Blood & Heartache (Caprioni Queen Book 2) by Elizabeth Knight

Author:Elizabeth Knight [Knight, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Creative Wonder Publishing
Published: 2023-02-16T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Everyone decided we were going to do dinner on our own. Astin hadn’t come back out of her room, but Dr. Hayden had promised she was doing much better and was choosing to work in her personal office. When I went to check on her, Boykov proved just how good of a blockade he could be.

“I’m sorry, Master Braxton, but I’m not going to let you in,” Boykov explained. “I managed to get her head out of work long enough to eat something, but she’s laser-focused on getting ready for tomorrow. Atticus sent over all the information he’s found so far, and she asked not to be disturbed. I really think right now she needs to feel like she’s in control of something, and this is what she’s fixated on.”

Letting out a sigh, I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. “She shouldn’t be pushing herself so hard after what happened today.”

The older man gave me a patient look. “Lady Astin is a grown woman who knows her limits. I can’t control what she does. However, it is my job to protect her, and I personally count protecting her from herself as part of that. I told you before it’s my duty to protect her, and I take that seriously. Now I suggest you also make sure you’re prepared for tomorrow. I have a feeling it’s not going to go how any of us expect.”

I chuckled at that. “Ryker warned me life with Astin was never going to be boring. I’ll leave her in your care but don’t get too comfortable. That’s when she’ll feel the need to change the game on you.”

Heading back down to the second floor, I walked past my room and let myself into Jace’s. He was at his desk chewing on a pencil as he read whatever was on his computer screen. Hearing me, he glanced up and smiled. “Hey.”

“You have a minute to talk? I don’t want to distract you if you’re into something important,” I said, slipping my hands into my pockets to hide the fact I was nervous as hell to have this conversation.

Jace’s brow furrowed at my question as he pushed back from the desk. “Everything okay? Something happen with Astin?”

“Nothing’s wrong, and Astin is in for the night with a giant Russian guarding her. No one will be bothering her,” I assured him. “Things have been so crazy since the shooting I just wanted to check in with you.”

Even I knew how lame and absolutely not me that reasoning sounded. Fuck, why couldn’t this be as simple as talking to Astin was? Seriously, it made no sense. Jace and I had been together for a few years—well, not together, together—but we’d been fucking for the past three years. Shouldn’t that make this easier? I trusted the man to tie me up, beat my ass, and choke me until I saw stars as I came. How the fuck was it so hard to have an honest conversation about feelings?

Jace shoved out of his chair and walked over to me, searching my face as if it would tell him what was wrong.

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