Page 46 of His Ruthless Match

I crossed my arms and stared out the window, silently cursing myself for opening my big mouth.

Ancient, twisting trees lined the long driveway, creating a canopy overhead. I heard the ocean long before I saw it, the rhythmic crash of waves growing louder as we approached. When the cottage finally came into view, I was speechless.

It was small but charming, with weathered wood siding and a stone chimney that added to its rustic appeal. A stone path led straight to the ocean, where the water sparkled under the light of The Below’s eerie twin moons. There were no other structures in sight, just endless sand and sea.

“This is not at all what I was expecting.”

Jareth parked the car and glanced at me. “What were you expecting? A dungeon?”

I shrugged. “Maybe. It’s nice.”

“I needed a refuge. Once I started making good money doing what I do, I asked your brother if I could buy a tract of land. He gave me this spot.”

“That sounds like Raffaele,” I murmured, ignoring the pang of guilt in my heart. “Big and bad on the outside, but really just a softie who takes care of everyone.”

Jareth didn’t respond, but I caught the faintest flicker of respect in his eyes. He got out of the car and opened my door before I could even reach for the handle.

I eyed him curiously as I stepped out. “Chivalry, huh? That’s new.”

“Don’t get used to it.”

The house was just as cozy inside as it was outside. Soft, overstuffed furniture in warm wood tones and shelves lined with books, trinkets, and what I could only describe as… artifacts. A fireplace crackled softly, and the scent of salt and woodsmoke filled the air.

Jareth tossed his keys onto a table by the door. “Grelth, we’ve got company.”

I frowned. “Seriously, what the fuck is a Grelth?”

Before he could answer, a small, hairy, grumpy-looking creature popped into existence right in front of me. I let out an embarrassingly undignified squeal and stumbled back, grabbing Jareth’s arm.

“Eva,” Jareth said, clearly amused, “this is Grelth, my, uh...assistant.”

Grelth scoffed, narrowing his beady eyes. “Master Grelth is no assistant. I basically run your fucking life, sir, if you please.”

It took me a second to process what he’d said, and then I burst out laughing. “I like Grelth.”

Grelth sketched a small, theatrical bow. “I’m pleased to meet you, Miss...?”

“This is Eva Delgado. The human. Myassignment.”

I scoffed at that. “Mr. Grelth, I assure you I am no one’s assignment. I am merely a victim of circumstance, which has resulted in my forced proximity to this asshole.”

The corner of Grelth’s mouth twitched. “Well said, Miss Eva. I must say, you’re far too clever to be hanging around someone like him.”

“I’m right here,” Jareth muttered.

Grelth ignored him. “You know, he never brings anyone home. You must be very special to him.”

“Grelth,” Jareth growled.

I arched an eyebrow. “Oh, really? Heneverbrings anyone home?”

“Not a soul.” Grelth tutted. “Master Jareth is quite the recluse.”

“I bring people home,” Jareth protested, folding his arms.

Grelth turned to him with a skeptical look. “Name one person you’ve brought here in the past year.”

Jareth opened his mouth, then closed it.