Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 116396 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 582(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116396 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 582(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
“No. But I know it’ll be soon. Why?”
“I need to talk to him before he goes.” He got out of bed and started to get dressed.
“Now?” I asked incredulously.
He smiled as he got on his pants then gave me a quick kiss. “I’ll be back soon.”
I threw lunch together in the kitchen, finding things that hadn’t gone bad, and washed it down with a cup of coffee. As I sat at the table, a knock sounded on the door. I wasn’t sure if Bastian officially lived here or not, but I was pretty certain he wouldn’t knock. “It’s open.”
Ian walked in.
“Oh, so you do know how to knock…”
Ian ignored what I said and sank into the chair across from me. “Bastian here?”
I shook my head and picked at my muffin.
“Is he with his sister?”
“He went to talk to Huntley.”
“About?”
I shrugged. “Beats me. So, what do you want?”
“Do I need a reason to visit?”
“After everything we’ve been through the last week, yes. All I want to do is sleep.” Well, get laid too, but he didn’t need to know that. “I’m surprised you aren’t locked down in your favorite brothel.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Your favorite brothel?”
His eyes narrowed in annoyance. “I want you to help me with Bastian’s sister.”
“Help you what?”
He gave me a meaningful stare.
“Hold on. Let me get this straight.” I talked with my mouth full of muffin because I couldn’t resist. “You give Bastian shit all the livelong day about being with me…and now you want his sister?”
“Not the same thing.”
“Doesn’t matter. But karma is coming to bite you hard.”
“I have no regrets. He was Necrosis, and you were Necrosis food.”
I rolled my eyes. “You don’t even know her.”
“And you know Bastian?” he snapped. “You guys met like two months ago.”
I’d known the moment I looked at him, so that was a fair point. “I know she’s super hot and everything—”
“She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. You need to help me make this happen.”
“What if she’s a bitch?”
“I put up with you, so I’m sure I could put up with her.”
I stuck my tongue out at him. “I’ve only talked to her a couple times…but I can feel her out.”
“Thanks. I don’t want to come on too strong right now, but if I wait around, some other guy will beat me to the punch.”
“I guess that’s true.”
The door opened, and Bastian walked back inside.
“Ian wants to bang your sister.”
Ian turned his angry stare on my face.
Bastian faltered for a moment but continued on his way. “I’m used to it.” He came to the table and sat beside me.
“What did you talk to Huntley about?”
He shrugged and never answered.
“Why won’t you tell me?”
“I’ll tell you later,” he said noncommittally.
“Why later?” I demanded.
Ian grinned. “I’ve had to deal with this shit all my life. Good luck, man.”
“Good luck?” I rounded on my brother. “Then good luck with her because I’m not helping you anymore.”
“It’s fine,” Bastian said. “I’ll give you an introduction.”
“You will?” Ian asked, switching his gaze to Bastian.
Bastian dropped his arm over my shoulders. “Sure. You’ve defended HeartHolme from Necrosis twice. You protect your sister. You’re loyal to your family. I think you’re worthy of her—if she’s interested.”
Hand in hand, we walked to the church, the Temple of Adeodatus.
“What are we doing here?” Torches lit the pathways through the city. It was a quiet night, all the citizens already settled down after the battle that had threatened our very existence. We stopped outside the double doors to the temple.
“I’ll show you.” He opened the door and stepped inside, immediately admiring the large statue in the center that was also a fountain. Water splashed down from the top, the sprinkling accompanied by a playing harp we couldn’t see.
Bastian stared at the statue in complete reverence.
I gave him all the time he needed before we moved on, past the monks working on their scriptures, and made it to the rear.
The priest was there—along with my entire family.
Huntley and Ivory were with Ian. Queen Rolfe was there too. Avice stood beside Ian, as if they had shared a conversation while they waited for us. I looked up at Bastian, eager for an explanation.
Bastian squeezed my hand to get my attention. “Once your brother leaves, I know there’s a chance he won’t come back. This could be the last time you’re all together. I know how important family is to you, so I didn’t want to waste this opportunity.”
Now, I understood. “Is this too fast…?”
“It’s not for me if it’s not for you.” He held my gaze with complete confidence, but if my answer was no, he would let it be. “Now that I have my soul again, you’re the only person I want to share it with. I’ve never met a woman with such bravery and selflessness, who can yield a sword with the same bite as her words. There is no doubt for me.”