Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 128061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
“Did I ever mention that I have a slight phobia of confined spaces?” she whispered. “Maybe a wee bit of blind terror at being trapped in said confined spaces?”
The house groaned, and the unmistakable feeling of humor danced with Nessa’s senses. She’d been blasted with raw fear before, while wandering the house. She’d assumed that had been initiated by her. But it would seem the house could orchestrate emotions as part of its defenses. Sebastian had said as much, but she’d never really experienced it for herself.
“That’s a little terrifying,” she murmured.
It made sense, though. How else would it get people out or stop them dead if there wasn’t a door to shut or a doll minion to send?
At the top of the stairs, she lightly touched the smooth wall and stopped, waiting for more direction. When a light flickered on, she followed it, winding through the walls of the house and up one more flight to the third floor. There she walked until the lights stopped illuminating her path.
A little bench sat in an alcove to her right, and on the left was a peephole. Not seeing a door associated with the peephole, she pushed forward and leaned in to look.
The large room beyond was dimly lit with bare, hanging bulbs. Old-fashioned furniture lined the walls around a giant, archaic pool table that would look really cool if it was properly restored. At the far side of the wall, looking at the rack of pool sticks, stood an enormous frame Nessa felt sure she’d remember in her grave. She could still feel the danger emanating from his presence, the strength and power. The strange glowing eyes, like embers drifting through the air.
Tristan leaned in a little, looking more closely at something, and then reached forward as if he couldn’t help himself. Most of his back was in the way, but she could just see his fingers nearly close around a pool stick before he froze and then slowly, deliberately, pulled himself away. He was sufficiently scared of being punished by Jessie, that was clear. Seeing the training earlier must’ve made an impression on him. She doubted he was the type to be rendered speechless often.
He turned, and the light fell over his handsome face. My, but he was a handsome bugger. She’d certainly seen worse. He knew it, too. His swagger spoke volumes. He’d need a flashy watch. A serious statement piece. He’d pull it off, too. He’d have the mages glancing once, twice, and then looking at him warily, knowing the flashier the watch, the more confident the villain.
He let his gaze roam the pool table, close but careful not to touch. He worked around it, studying every inch, even bending to look at the underside at one point. When he neared the wall she was peering through, he slowed briefly…before continuing on, making a full circle. He hadn’t been as thorough on that last stretch, though, and when he turned to face her again, she saw why.
His eyes scanned the back of the pool table and then moved up to the wall. His gaze swept the furniture that must be situated in front of it and then moved back to the wall. Up to the ceiling, then back to the wall again, until it landed right on her…and held.
She froze. Sudden movement would catch the eye.
Wait, what was she thinking? She was invisible and hiding behind a wall! He couldn’t see her. He could definitely feel her presence, though. Even through a wall, he’d known he was being watched. Fascinating.
He left the room. The tunnel went dark except for the light above her head.
“Is that you asking what I want to do?” she said out loud, thinking of the other guardians she needed to check out. She’d gotten her answer with this one. She should move on.
“Lead me to him,” she found herself saying. “In the walls, lead me to him. I’m…curious.”
The house did so immediately, taking her around a back way and depositing her next to the adjacent room. Once again she looked through the peephole. There was a larger bench behind this one. Her mark had just wandered away from an old-style light switch, the plate around it ornate and gaudy as hell. That would’ve been hideous even back in the day, she was certain. Thank God Jessie had called in help. At least now Ivy House would be able to do what it was meant for—showing off.
He looked around the empty space; there was not even an interesting piece of furniture to catch his eye. He paused, shook his head minutely, and then turned.
This time there was no doubt. His eyes found her location immediately. There they stayed, narrowing as his brow pinched in thought. In a moment, a knowing smile stretched his perfectly sculpted lips. He laughed softly, as if to himself, before nodding, also to himself, and turning for the door.