Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 117510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 588(@200wpm)___ 470(@250wpm)___ 392(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 117510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 588(@200wpm)___ 470(@250wpm)___ 392(@300wpm)
“Mr. Thorne,” he greeted simply before giving the others a brief nod. “Please follow me.”
Levi walked in front while Larkin covered the rear as the four of them followed the Nightmare across the bridge, through a pretty courtyard, and into the building. It was extravagant and ostentatious with its marble floors, rich dark woods, and chandeliers. It also burst with antiques, expensive vases, unusual ornaments, and vintage items. Many of the servants were rare breeds of demon—more collector’s items, really.
Knox’s demon liked shiny things, but it wasn’t impressed by the place. Found it far too pompous and flashy. Perhaps it was Dion’s way of compensating for how very average he was.
The Nightmare led them into the parlor, where Dion waited on his throne-like chair. Only Levi followed Knox inside the room. Larkin and Armand stayed in the wide hallway outside the door, on guard.
Clasping his hands, Dion stood and smiled brightly at Knox. The smile seemed genuine. “It truly is a pleasure to see you again, Knox. I don’t particularly enjoy having visitors, but I do like your company.”
No, he liked having the opportunity to observe Knox in the hope of figuring out what he was. Dion was also fascinated by anything unique, and Knox was certainly that.
He gestured for Knox and Levi to sit. “Would you care for any refreshments?”
“No, thank you,” said Knox, taking a seat on the plush upholstered sofa opposite Dion’s chair. Levi stood near the wall, feet wide apart, arms crossed. The sentinel managed to look cool and casual even as he projected a “Make no wrong moves” message.
Dion sank into his chair. “May I ask how your mate and son are doing?”
“They’re both well, thank you.” Despite the fact that Harper couldn’t argue with Knox’s reservations about it, she’d still wanted to come along. Knox had managed to talk her into staying at home, pointing out that they’d left Asher with the sentinels a lot lately and that their son would benefit from some one-on-one time with her. Yes, Knox had thoroughly played and manipulated her. She’d also been well-aware of it. Still, she’d agreed that Asher would enjoy having her to himself for a while.
“I heard through the grapevine that your little boy is quite the character,” Dion went on.
“I can agree with that,” said Knox, ignoring the prompts for him to speak more about Asher. He would do nothing to pique Dion’s interest in his son.
As if resigned to that, Dion let out a long breath. “You told me during your last visit that you don’t do social calls, so I’m guessing this is business.”
“Of a sort.”
Clasping his hands again, Dion offered him a cordial smile. “Tell me, how can I help you?”
“I’m sure you heard about what happened to Alethea.”
Distaste crossed Dion’s face. “Awful. Just awful. And to have such an undignified death be shared with the world … ” He shook his head. “It would be truly maddening to know your final moments would be uploaded onto the internet for all to see, especially for someone like Alethea.”
Knox tilted his head. “Did you know her well?”
“Not really, no.” Dion stilled, eyes widening just a little. “Am I a suspect? Again?”
“No,” Knox lied. Personally, in Dion’s position, Knox wouldn’t have been reassured, but his response immediately put Dion at ease. “I discovered from Jonas that Alethea was acting strangely before she disappeared.”
Dion’s brow creased. “Disappeared?”
“She wasn’t seen by Jonas for at least five and a half months before her death.”
“Really?” Dion blinked. “I had no idea.”
“I’ve been speaking with everyone who spent time with Alethea running up to her disappearance,” Knox again lied. “You were one of them.”
“Well, yes, but it was at least ten months since I last saw her. I was quite surprised when I received her letter, requesting permission to visit. We had history, but that history was rather ancient. I was curious about what she wanted.”
“And?” Knox prodded.
“She said she’d broken up with Thatcher but that he was harassing her, constantly reaching out to touch her mind. She remembered that I have a psychic barrier here stopping telepathic contact from reaching the island—people can talk mind-to-mind while here, but not with someone who isn’t on the island with them. She was hoping I’d give her sanctuary for a short while.” Dion spread his hands. “She said she simply wanted to be left alone. I, of all people, understand the need for solitude.”
“Would you say she acted strangely at all while here?”
“She was tense. Edgy.” Dion paused. “She spoke of you.”
“Did she?”
“She said she’d always considered you a friend, and she felt that she’d lost that friendship since you met your mate. It saddened her. Especially since, right then, she felt you were the only person who could help her.”
Knox couldn’t imagine Alethea ever admitting to needing aid with anything. He had to wonder if she’d been playing Dion. But for what purpose? “Help her with what?”