Forged in Stone - Alyssa Rose Ivy Page 0,57
uncle played a lot longer.” A shadow fell over Kevin’s face.
“Oh, I didn’t know that.”
“Do you play?”
“Basketball?” I asked to make sure I wasn’t misunderstanding him. I was so overwhelmed that I could barely pay attention.
“Yes.”
“Sometimes for fun.”
“We have a court around back. Liam put it in.”
Liam shrugged. “We needed an alternative to constant fencing.”
“I bet.” I tried to relax. At least a few of these guys were from my world.
“I’m Henry.” A guy with blond hair smiled. “Otherwise known as the most important on the Guard.”
“He is not full of himself at all.” James put a hand on my back. If I didn’t know any better I’d have thought it was a possessive gesture.
“And you already met me.” Nathaniel smiled. “You look much better than the last time I saw you.”
I forced a smile. I didn’t want to think back on what happened in those woods. “Nice to meet all of you.”
“The pleasure is all ours.” Henry smiled.
James pulled me in close. Definitely possessive. For some reason he was nervous about Henry. He didn’t need to be.
“I have already filled the Guard in on the current situation,” Liam started, “but we would like to hear more from you. Have you come up with any reason that you would be targeted?”
I looked at James, waiting for him to answer until I realized Liam was talking to me.
“Oh. No. I mean how would anyone from here even know who I was?”
“Can you tell us anything about this professor?” Kevin asked. “I don’t remember my father ever talking about someone with that name, so they can’t be that close.”
“He was my advisor. I housesat for him a few times and watched his cat.”
Kevin smiled. “You do cat sitting too?”
“I’m a bit of a kiss up, what can I tell you?” I wasn’t sure where the honest words came from. I wasn’t usually the self-deprecating type.
“Weren’t you nervous?” Charlotte asked. “I mean about moving into a house owned by people you didn’t know?”
“Yes, but my housing fell through, and I didn’t have other options I could afford.”
“What do you mean it fell through?” Kevin asked.
“She doesn’t have to answer that.” James jumped in. “What matters is she had a reason to take the opportunity.”
“Is it too personal for you to answer?” Charlotte asked carefully. “I understand if you want to keep personal details to yourself, but we must be sure not to miss anything.”
“No, just a bad breakup.”
“Gotcha.” Kevin nodded.
At least I hadn’t had to go into detail about why we broke up. It was embarrassing enough sharing those with James.
“And my mom took care of all the paperwork?” Liam asked.
“Yes. She gave me the keys. I probably should have found that weird, but I was too busy feeling relieved.”
“Hopefully my parents get back soon.” Charlotte ran a hand through her hair. “Until then we are going to have to ask you to stay.”
“That’s what I gathered.” Part of me was anxiously awaiting their return, but another part was hoping for more time with James. I was losing my mind.
“I was hoping you might take her on a tour.” James nodded toward Charlotte. “Or Samantha.”
“Where will you be?” Charlotte asked suspiciously.
“I have to check on a few things. Talk to a few people.”
“Don’t get yourself killed.” Charlotte waged a finger at him.
“I promised Ainsley I would be back for dinner. No need to worry.”
“I can take you on a tour, Ainsley. I gave Charlotte her first one.” Henry grinned.
James scowled. “I think Ainsley would prefer the company of females.”
“Ainsley would prefer it, or you would?” Henry teased.
“I would love to show Ainsley around.” Samantha jumped in. “If you are busy, Charlotte, I am sure we will be fine on our own.”
“I technically need to do some Source meditation this morning to continue stretching my abilities. Is that okay with you, Ainsley?”
“We would not want you missing those, Char,” Kevin teased.
She rolled her eyes.
I smiled. “Perfect. I heard you are the one to talk to about pants anyway.”
Samantha laughed. “Absolutely.”
“There is nothing wrong with that dress.” James put a hand on my shoulder. “It fits you well.”
“Maybe it looks pretty, but it is hard to move around in.” Samantha flipped her long blond braid to her shoulder. “She needs to change before we go exploring.”
James shook his head. “Who said anything about exploring? You are supposed to be giving a tour of Bellgard.”
“Do not worry, James. Your friend will be safe with me.”
“Let us hope she is still talking to me.” James stiffened.
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