Page 22 of Serpent & Saviors

I rolled my eyes as a crew of carpenters blew past us.

“I’ve even talked extensively with Kinsley and Isabella about designs. Charlene is working on some of them as we speak.”

There was a twinkle in her eyes. I threw a look at Ivan, and he shrugged his shoulders. The fucker was completely aware that the girls were working with her. News to me.

“I’ll be around, Charlene, if you need anything. You two come with me,” she said sweetly. “We have a piano to move. And don’t you look at me that way. Once you called, I knew I had to have it placed in a different area. I’ve been meaning to for some time, and this is perfect. Although I’m disappointed that you didn’t bring your girlfriend with you. Is she still coming?”

“Girlfriend?” Ivan choked back laughter. “Is that what he called her?”

“Well, she’s a girl, you know, and I’ve never known him to bring a stranger to visit, so I put it together myself. Despite what he said,” my grandmother said, proud of herself.

“I didn’t call her that. And she’ll be here later,” I mumbled as Nan turned.

Thirty minutes later, we’d moved the piano to the exact location she wanted. Ivan needed to get to the club, so he said his goodbyes and left.

“Join me in the kitchen for some tea?”

I nodded, and we walked the short distance. We entered and sat around the small, informal table.

“Nan,” I said tentatively, “I wanted to tell you a bit about my friend. She’ll be here soon. It’s important that we make her feel safe.” Technically, Victoria wasn’t my patient, even though I’d called her one.

It was my lame attempt to put distance between us. And as such, I wasn’t breaking confidentiality rules, but wanted to prepare her in some small way. Especially given how I messed things up last night.

My grandmother was a wise woman and knew what I did outside of my normal counseling. She knew the crew often rescued women in domestic violence situations. Her eyes met mine, and I could sense her curiosity and concern.

“This one is different, I take it?”

I nodded. No sense in lying to her. Victoria was different in every way. Coupled with the fact that I’d never brought a woman home, yeah, it wasn’t lost on her.

“Whatever it is, Andy, I’m available to help or step out of the way. Whatever you need.”

I hesitated for a moment before continuing. “She’s been through a lot. The manner in which we met was…unconventional at best. I’m trying to help her. It’s complicated, but her husband is Cameron Evans. You remember—”

“That dreadful child who tormented you. Yes, I remember him quite well.”

Her eyes flashed angrily. I pulled her in for a hug, fighting back the grin on my face. I didn’t deserve this woman. She’d been fighting for me my entire life. If anyone hated Cameron more than I did, it might be this woman.

I pulled back and really looked at her. The etched lines on her face spoke of a life well-lived. She normally had a genuinely kind demeanor, but right now she scowled.

“I have every reason to believe he’s not changed one bit. I’d say he’s worse. He’s put his wife in an extremely risky situation. I couldn’t turn my back on her.”

“Then neither will I. I get the feeling that you’re bringing her here for more than to look at an antique piano.” Her eyebrows raised in a knowing way.

“This is why I love you. I’m hoping that at some point maybe she’ll open up to you. I’d thought about asking Kinsley to talk with her, but she’s not quite ready for that. Kinsley…I mean. Not to mention she gets attached easily. If this woman returns to her husband—”

“Say no more.” My grandmother’s weathered hand reached across the table, patting mine reassuringly.

I awoke all alone. His side of the bed was untouched. He must have been really upset if he couldn’t even bring himself to join me last night. Stretching, my gaze fell on a note sitting on the bedside table.

My heart thudded inside my chest. Maybe it was from Andrew? Shakily, I reached out and unfolded it. The paper trembled in my hand, its words blurring. A deep, hollow ache settled in my chest. My stomach dropped. It wasn’t from him.

How stupid right? Why would he even care?

Please take this and then order down for breakfast. Wear something comfortable today. I’ll be back up to get you around 3 p.m. - Marcus.

A pink and white box sat on the bedside table. Emergency contraceptive. I knew he was upset about fucking me bareback, but obviously he didn’t trust me either. Not if this was sitting here waiting.

It wasn’t my first time taking one, hence the implant Cameron forced me to get. Apparently, Andrew didn’t want to face me. I guess I couldn’t blame him. A sharp sting of disappointment crawled up my throat. I sank further into the bed, knees drawn close. Reality set in, as did the gnawing sense of rejection.