Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 251(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 251(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
“Hmmm, I don’t know, Daddy. Are you worried that someone will see me around here? We could go to one of my favorite restaurants. It’s on the east side of the city.”
“I’ll be honest. Your family doesn’t have a clue where you are. You’re safer if no one alerts Enzo that you are still in town.”
“So, I’m a prisoner here?” The idea that she’d never be able to go anywhere—that her freedom was over forever—pissed Alessia off. She’d thought being out from under Enzo’s thumb would allow her to do all the things she’d always dreamed of experiencing. After her father’s death, Enzo had restricted her movements, but she’d always had hope that she could be free of him.
“You are not a prisoner, Little mate. Your brother is a problem now. He won’t be forever.”
“Do you promise?” she asked, searching his face to make sure he wasn’t lying to her.
“I promise, Alessia. Alaric tries not to interfere with the power structure of any town. Most people realize they can continue on with their lives before we came in, leaving us alone. Occasionally, a power-crazy madman can’t exist if he isn’t completely in control. Unfortunately, Enzo may decide he can’t exist in conjunction with us. That choice eliminates him.”
Alessia stared at Titus, processing his words. Images of her older brother when they were children popped into her mind. He hadn’t always acted like this. Enzo had saved her kitten when Hazel got stuck on a high branch. He’d played catch with their father and allowed her to join, giving Alessia his mitt so her hand didn’t sting when she caught the ball. They’d made wonderful memories together in childhood.
“Enzo still has time to stop these attacks, but Alaric will cut the head off the snake if the beast continues to attack,” Titus said softly. “Before the idea of preventing Enzo’s demise even pops into your head, shut it down. You cannot rescue Enzo from his poor decisions. At this point, I doubt Enzo can save himself.”
She considered those words. They rang true in her head. Enzo might have listened to her as a child, but those days were long gone. The choices he’d made since her father’s death had changed him.
Titus wiped the moisture from her cheeks. The tears surprised her. When had she started crying? Her frustration with how powerless she felt now mingled with anger at her brother’s actions.
“I’m sorry, Little mate.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“Let’s do something fun. Would you like to see your nursery?” he asked, tucking her hair behind her ears.
“I don’t have a nursery.”
“You do now. Let me show you.”
Titus carried her past the main staircase and the main bedroom. He stopped at the next doorway and opened the nondescript wooden door. A gasp of surprise burst from Alessia at the beautiful room. Titus closed the wooden barrier behind him and walked to the oversized, padded rocking chair. He sat down with her cradled on his lap.
“Titus….” Her voice trailed away.
“Daddy,” he reminded her softly. “I’ve noticed you prefer pink. Do you like the walls?”
She stared at the pale rose that glowed soft pink around her. The muted floral pattern was understated and lovely. Minute differences made her suspect the walls were hand-painted. Alessia inhaled, expecting to enjoy the blossoms’ scent as well. Instead, the air smelled like lemon furniture wax and maybe a hint of vanilla. Instantly at ease, Alessia relaxed, sensing this was home.
Alessia pushed her Daddy’s chest to sit up straighter. “Did you paint this?”
“Yes, Alessia. I created this room several years ago. The design took several days to finish. As I added the faint petals on each blossom, I imagined how much I would treasure my mate when I finally found her.”
“It’s decorated with love,” she whispered in amazement as the sweet emotions he’d layered on with each stroke surrounded her.
“Yes,” he agreed.
“What if I hadn’t liked pink?” she whispered.
“I would have changed the color to something you enjoyed.”
His simple answer told her so much. The amount of effort he’d put into creating this gorgeousness wasn’t important. She was.
Alessia turned to meet his gaze. “Don’t change a brushstroke, Daddy.”
He smiled and nodded. “As you wish. This is your nursery.”
Scanning the room, Alessia noted a big, cushy chaise lounge that appeared perfect for two. Piled with pillows and a soft blanket draped over the back, the beautiful chair invited her to stretch out and read for hours in comfort. Above it, scattered books occupied several rows of shelves. Space remained beckoning her to fill those spots with her favorites.
“That’s the perfect spot to devour stories,” she said, pointing at the corner. “How did you predict I’d love to read?”
“I put a few finishing touches on the room when I found you. Had you loved painting, I would have set up an easel and some art supplies. Just in case you feel creative, I’ve put those in the closet along.”