A Scandalous Pursuit by Ava Stone

Author:Ava Stone [Stone, Ava]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Night Shift Publishing
Published: 2011-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

Livvie was quite relieved to have her cousin by her side, as Caroline was constantly a pillar of strength. That was something she had always admired about her. Growing up without a mother and with two older brothers, Caroline had learned early on how to manipulate and manage the males of the species, nearly perfecting the ability to an art form.

If anyone could help her figure out how to extract Alex’s secrets, it was Caroline.

As they walked arm in arm to the parlor, she looked at her cousin. “Isn’t Poppy with you?” she asked, suddenly remembering that she now had a step-daughter.

“The little imp ran off to check on her dolls as soon as we arrived. She fretted about them all evening, I’m afraid. Luckily, Rachel still had some of hers stored away in a trunk. By the way, at thirteen, Rachel feels she is too old for such frivolities and has gladly offered to give them up to Poppy, if you’d like.”

It was so odd to suddenly be in the role of a step-mother. It was completely foreign to Livvie. Even growing up with the Averys, she and Cordie were the youngest, and she’d never had to take care of anyone before except herself. Recently she hadn’t even done a good job of that. “I shall ask Alex if it’s all right.”

Caroline stopped walking and shook her head. “You’ll do no such thing. The man is besotted with you. Don’t give up what little power you have, Olivia. You’ll never get it back if you do. Make your own decisions and consult him only if necessary. Accepting secondhand children’s toys is something you can decide all on your own.”

“I’ve just never done,” she explained, waving her arm in an all encompassing gesture, “this before.”

Caroline smiled brightly. “I have all the confidence in the world that you will manage splendidly, darling.”

Livvie wished she had half of Caroline’s faith in herself. After last night, she couldn’t seem to erase the images of her husband thrashing in his sleep or the echoes of his anguished cry that had awoken her from a rather peaceful sleep. She didn’t want to take the wrong step where he was concerned. She grasped Caroline’s elbow and pulled her into the closest parlor.

“I desperately need your advice,” she admitted in a hushed whisper.

Caroline’s brow furrowed, but she nodded. “Of course, Livvie. What has you so troubled?”

“Alex.”

“Did yesterday go badly?”

An immediate blush stained her cheeks. “No.”

Apparently more at ease, Caroline grinned. “On the contrary, it appears to have gone particularly well. Good for you, Olivia.”

Livvie shook her head. “Not that, Caroline… That was amazing,” she added with a sigh. “But I’m rather concerned about something else. I think Alex suffers from terrible nightmares.”

Caroline led Livvie to a chaise and they both sat. “Everyone has nightmares from time to time. It was only one night, Livvie. I agree, however, one’s wedding night it not the perfect time for such a thing. But I’m certain it’s nothing to get yourself worked up about.

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