They were having a showdown.
The last time Jason was with Bella, her father walked into wedding reception and struck her so forcefully she went down to her hands and knees. After that hideous event, she’d disappeared for three weeks coming back looking like the walking dead.
Now, it was plain to see, Jason wasn’t leaving Bella’s side even at his father’s command, not if he thought something would harm her even if that something was his father.
Fiona had only nine years to raise her son right and she was pretty pleased with herself that she’d accomplished this feat (with Prentice’s help, of course, but, at that moment, Fiona decided to take all the credit).
“I’ll finish the potatoes, Jason. Do as your Dad says, okay?” Bella said quietly and Fiona looked to her to see she was watching the showdown and it had alarmed her.
Prentice’s eyes cut to Bella and his mouth got tight as Jason turned his assessing look to her.
Then Jason nodded and loped up the stairs.
Bella went back to the potatoes and started cutting.
Prentice moved in close (as did Fiona) and Fiona watched as he took the knife right out of her hand. Her body jolted, her surprised eyes turned to Prentice and she opened her mouth to speak.
Prentice got there first. “I don’t need your help making Jason mind.”
Well, Fiona thought, that wasn’t a good start.
Bella’s mouth stayed open not because she wanted to say something but because she was shocked.
“Go to bed,” Prentice ordered.
Bella’s eyes got wide, she closed her mouth then opened it to ask, “What?”
“Go to bed. I’ll finish this.”
Bella glanced with bewilderment at the potatoes then back at Prentice and, even Fiona had to admit, regardless of how drawn she looked, she was still adorable.
“But I’m cooking,” she replied, clearly confused.
“You’re about to pass out.”
Light dawned on her exhausted mind.
She looked away and started to turn from Prentice, saying, “I’m fine.”
Prentice stopped her by curling his fingers on her upper arm. Her head tilted back to look at him.
“Elle, I said, go to bed.”
Her cheeks flushed with anger as she returned, “And I said, I’m fine.”
Prentice moved closer to her at the same time he brought Bella closer to him with his hand on her arm.
Fiona watched Bella stiffen.
“Go to bed,” he repeated.
“I’m finishing tea.”
“Go to bed.”
“No!” she snapped.
His face dipped close to hers as he made his threat and, since Fiona knew Prentice didn’t make threats, it was more a promise.