Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
“She can leave the home,” Oliver says casually.
I’ve never really pushed to leave, but the problem more than anything is money. I don’t have any, at least not until I’m twenty-one. That’s when I get my trust and everything under the Cinder name. Right now, only Oliver and I know that.
“Ella has been sick.” Jace’s voice is getting tighter with each word that’s said.
“I actually feel better today,” I admit without thinking.
“My father hates when people are late.” Flynn taps his watch. “You boys better get re-suited.”
I can’t help the snort that comes out of me, but I do try and cover my mouth with my hand. The twins look like children playing dress-up in their suits. Flynn and Prince look like the clothes they have on were made for them.
“Right, we’ll be back.” Matthew has to shove Jace along to go change since they’re both covered in something.
“She doesn’t go anywhere,” Jace hisses before he lets Matthew push him out of the kitchen.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Flynn’s hand snap out to grab Prince’s arm.
“Don’t,” Flynn says to Prince. It’s the first time that Flynn actually appears serious. Everything about him before now was playful. Prince takes a deep breath, and Flynn releases his arm. “Focus on why we’re here.”
“You’ve been sick?” Leo’s attention comes back to me, and I see the concern in his eyes. Am I the reason he’s here?
“I’m fine.” This is so awkward. “Do you guys all have a meeting or something?”
“No,” both Flynn and Leo respond at the same time.
“This is far more entertaining,” Flynn says before he hits me with another wink.
Prince’s hand comes down on Flynn’s shoulder in a warning. “Do it again.”
“Shit, man, this is brand new.” Flynn pushes at his hand, and eventually, Leo releases it. Then Flynn pretends to wipe away wrinkles in his suit jacket that aren’t there.
“Can I get you something to drink, Prince?”
“Call me Leo,” he tells Oliver. “I’m good, but thank you.”
“I wasn’t sure I’d see you again,” I say softly, and I don’t know why. Oliver hears all, and Flynn is right there.
“Oh, don’t worry about that. He was going to find you again. Driving us all fucking nuts.” Flynn shakes his head, popping another bite into his mouth.
“How are you?” Leo asks, ignoring him. He brings his hand up to stroke my cheek, and without thinking, I lean into his touch.
“Ella, sweetheart?” I pull back from Leo as my stepmother enters the kitchen.
“Morning, Fiona,” I say as she looks around the room.
“We have guests?” Fiona's face lights up as Flynn stands to introduce himself and Leo does the same. “Are you here to see my husband? I think he’s still…” Fiona starts to explain but then trails off.
“Are you hungry?” I ask to distract her from her thoughts, slipping off my chair and changing the subject. Leo lets his hand trail down my back as I step away from him. It sends a warm sensation through my whole body. “I’ll make you the tea you like.”
“I would love some,” she agrees as she takes a seat at the breakfast bar.
“I’ve got it,” Oliver says, already going for one of her teacups. “Sit and eat.” Oliver clearly wants to make sure I stay put.
“Are you Leo Prince by chance?” Fiona asks Prince, who comes to stand right behind my chair again when I sit down. He only told her his first name, so I’m surprised she knows. It must be a good day for her.
“That is me.”
“How is your mother? It’s been a while.”
“At the moment, she’s trying to get my sister married, so that keeps her busy.”
“She’s too young,” Flynn says through a chunk of his croissant this time.
“You’re never too young to fall in love,” Fiona says sweetly.
“Agreed.” Leo’s hand rests on the back of my chair, but I can feel his thumb rubbing my back. “You and Ella should come over. My mom loves guests.”
“That would be fun.” Fiona perks up more. “It feels like we haven’t been out in ages.”
We haven’t, but I keep that to myself.
“Mother.” Jace is back before his brother, and he cuts Prince a look. I’m not sure what it means, and I can’t tell if they like each other or not.
“Morning,” Fiona says before Jace kisses her cheek. It’s not something he does normally and it dawns on me that they could use her against me too. I have no say over Fiona but it’s Oliver and me that always watch over her. “I see you’ve met Flynn and Leo. We were all just leaving.”
“Ella invited us to stay for breakfast.” Prince drops into the chair next to mine, making it clear he’s not going anywhere.
“We’ve got to go.” Matthew is still fixing his tie as he comes through the kitchen.
“Don’t let us hold you up,” Leo tells them.