Page 28 of Blood and Thorns

“Did my mum not come and warn you?” He eyed the untouched tea, which was no longer billowing steam.

I averted my gaze and let out a breath. “I’m not coming to dinner.”

“I don’t think that’s an option.” He studied me like you would a bug beneath a telescope. It was a little unnerving, and honestly a little rude.

“Tell him I’m not feeling well.” Okay, so clearly, I wasn’t finished with my wallowing. I just needed another day, one more to treat myself to a nice, healthy breakdown before I finally accepted my fate.

Chip dipped his head in a nod. “As you wish.”

Sebastian

“What do you mean sheisn’t coming?” my voice boomed.

Chip tensed at my words, but other than that he gave no indication that he was affected by my anger. His mother, Mrs Potter, whistled a cheery tune as if I wasn’t imagining all the ways I could slaughter her son.

His eyes were dead, which was the only reason I’d agreed to hire him when Mrs Potter had begged. Apparently, he had some antisocial issues, and for anyone else I would’ve told them to fuck off. But Mrs Potter had been with my uncle for several decades, and once I’d established myself, I’d offered her a job as my head housekeeper. She’d been with me for close to eight years and came in four times a week.

Chip, on the other hand, had been with me for around three years, and didn’t bat an eye at the more vicious side of my business. For a man of twenty-two, he held himself with an assurance that was unusual for someone so young.

But then again, cocky men regularly got themselveskilled. Which was the reason behind his slow but steady training.

Clearly not picking up on the acerbic atmosphere, Mrs Potter placed the meal onto the table while I continued to stare coldly at her son. He stared back, unblinking.

“Get her,” I snapped.

“She said she wasn’t feeling well,” Chip replied, his tone monotonous.

“Don’t worry, she’ll come around, dear,” Mrs Potter assured me, her cheeks red from how much she smiled. “She’s pretty, too. Try not to growl too much and scare her.”

“You’re dismissed,” I said, noting how her lips pursed slightly.

“Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Grabbing her son, they disappeared back into the kitchen.

There were only a small number of staff allowed in my home, and they were heavily vetted before receiving an access card. Mrs Potter had earned her place, and kept the other workers to a strict schedule that didn’t overlap in my presence.

The only exception was Chip, who answered directly to me. His unique personality would be wasted as just a footman, but he wasn’t yet ready to fully immerse himself into my world. So he’d have to settle for running errands, being a competent chess player, and assisting me when needed.

I glared at the plate opposite, the food already getting cold.

This was the second time she’d ignored a direct order, and it made my pulse spike.

Will you suck my cock if I demand you get on your knees right now?

Will you bend over so I can fuck you any time and any place I wish?

Will you let me ruin you for anyone else? All to protect your father?

Yes.

Gritting my teeth, I jolted to my feet. I didn’t bother knocking on Arabella’s door, instead shoving it open with the force of a hurricane.

My eyes narrowed on the untouched bed, an unfamiliar feeling knotting my stomach until I realised she was curled up on the floor in the corner. I paused for a second, taking a moment to calm myself. There was bruising beneath her eyes while exhaustion lined her face.

Her breathing was even, and I used the gentle motion to slow my own, ragged breaths. I didn’t know why I’d accepted her as a replacement, but I was more interested in why she agreed to it in the first place.

It was twisted, that interest.

An obsession I wanted to break into tiny pieces just to understand.