Page 56 of Chasing Luna
“Gregory,” I whisper as I tap on his shoulder. He’s busy reading a book by the burned doors of the saloon. The area got sealed off because it was a little unstable, which made it a perfect meeting place for us.
“Hey, you’re here.” He smiles at me, and I feel my heart skip a beat.
Damn it.
“Well, yeah. I did ask you to meet me.” I deadpan.
He smirks. “Are you still jealous of Katarina? I didn’t think you were the type.” He reaches forward and caresses my cheek. “It’s a little cute, though.” His voice drops down a few octaves, and I shiver at the change.
“I’m not jealous,” I note a little indignantly and start walking away toward the west wing. “But I can’t say the same for you,” I huff and it’s his turn to be a little indignant.
“Please, Kenji had nothing on me.” His hand wraps around my wrist, and he pulls me toward him.
“I didn’t say a name,” I start, but he spins us both around until I feel my back hit the drywall.
“Do you like him?” he asks, hazel eyes concentrated on mine.
“Is now really the best time for this?” I feel my breath start to quicken at the close proximity.God, his scent is addicting. No wonder Katarina’s gone crazy.
“I see.” He raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t let go yet. He pushes his body closer to mine until the gap between us is nonexistent. “Just so you know,” he leans into one side and puts his lips close to my ear, “I can take care of you way better than he can.” His fingers trail along my back and stop just above my ass. “If you know what I mean.” He dips his head into my shoulder and gives it a quick peck. I feel the heat pool down to my core at the simplistic gesture. He sighs against my neck. “Just something to mull over, while I wait for your answer, my dear.” And just like that, Gregory grabs me by the shoulder and pushes me forward, a signal to start walking again.
“I don’t appreciate being manhandled like that,” I share, feeling a bit frustrated and dizzy at the thought of his hands caressing all over my body.
“I just wanted you to remember that I’m a man, and that friend of yours is still a boy,” he says simply and we walk in silence the rest of the way.
“Here,” I mention and point at a familiar bookcase. I look around to check if there’s anyone else nearby.
“What are we doing here?” Gregory asks, checking out the titles in the case.
“I have to say I’m sorry first. One, for not being able to take you here the first time you came into the estate. And two, for… everything else my family has put you through.” I keep my head down and push it open, feeling the familiar magnet pull me inside. “Come on,” I usher him in and keep myself by the door. I watch as Gregory steps forward and pauses at the person he’s seeing.
“Dad?” he whispers softly as he falls to his knees. “Dad, can you hear me?” I can feel my heart break at the sound of Gregory’s voice cracking. I watch as this grown man crumble at the sight of his father, paralyzed with a spell I still can’t break. “Can he?” He turns to me with tears in his eyes.
“I’m not sure. But it’s worth a try to keep talking to him,” I speak and stay quiet afterward, tuning out his words to his father and instead trying to listen outside for any intruders.
“I’m sorry, Dad,” he expresses with a small voice, with almost a child-like fragility in his tone. Whether he’s asking for repentance or expressing his regret, the sentence is pretty loaded with emotions. “I’ll see you again, soon. I promise.” He sniffles and taps me on the shoulder.
“Are you ready to go?” I ask, and he nods wordlessly. I push the doorway open and we step out into the hallway. “Gregory, we have one more problem,” I break the silence first as we head back to the main wing. Night has fallen all over the estate, and the house is eerily quiet.
“What is it?” he says slowly, voice devoid of any emotion.
“My grandmother wants me to sacrifice you on the night of my coronation as Queen. Which is also the night I turn eighteen.” He stops walking.
“What?” He shakes his head.
“I’m not going to do it, obviously. Though, I do want you to be careful. We’ll have to act fast on that night, since I’m sure you won’t be allowed to go far away from me and my family. After I get my powers, we’ll need a distraction in order to bring the attention away from me, and then we’ll go grab your dad out and we’ll leave the estate.” I hear people murmuring close by just as we reach the saloon doors.
“Alright,” he agrees. He follows as I sneak past the gathering crowd and reach the center of the room which is just near the saloon.
What is going on?
Chapter Fifty-Three
“What’s going on?” I voice out the question in my head. Gregory slips past the crowd and heads to the other side.
“Your Highness,” Eliza’s voice calls out to me from behind. “It seems that the final list of suppliers for your birthday has come in.”
“Oh, the bidding is done then?” I ask and peer over the papers strewn about.