41. Piper
Chapter forty-one
Piper
Idress slowly. Not because I’m lazy but because every motion reminds me of last night.
His shirt being unbuttoned. His hands in my hair, on my body.
His penetrating eyes, the sound of his voice, the feel of his fingers and tongue.
My hands fumbling with buttons because my body apparently remembers things faster than my brain can approve them.
We drink coffee by the fire in his room with Murphy stretched between us like a scandalized chaperone.
Then the day returns. The chapel mystery. My ownership issues. Sebastian Ashcroft and the vampire invitations. The castle waiting for me to understand what I have bought. The impending Convocation.
“Can we go to the greenhouse, Tristan? I’d like to get some roses for the entryway. To thank Mrs. MacLeod for breakfast.”
Tristan smiles and leads the way downstairs. But our plans change immediately.
Duncan appears in the doorway, hat in hand, face drawn tight.
“My lord. My lady,” he says.
"I don't think you’ve ever arrived without calling or writing first," Tristan says.
“It’s an emergency, my lord. Let’s go to the library,” he says, walking that way already with Murphy trailing him.
"What’s happened?" Tristan asks as he closes the library door behind us.
Duncan removes a thick leather folder from beneath his arm. Drops it onto the tea table which rattles.
"I still don't know who arranged the sale, but I’ve discovered the details of why." Duncan opens the folder. Duncan takes a long breath.
"My lord..."
"This wasn't one conspiracy. It was eight."