House of Royals(49)

Until just after eight, Fred comes in the back where I’m putting the peanut butter chocolate chip cookies in the oven. “Ian Ward is at the counter askin’ for you. You two even know each other?”

I blush, even though Fred has no idea of the truth. Boy, do we… “Yeah,” I say instead, tucking my hair behind my ear. Fred takes over, and I walk out to the counter.

There are two ladies drinking coffee in one corner and enjoying scones. And standing at the counter, hands in the pockets of his EMT uniform, easy as always, is Ian.

“I have to admit, I didn’t really believe Rath when he told me you’d gotten a job at Fred’s,” he says with the classic Ian smile. “This seems too mundane and normal for you.”

“Well, this girl doesn’t have bills to pay like some people,” I say, recalling the conversation we had that first day we met. “But I needed something to keep me busy and from going crazy.”

Ian just nods with a smile and studies me for a moment. “You look good.”

And he means it. Which is a surprise, since I’m wearing a maroon apron covered in flour, my hair is in a crazy, messy bun on top of my head, and I probably have foodstuff on my face somewhere.

“Thanks,” I say with a blush. “You just get off work?”

Ian nods and I instantly notice the tiredness in his eyes. “Yep, should be my only graveyard shift this week, though. Worked the last six days straight. I’m going home now to catch a few hours of sleep, but…maybe I can come by later this evening?”

He looks hopeful, like he isn’t sure what my answer is going to be. Which is incredibly adorable. And I’d almost never use that word in relation to Ian. Strong? Yes. Assertive? Yes. Adorable…?

“Yeah,” I answer with a smile as another customer walks through the door. “I think you can.”

He just laughs and his eyes grow brighter. “Well, how about three scones for the family while I’m here? Lula loves Fred’s heart-stopping pastries.”

“You got it.”





“DON’T TAKE OFFENSE BECAUSE I genuinely want to know,” I say to Rath as we eat dinner on the veranda. The cook has outdone herself today, and the girl who serves us won’t look me in the eye, as usual. “But what do you do all day?”

Rath looks up at me, and I can’t read his eyes because he’s wearing sunglasses, which only makes me wonder about his species all the more. “I manage the affairs of the Estate.”

“Yes, I know,” I say in exasperation. “But what does that mean?”

Rath sets his wine glass back on the table. I’ve notice that he drinks one glass with dinner every night. Never more, never less. “I manage the crew that takes care of the grounds. I order supplies. I handle the financials involved with the Estate. That occupies most of my time.”

I take a sip of my sweet tea, something I’m coming to like. “Henry should have left the Estate to you, not me. You deserve it. It’s easy to see you love this place.”

“I do love it,” Rath says as he leans back in his chair and overlooks the grounds. “But my devotion has always been to the Conrath family. I don’t need money or the esteem. I am here for you, Alivia.”

I observe Rath for a moment. His expression is sad, regretful. “You miss Henry, don’t you?”

Rath doesn’t look back at me when he says, “I do.”

“You more than just worked for my father,” I say as I pick up a roll and pick at it. It’s dry. Mine are better. “You two were best friends.”

Rath sits back up and begins cutting his steak again. “Bonds run deep when loyalty is proven in both directions over and over again. When you’ve been through trials of fire and still stand by one another’s side. Your father was my brother.”

It’s hard for me to imagine such loyalty and love. And not the romantic kind of love because I don’t think that’s what this is for one second. Which is what makes it so strange. I never knew Henry, never saw him with Rath. But I can see what Henry’s death has done to Rath, it’s there in his face, in his very countenance, every day.

“Thank you for being here for me,” I say, reaching out across the table and resting my hand on Rath’s wrist. “I know we don’t know each other well, but it’s comforting to have you here. Like…there’s still a small part of my father that’s lived on through you. It’s far better than having nothing. And thank you for your loyalty. That isn’t lost on me.”

Rath looks up at me and with his free hand, removes his sunglasses. His eyes are so dark that I can’t tell iris from pupil. “You are always welcome. And my loyalty will always lie with your family, even after you resurrect.”