Chapter5
That hadn’t goneas he’d hoped or even imagined it would. Why did he believe Genevieve would have come running into his arms and be grateful to see him? Somewhere along the way, he’d fashioned himself into some kind of knight in shining armor, ready to rush in and save the day. What a bloody fool he’d been. Real life didn’t happen that way. It didn’t matter that his circumstances were convoluted and twisted in a thousand different angles. Nothing ever went as planned. It was a good thing he was able to adapt, reassess, and create a new plan. Genevieve wanted to play hard to get? Well, he’d let her have her way for a day. There wasn’t a chance in hell he’d allow that wedding to take place. He’d use everything in his arsenal to make her see that they belonged together. Failing wasn’t anoption.
Trenton glanced up at Serenity walking down the hallway. Her mahogany hair was a tumbled mess around her shoulders. The trip through the mirror had taken a toll on her. There were dark spots under her eyes, and she looked ready to drop. He was rather weary himself. Some sleep would do them both good. After a quick chat with Serenity, he’d go in search of the duke and demand he accommodate them. A man of Branterberry’s stature probably wouldn’t take such a slight calmly. He couldn’t wait to bash figurative heads with him. The notorious spy wouldn’t be happy, and Trenton intended to make it a point of being the bane of his existence. The man dared to take Genevieve away from him. For that alone he deserved to beharassed.
“How did it go?” Serenityasked.
He shook his head. “It’s a tossup. It could be good, but it could be bad. I do think I may have put a chink in that wall she’s built up aroundherself.”
That kiss though… It was so much more than he could have hoped for. She’d all but fell into his arms. It was a start, but nothing more. He had to find a way to convince her he was worth the risk. They’d been in a bad place before she disappeared. Something he hadn’t taken into account when he started on the path to find her. Of course, she’d have doubts. Why wouldn’t she? She didn’t understand what he’d been doing and why he’d been so distant. Maybe once he explained it to her she’d be more open to trying again. A love like theirs didn’tgoaway.
“Branterberry is good with his son. His aura changed when he was telling him the bedtime story,” Serenity said. “I wonder what happened to the boy’smother.”
She stared past Trenton and her gaze went unfocused. He turned to see the duke coming down the hallway. It looked like they were about to have that conversation about a room for the night. His Grace didn’t seem too happy to see them both standing in thehallway.
“Maybe you should ask him,” Trenton offered. “Might not find out if he throws us out on thestreet.”
He probably shouldn’t encourage her to poke the bear—or maybe he was more like a lion. The duke definitely appeared as if he could tear them from limb to limb. Trenton doubted he’d take his ire out on Serenity though. He didn’t seem the type to harm a woman. He had taken Genevieve in when she had no one to lean on. To Trenton, that spoke volumes about the man’s honor andintegrity.
“Why are you two still here?” the dukedemanded.
“Because we’re waiting on you to show us to a room,” Trenton deadpanned. “It’s rude to leave guests waiting inthehall.
“I am rather tired,” Serenity said, stifling down a yawn. “Did you have a maid prepare achamber?”
The duke glared at her. “I did no such thing. Why would I let intruders have a guestchamber?”
Serenity straightened and met his gaze, then shrugged. “Fine. It’s not as if I’ve never slept on a couch before. I’ll be in his study getting some much needed sleep if you need me.” She pushed past the duke to head toward the study. Branterberry reached out and latched onto her arm. Serenity was forced to stop and turn to face him. She glanced down at where the duke’s hand was wrapped around her arm and then slowly back up to meet his gaze. Her voice was pure steel as she said stormily, “Let me go.” Her eyes were cold as she continued to glare at the duke until hereleasedher.
“You arenotsleeping on the settee in my study,” the duke informed her. “I will notallowit.”
Trenton leaned against the wall and stared at the two of them. There were some sparks there. The duke didn’t seem to want to like Serenity and vice versa, but they were there. The way they kept sneaking glances at each other—if they had enough alone time, they’d jump on each other. He’d stake everything he ownedonit.
“Would you rather I sleep on the front steps?” She raised a brow. “It won’t be comfortable, but it will work in apinch.”
“Are you obtuse?” the duke asked. “Fine, you win. I’ll have a maid prepare you a chamber.” He turned to Trenton and said, “I suppose you want a room of yourowntoo?”
“So nice of you to offer,” Trenton said. “I’d love to be your guest for thenight.”
He didn’t want to stay more than that. Genevieve had to see reason soon. Once she did, they could head to Weston and go through the mirror. Serenity would be their guide as they passed through. If she’d known that her psychic ability would allow her to pass through, she could have come home to him months ago. How long had she been living with Branterberry? She planned on marrying him—did that mean they had a real relationship? Had that bastard put his handsonher?
He didn’t like the path his mind was going, but he couldn’t help himself. Thinking about Genevieve moving on without him was driving him mad. It wasn’t as if he could blame her for creating a life for herself. He’d attempted to move on with Regina. The duke had been good to her. Trenton didn’t have to like any of it, but he could respect the duke, albeit silently, for helping the love ofhislife.
“I didn’t offer anything,” the duke said. “Tomorrow morning, you both areleaving.”
He could think whatever he wanted. Trenton wasn’t going anywhere as long as Genevieve insisted on staying. Once she agreed to leave, he’d happily remove himself from Branterberry’sresidence.
“That’s finebyme.”
The duke frowned and spun on his heels. He disappeared down the hallway to seek out a maid to prepare the chambers for him and Serenity. That was a good thing. Serenity really did lookrough.
“Are you all right?” heasked.
“I’ve had better days. I didn’t really expect that going through the mirror would drain me so much. I probably shouldn’t have used any more energy to read the duke, but I had to know if we could trust him.” Her voice shook as she spoke. It must have taken a lot for her to be so forceful with the duke earlier. He didn’t like how pale she’dgotten.
“Canwe?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “I said as much earlier. He still has secrets, but I don’t think they have anything to do with Eve. She’s being stubborn. Give her time and she’ll realize thatherself.”
