Page 69 of Blood that Burns
She shrugs. “Can you put her in a room close to me?”
My head shakes violently. “A different hallway, preferably. The staff talks, and you two aren’t exactly... quiet.” I wince just thinking about my sister and Julian.
Marina chokes out a laugh. “What? They really say that?”
I clench my teeth and smile.
Julian shakes his head. “I’ll get you situated next to Katina.”
“Thank you,” I say, bowing my head slightly.
Marina pulls me into a bear hug. “I love you, Mags. Please think about what I said about Law.” She whispers that part in my ear so that Julian can’t hear. I squeeze her back.
“See you in the morning.”
I follow Julian to a wing of the house I’ve yet to meander through.
“This is Katina’s room.” He points to a closed door. “If you need anything, just knock. She’s finishing up some stuff for tomorrow, but she’ll be back soon.”
“Thank you, Julian. I appreciate the hospitality.”
He smiles. “I love Marina, Maggie. I’d do anything for her, and that extends to you as well. You’re her family...” He rocks back on his heels, looking suddenly uncomfortable. “And well... someday, I hope you’ll be my family as well.”
A wide smile spreads across my face. “I don’t doubt that will be the case.”
He turns and takes a few steps in retreat before swiveling back toward me.
“Maggie... about Law.” I stiffen at the mention of him. “He’s struggling right now. In a lot of ways.” Julian puts his hands in his pockets. “Listen, I’m not going to compromise Law’s trust in me, but I think it’s important that you understand that he cares. About you. He just hasn’t worked out how to deal with the feelings. They’re new to him.”
Now it’s my turn to fidget uncomfortably. It’s one thing for me to harass Law to open up, but sharing my feelings with a stranger—even if Julian has been nothing but kind—is not comfortable for me. I’m still trying to work out my own emotional pull to Law.
“I appreciate that, Julian. I’m just waiting for Law to open up to me. I’m sure you can understand why I’m frustrated.”
He nods once. “I’ve been in this sort of entanglement recently. It does get easier. Although, no less frustrating at times.” He grins, and I match his with my own.
“I’ll see you in the morning, Julian. Thank you.”
He nods briskly and heads off, leaving me to ponder when Law and I will finally get our shit together and admit what we’re both feeling.