V

th and walked

oice. It was deeper than I remembered. H

en busy,"

not an excuse, Lucien. You disappear for

l," he

back. "You didn't even visi

steps witho

e been having this same argument fo

step just as Seraphina

ed immediately.

for a moment, I fo

rs ago. I didn't even know how that was possible. I had seen

of it ca

lack trousers. I could see his muscles and abs popping out. His hair was

ably handsome. There w

eyes met,

er throat quickly. "

," he said dryly

you,"

a said quickly. "

us to the

n. Alaric sat at the head of the

started

school?" Seraphina a

I said. "Challen

Is she coming back to Port

s just waiting for her boyfriend to finish

smiled. "Th

bright with curiosity. "And what abo

haven't really..

hy not? A woman with a face like yo

embarrassed. "I don

e said, "i

tly. "I guess I'

hat?" Seraphina

would love me for me. Not because I look good or beca

. "You want a love

d. "Mayb

ill smiling. "But surely there must be

to my face befor

e, suddenly very aware of

.. someone,

le widened insta

, nervous. "It's

ot?" sh

said, "I don't th

Alaric

staying back in London, besides m

admired me even but they rarely came

surprised. "That's

faintly and foc

ticed his grip on the cup had tightened. For a second, I wondered if

leared hi

his cutlery down, "wha

ed up.

that you've

hoping to start appl

both Seraphina and Alaric frowned, like the

all evening, finally looked at me. I

n his chair. "Apply f

ant to work. You kno

aphina. "Why would you apply

ed. "I'm

ation," he continued. "There's

ur father is right. You don't have

th to respond, b

d you a suitable position," s

tion on me again. I smiled p

"but I'd like to work on my

efore anyone c

reenfield," I added. "They're exp

d for that." Luc

e looked

used by the cert

didn't look confused.

atly and wiped his hands with h

be applyin

led together.

"There's no reason fo

to." I

he arrogance in his voic

said, trying to stay calm,

fended. If anything, h

ng married."

didn't quite unde

ry...

ok surprised. He just rubbed his temple like

hout breaking eye contact wit

ftly against the flo

, "That's

laughing."

ing. "Lucien," I said s

e in my house," he replied. "Th

went compl

d lost his mind but his face was calm, and that sc