Page 23 of His Haunted Desire

Aurora smiles nervously. Neither of us are in masks yet, letting me see the flush in her cheeks, the curiosity in her pretty emerald green eyes.

“Aurora Maren,” Grandma says after a pause, snapping her fingers together. “You came once before, didn’t you?”

Aurora nods. “I didn’t think you’d remember. I was only fourteen. Thank you so much for having me back.”

Grandma’s mask doesn’t cover her mouth, letting me see her smile. “Fate has kept you two apart; Raiden was in college overseas at the time.”

Aurora turns to me, looking at me like I’m the only man in the world. “Fate won’t keep us apart any longer.”

Her voice is music, convincing and hypnotic, a voice that could trick even the most cynical man.

Even with her mask on, I feel Grandma beaming at me. “Once we’re settled in, we must all have some time together. I haven’t seen Raiden this happy since… I can’t even remember.”

I offer Aurora my arm. “Shall we?”

I led her down the wide stone passageway. The staff have swept it puddles of rain away, giving us a clear walk to the mansion.

“Why would she say that?” Aurora asks quietly. “You don’t look unusually happy to me. Unless you’re normally the grumpiest man in the universe.”

“Hmm,” I grunt.

“I guess that’s my answer.” She nudges me playfully. “This place is pretty freaky… sir. Perfect for Halloween.”

I smile down at her, caught up in her enthusiasm, not even caring for a few moments if this is part of the performance too.

“Aurora,” Grandma calls from behind, walking up quickly behind us.

“Yes?”

Grandma takes her hands and leans in. “I feel so awful. I should’ve said. My condolences. My deepest, most sincere condolences.”

Aurora turns pale. “Uh, yeah. Thank you.”

“Condolences?” I ask once Grandma has gone.

Aurora’s good mood has vanished. “Between the last time I was here and this time, my parents died. Car crash. Christmas. It’s not a big deal.”

“I’m sorr?—”

She glares at me. “We’re not here to talk about that. Let’s just get to our room.” She unclenches her teeth, probably thinking she’s gone too far. “Sir…”

CHAPTER 9

AURORA

Amasked member of staff–maybe he’s a butler; I don’t even know the terms they use in this world–leads us through a Gothic estate. Dark landscape paintings on the walls, the lights turned low, mounted animal heads, suits of dark colored armor. Finally, we step through a tall, wide door, revealing a sprawling suite. There’s a four-poster bed, a large couch, a seating area, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower and a jacuzzi.

Once the door closes behind us, I take off my coat and drop down onto the couch, letting out a breath. More thunder continues outside, making me feel like Alice in Wonderland.

Except she didn’t have the motivation of cold, hard cash to keep her grounded.

“Are you okay?” Raiden asks, sitting in one of the chairs and stretching out his leg.

“Areyou?”

“Old injury,” he says. “It’s fine. You seem shaken up.”

“You were right on the boat. I don’t like storms.”