Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“Aye,” Cole’s voice cracks. “I’ll make sure she’s there in time for the service.”
That’s the final straw. My knees buckle and I drop to the floor. Cole sits down on the floor with me and wraps his arms around me.
At some point, I end up in his lap as he rocks me and murmurs soothing words. Another chapter is closing and I’m still not sure of my path.
CHAPTER 42
Words of Gypsies
Deja
“What are ya up to?” Cole asks as he enters my bedroom at the castle.
I never spent much time here, but the uncles have always made sure I’ve had my own space. I love Cole for coming to Scotland with me for this. I’ve been lost in my thoughts more times than I can count.
“I’m going through some things to see what I want to take with me. Uncle Duncan brought some boxes over from the cottage,” I reply.
“You still don’t think you’re ready to go over there for yourself?”
“No, I know she told me to leave, but I still feel like I abandoned her. I would have so much guilt if I stepped foot into that house. I want to remember the place for my happy memories with Gran.”
“Not to mention you sound American now. You can’t take that bullshit into her home,” he teases, making me laugh.
I smile at him. It’s clear what he’s trying to do. Cole has proven to be a great boyfriend.
“Look who’s talking. I wonder if that friend of hers knew you were a New Yorker who would rub off on me,” I taunt back.
He lifts a brow as confusion covers his face. I bite my lip as I realize we’ve never spoken about Gran’s friend and what sent me to New York.
“Gran had a friend. She said she was a gypsy. When I was reluctant to leave with ya or even date ya, Gran told me her friend said I would leave when the lad who loves me showed up.
“Gran also told me I would go to New York because that’s where my destiny is. I was to meet a Hush and a Black Death. I hadn’t known then who Val and Uri were, but I figured it out right when ya came to tell me about Shauna.”
Cole nods his head. “Aye, she was talking about Phoebe Romanie, who was Ellen’s grandmother. She passed recently as well, a few weeks before Ellen, Sam’s wife.”
“Oh my God. That makes so much sense.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ellen, at Noah’s wedding. She said some things to me, and I thought them odd, but knowing who her grandmother was, it makes more sense now.”
“What did she say?”
“Something about naming a boy Patrick. I think she said we would have girls first, but there would be a Patrick, and he would be friends with Sammy?”
I don’t get to finish my words fully as Cole lunges at me and captures my lips. He kisses me hard and deep, leading with his tongue. I lace my fingers in his hair as he pushes me onto my back and shoves everything from the bed.
“Cole,” I pant as he reaches under his sweatshirt that I’m wearing.
“I want ya pregnant. If I have to get through a daughter or two for my son, we need to start now,” he breathes into my ear.
“Cole,” I laugh.
My laughter is cut off as he lifts my shirt and captures one of my peaks in his mouth. I’ll admit, the thought of having a baby with him does bring a smile to my face, something I haven’t had much lately.
Then there’s a knock on the door. I sigh and hurry to pull my shirt back down. Cole sits up on the edge of the bed with a scowl on his face.
“Yes?” I call out.
“I’m heading out for dinner. Ye guys still coming with?” Kate calls through the door.
I love her for coming to Scotland with us to be my support, but right now I want to strangle her. Talk about poor timing. Cole pulls a hand down his face and rolls his eyes.
I look down at his pants and see the print running down his leg. Yeah, we’re going to need a bit before we can go. I laugh quietly.
“We’ll be down in a bit,” I call to Kate.
I then lean in and kiss Cole’s lips while still laughing. With a growl, he tackles me to the bed and tickles me.
CHAPTER 43
Pandora’s Box
Onyx
I jog up the stairs to my fifth-floor apartment. I don’t take the elevator to keep from getting trapped. When I step out of the stairwell, I frown and quickly pull my gun as I notice my door has been disturbed.
I move quietly to the door and nudge it open. The scent of a cigar is the first thing that catches my attention. Apparently, I have company.