Chapter 77
Chapter seventy-seven
Christianna
What do you even say to something like this? Erik looks so damn pleased and Remy so helpless. It’s endearing. Both of them willing to be vulnerable and understanding. I can’t think about this now, not with them here watching me.
Low voices coming from the back hall rescue me, and I glance over to see Meg changed, James Earl following behind her.
“Meg, where have you been?”
James steps in front of her to answer. “She wanted to change out of her leotards. I thought it best to escort her to her abode and wait outside.”
“For safety purposes,” Meg adds.
I nod. “Oh yes. That is why Erik and Remy stayed with me too. Safety purposes.”
She shoots me a quick death glare before smoothing her face into its neutral mask.
I stand and clasp my hands in front of me.
“I really appreciate you dropping everything to be here. It was very thoughtful. But I need to discuss with Meg, and maybe Coulson, additional security.”
Remy nods forcefully. “I think you need more than you have. I know he wouldn’t suggest anything more intrusive than needed for your safety.”
“Yes, I’m sure. But a cage is a cage, and I want this house to be my sanctuary, not a prison.”
“You allow him to monitor your messages,” Erik points out logically.
I give him a faint smile. “As I don’t send any, it isn’t much of an issue. The most exciting thing he reads is me asking Meg if she wants chicken, fish, or vegetarian.”
“You don’t eat beef?”
“Not as a rule. It’s too heavy. Is that what you got out of that statement?” I ask Erik curiously.
“What you omitted seemed louder than what was said.”
Remy clasps his shoulder.
“Why don’t we give you some time?” He glances at his watch. “It’s three o’clock. May we bring dinner by later? Or take you out?”
“David can cook,” James interjects.
He must interpret Remy’s displeased glance, because he adds, “If you took her out, it would leave Meg here by herself. I thought you were trying to avoid separation.”
Remy’s mouth lines deepen momentarily. “You are correct. Tianna, may we all come over?”
I nod hesitantly. “How about six?”
When they take their leave, I collapse on the couch and give Meg a look.
“What happened in the thirty minutes I was gone?” she asks.
“Was it only thirty minutes? It felt like two lifetimes compressed,” I murmur, absently scratching Bass’s ears.