. Looking at my watch, I see we have just enough time to make it before they close for the evening.
