She went to his flowers, read the note, tucked it into her pocket, then rushed to the bathroom. She was sick. Why was she sick? It must be something she ate. His poor precious gem. She shouldn't have to work while feeling ill. That's one thing that would change once she was his. No more working. She wouldn't need to.
He watched her take the flowers to the back. He didn't know what she did with them, but she never had them when she left at night, so he surmised she discarded them. But she kept his notes. He found a spot to watch her and settled in for the night.
When the lion entered and she smiled, it cut him. That smile was supposed to be forhim. That's how he knew she wanted him. She always smiled at him when she served him, and once she even touched his hand.
He watched from the shadows as the lion helped her into his truck, then scrambled to follow them. He knew where they were headed; her home. The stupid lion didn't even see him following them.
When they arrived, he parked up the street and waited for them to get inside before he got out of his car. Then, on silent feet, he moved to the house and around to the bedroom. He was already envisioning what he would get to see. To his surprise, the curtains were tightly closed. There wasn't a crack of light coming through. He growled low in frustration. They must have discovered his secret from the night before.
Unable to see anything, he slunk away and headed home, leaving her with the lion. He had to get her away from that lion, and soon.
Chapter Sixteen
Frankie
"So I'm finally going to get to meet that man of yours," Melody Riggs said to her daughter.
"Mama, don't make a big deal out of it."
"It is a big deal, Frankie. After what Rick did, I didn't think you'd ever let anyone else in, yet here you are."
"Yeah, well, I hadn't planned on it, but the mate bond can't be ignored." She saw the look in her mother's eyes and winced. "I'm sorry, Mama."
"Don't be. It was a long time ago. Water under the bridge and all that. You're right, it can't be ignored. When did you tell him to be here?"
"Six, just like we planned."
"Then I've got just enough time to do my hair," she said, looking at her watch.
"Mama, your hair is fine," Frankie replied with an eye roll.
"I want to make a good impression," was her reply as she headed to the bathroom.
Frankie shook her head. Her mother was a hot mess most days, but today she looked put together. She really was trying to make a good impression.
"How do I look?" she asked ten minutes later. She'd curled her hair.
"You look good, Mama."
"You're not just saying that to be kind, are you?"
"No, Mama. You look good. Promise." Just then, there was a knock at the door. "That must be Yaeger, I'll get it," Frankie said. She opened the door and there stood the most handsome man she'd ever seen. Her man.
"Hello, darlin'."
"Hello yourself, lover boy. Come on in. Are those for me or Mama?" she asked in regards to the bouquet of flowers he had in his hand.
"Your mother. I know how you feel about flowers, given the circumstances," he replied.
She laughed. "Smart man." She led him to where her mother waited. "Mama, I'd like you to meet Yaeger Delacroix. Yaeger, my mother, Melody Riggs."
"Mrs. Riggs, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. These are for you," he said, offering her the bouquet.
"Please, call me Melody. Oh, these are lovely, thank you. Come in. Make yourself comfortable. Dinner is just about finished. I hope you like shrimp scampi with asparagus and fresh rolls," she said, taking the flowers to put them in water.
"Love it, ma'am," he replied.
"Ma'am. Such manners. Can I offer you a drink? I've got beer, wine, whiskey, soda."
