Page 19 of His Prince
“Thank God for him. I’ll never miss confession again.”
I grin as they pass the scones out, throwing Casey a smugI told you sogrin as the men groan in delight. Thank the lord for Agathawho helped me cultivate my skills in the kitchen as I grew up. I owe this success all to her.
As they eat, crumbs spilling onto the floor, I find a crystal vase in one of the cabinets and arrange the flowers, setting them in the middle of the large dining table. Even just this small pop of color makes this space come alive.
Damn this dreary place.
Rage seethes inside of me at the thought of how naïve I was, how stupid, but I push it down as I turn to the room full of men.
“Oh, he has a look in his eyes,” Titus says, and I nod, rolling my lips between my teeth. They have gotten to know me quite quickly and can read me better than most. But then again, I’m not much of a mystery. I’m quite open and honest. I don’t hide behind lies and false words.
I school my face and grasp my hands behind my back, rocking on my feet.
“I just need asmallfavor.”
Gael’s eyes narrow as he lights up another cigarette, but he waves his hand at me, motioning for me to get on with it.
“I have some things being delivered this afternoon and was hoping some of you could help me bring them in?”
“Of course,” Titus replies, but Gael looks a little unsure.
“We have to get Ivan’s approval first. We have jobs, little husband, but we will make time for you.”
“Who is Ivan?” I ask, unsure of this name.
“He’s the head of security,” Casey replies and then lowers his voice. “And shit at his job.”
My eyebrows rise and I glance back at the men who are still eating and watching me.
“I’m sure I can speak to Ivan and he’ll allow you to assist me,” I say, and the guys all nod before looking forlornly at the empty container of scones. I need to triple my recipe next time. “All I need to do is find him. Do you happen to know where he is right now?”
They glance at each other, and Gael finally sighs. “I can show you where he works.”
Casey interjects, but I stop him with a hand to his chest.
“I’ve got this. Why don’t you stay here and make some friends.”
“Hell no. I don’t want to be friends with these guys. I’m going with you,” he replies, and I sigh, letting him follow me and Gael out of the house.
As we walk, the sun peeks out from behind a cloud, warming me slightly. “Thank you for taking me, Gael. Do you know where George is, by any chance?”
He looks over at me, skeptical. “Why do you need to know where our doctor is?”
“Oh, is that who he is?”
“Amongst other things.”
“What other things?”
Gael doesn’t answer, just continues walking, moving to a stone on the edge of the walkway and putting out his cigarette. He then lights another one.
I really need to get their chain-smoking habits under control.
“Anyway, avoid that man. You don’t need to speak to him.”
“Oh, okay. Well, I was just wondering. I haven’t seen him since that one time. He didn’t come to lunch or dinner.”
Gael huffs and then pulls a drag from his cigarette, smoke billowing out of his mouth.