Don’t poke the bear. It’s one of my father’s favourite sayings when it comes to me, because sometimes I just can’t help myself.
Duncan breathes in, flaring his nostrils with displeasure, but nothing else of his expression shows it. “How is my daughter?”
“Other than the broken foot, she seems great.”
I’ve apologized to both Duncan and Sophie, and I’m not one to grovel. Duncan didn’t approve of me before I got behind thewheel of Fenella’s car, and my trying to suck up to him won’t help. It might even make it worse.
And it wouldn’t matter what I did or didn’t do to Sophie. It’s clear to me that I walked in on something—something no one else knows about. And Duncan doesn’t like it.
Doesn’t like that it was me.
“Is there anything she needs?” Mrs. Theissen asks politely. She moves away from Duncan, almost like she’s ready to jump in to protect me.
I shake my head. “We had lunch after a rousing game of Scrabble. I think she’s going to have a nap.”
“And is there anything you need while you’re staying here?” she continues.
“Actually… yes.” I smile beguiling at her, because why not, if it might irritate Duncan. “Would I be able to get a ride into town with someone?”
“I see your sister hasn’t let you borrow her car again,” Duncan says snidely.
“No, and your Uber drivers aren’t that reliable.”
“I’ll drive you.”
I don’t know who is more surprised at Duncan’s offer, me or Mrs. Theissen.
“I have a meeting with Spencer, so I’m heading into town. I’m leaving in ten minutes.”
What have I done? If I refuse, then Duncan will know he’s intimidated me. And I don’t like anyone knowing that.
“Sounds good. Ah—thank you.”
“Maybe you should wait until we get into town before youthank me.”
That’s not ominous at all.
“What were you doing with my daughter?” Duncan demands as we pull away from the castle grounds in a black Range Rover.
I take a moment to admire the vehicle.
Snow is heaped along the road, pushed back by snowplows that run up the hill to the castle twice a day. Tree boughs are white and frozen, and it might be pretty if it weren’t so cold.
Even wearing cashmere-lined gloves, I rub my hands together to warm them. I wish I’d thought to bring a hat.
“She taught me how to play Yahtzee.” Duncan glances at me with disbelief. “Really. I’ve never played before. She kicked my butt in Scrabble too. I’ve never been one for games, and Sophie clearly is.”
“She is? I… I didn’t know that.” There’s confusion in his voice, and maybe—if I’m reading it right—a note of wistfulness.
Sophie wasn’t the only one who missed out when her mother was holding a grudge.
“The step-dad was a gamer,” I add, twisting the knife just a bit because why not? The man already hates me.
“He’s a good man.”
That’s a surprise. Not that Sophie’s step-dad is a good man, but to hear Duncan admit it. Accept it. I wonder if that’s the reason Signe wasn’t exiled from Battle Harbour.
“Sounds like it. Sophie seems fond of him. Her mother, on the other hand—” I roll my eyes, and Duncan gives a huff.
