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I peer around the doorframe. A petite brunette with curly hair tied back leans against the counter, her green eyes bright as she talks about the man who murdered my parents. She looks so normal. Young. Nothing like a calculating traitor. Perhaps all the women here pine for Ronan.

"Trust me," the other woman says, "Ronan Kean doesn't date the help. Remember what happened to Sarah?"

"Maybe I'm different," the first girl insists, though uncertainty creeps into her voice. "He seemed genuinely interested in the gardens when I mentioned the new rose varieties…"

Is she the groundskeeper? Really? Her?

I smooth my jacket and stride into the kitchen, letting an easy smile spread across my face. You get more from charm than harm, I always say. "Ladies, I hope I'm not interrupting."

The women startle.

"Just doing my rounds," I say, leaning casually against the doorframe. "I'm Blaise Tine, new security detail."

“I’m Debbie,” one woman says. “I work in the kitchen.

“Jenna Hart,” the one crushing on Ronan introduces herself. Up close, she’s not at all what I expected. She’s pretty in an innocent sort of way, with bright green eyes and a smattering of freckles across her nose.

Debbie gives me an appreciative once-over. "Haven't seen you around before."

"Just started last week." I wink. "Thought I should get to know everyone. Especially the lovely ladies who keep this place running."

Jenna blushes, ducking her head as she turns to arrange flowers in a crystal vase. Her curls fall forward, hiding her face, but I catch the shy smile playing at her lips.

"Well, aren't you sweet?" Debbie fans herself dramatically. "Most of the guards just grunt and glare at us."

I laugh, the sound genuine despite the rage simmering beneath my carefully constructed façade. "Their loss. Besides, who wouldn't want to spend time with such beautiful company?"

“Well, I’d love to stay and… chat.” Debbie’s eyes suggest she meansfuck, notchat. “But I’ve got to inventory the pantry.” She leaves us alone in the kitchen.

Jenna fidgets and gives me a shy smile. There's something endearing about her innocent demeanor that makes me want to put her at ease. What the fuck is wrong with me? This woman opened the door to killers.

"The gardens look amazing," I say, remembering her earlier conversation about roses. "You must be the one responsible for that."

Her face lights up, transforming her from pretty to stunning. "You noticed? Most people just walk past without seeing how the colors complement each other or how the heights create depth…" She trails off, ducking her head. "Sorry, I get carried away talking about plants."

"Don't apologize. It's refreshing to meet someone passionate about their work."

Our eyes lock, and for a moment I forget why I'm here, forget that this innocent-looking woman played a role in my parents' death. All I can focus on is how her hands twist nervously and how badly I want to still them with my own.

"I should get back to work," she murmurs but doesn't move.

"Of course." I straighten up, maintaining my professional demeanor despite the unexpected attraction coursing through me. "Maybe you could show me those roses sometime?" I’m only flirting because she’s part of my mission. That’s all.

Her smile is shy but genuine. "I'd like that."

I watch her leave the kitchen feeling completely off-balance. How can I be drawn to someone who helped destroy my family? To the woman I’m here to destroy?

To be continued.