I was surprised to learn that Pierce owns a private island off the coast of Scotland. After driving up the coast and taking the ferry to the secluded island, Henry ushered us into another limousine to get to Pierce’s home on the island. We pull into the gates of the estate about fifteen minutes later, although estate is most definitely the wrong word for the massive brick towers looming above me. There’s a sign hung above the wrought-iron gate that saysWindermere Castle.
Are we going to sleep in a freaking castle? I sit up straighter in my seat as we drive closer and take in the scene before me. Deep green Ivyclings to nearly every outer wall and archway. The castle reminds me of something on the cover of a horror novel, but without all the dark gargoyles waiting to snatch you up for their tormented masters.
There are probably more than fifty windows in this place. They are intricately designed, each with the same pattern: a black cross surrounded by hues of amber and yellow stained glass.
I wonder which window belongs to Pierce’s room.
The arched doorway at its entrance hosts two suits of armor. I shiver at the thought of one of them housing a living, breathing person, hiding and watching from behind the mask, ready to hunt us down for trespassing onto their land. Clearly, I’ve watched a few too many horror movies.
The rest of the outside is bright and exceptionally maintained, other than the ivy that climbs the walls with no abandon. The towering brick walls are all shades of tan and taupe.
When I finally exit the limo, I swear I can taste the salt from the sea nearby on my tongue. When my eyes land on the garden, my feet move like they have a mind of their own. I can’t stop myself from walking over and taking a closer peek. The apartment I live in has a small balcony, but the only plants I tend to keep alive are cacti. If the suits of armor are from a horror movie, then this garden must be one from a fairytale. It’s full of lush green bushes and flowers of all colors. It looks like it wraps around the entire estate.
I’m in awe of the breathtaking landscape. It looks even more vibrant with the overcast sky above us.
Some things tend to shine with natural beauty when a little darkness touches them.
“Care to take a stroll later?” A deep, husky, male voice greets me from behind, making me jump. I turn and nearly gasp when my eyes land on his face.
Now, I’m not one of those women who believe in that whole love at first sight thing. But I could be convinced to believe inlustat first sight because this man might just be the most attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on.
A blush creeps over my cheeks when I realize I’m just staring at him as he waits for me to say something.
“Is that a yes?”
“I—um. What?” I run a hand over my messy, traveling bun and wish that I had thought to put just a touch of makeup on before I got here. I planned on getting ready before the big dinner party. I most definitely didn’t expect to meet the modern age Adonis before I unloaded my suitcase.
He grins and runs his fingers across his lips as he stares down at me. I didn’t realize that he stepped closer. My heart may or may not skip a beat in my chest while I grapple for coherent words. He’s looking down at me with the most intense blue eyes I’ve ever gazed into. Something about them feels familiar, but I know I would have remembered if I had seen this guy before. His hair is a dark mess of waves atop his head. I wonder what it would feel like beneath my own fingers.
“Hey, Teagan! Are you coming or what?” Lexi shouts from the entrance to the castle, making me jump like a fool. “We’ve got to get ready for the dinner party, so hurry it up!”
I curse her silently under my breath. “Yeah, I’ll be right there,” I yell back.
The modern-day Adonis turns and walks deeper into the garden.
“Wait.” I step towards him.
He turns on his heel before those blue eyes meet mine again. “Yes?”
“What’s your name?” I ask.
A sly smirk paints his lips. “Well,Teagan.” He steps closer to me and shoves his hands into the pockets of his dark slacks. The white button-upshirt pulls taut against the obvious muscles painting his arms and chest as he stares down at me. “I guess you’ll just have to find out at dinner tonight.”
He winks at me, then turns on his heel and strolls back into the garden, leaving me wondering if I conjured him up entirely with my sleep-deprived mind.
Chapter eleven
“I’m telling you, Lex. This man was the hottest man I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Like a full-on male main character from one of those fairy smut novels that people rave about. I’m a goner.” Teagan hugs her shoulders and throws herself onto my bed.
I shouldn’t be jealous.
I shouldn’t be jealous.
I shouldn’t be jealous.
I chant this to myself on repeat, hoping that I can wish it into existence. But the acidic taste on my tongue as I watch Teagan kick her feet in the air like a love-sick child is proving how unsuccessful I am at this task.
I sit on the edge of my bed with my back to her. I can’t swallow the overwhelming feelings of anger.
