Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 147891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 592(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 592(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
“That’s very true. Well, how about you call Makoto and tell him to meet you,” Juniper says. “Willow and I will shop, and you can meet us at Hatley’s when you’re done.”
“Sure thing, girls.” Maeve plants a kiss on both our cheeks, leaving behind red lipstick prints. “Wish me luck.”
I smile as she sighs yet again, then watch her saunter away, disappearing across the bridge.
Juniper turns to me with a grin. “Let’s go destroy Caz’s pockets!”
Chapter 72
CAZ
I can’t remember the last time I looked forward to going home.
As soon as Rowan pulls into his designated garage, I climb out and walk through the door that leads into the manor. I make my way through the foyer, rounding a corner and finding the kitchen. The kitchen is spotless, and the only breathing things inside are Silvera and Cerberus coiled up on an oversized pillow in the corner.
Cerberus hops up when he spots me and rushes my way. I give him a stroke on the head and behind the ears as Silvera approaches, stretching with exaggeration before wedging her body between my legs.
“Look at you two,” I chuckle, rubbing both their heads. “Best of friends now, I see.”
Rowan and Killian come in, placing their guns on the counters. “Oh—by the way, Juniper said we have to dress nicely and meet her at the guesthouse,” Rowan announces.
“For what?” Killian demands, unstrapping his bulletproof vest.
Rowan shrugs. “Dunno. But she said as soon as we got back to change and come there.”
“Jun is always doing something outrageous,” Killian gripes.
“Is Willow with her?” I ask.
“She is. So is Mum.”
Just as Rowan says that, a door closes outside the kitchen. I march around the corner and look to my left, finding Juniper waltzing through the back door that leads to the lower deck. She’s not dressed in her normal attire. She wears a velvety teal dress that dips very low on her chest. Her dark hair has been straightened and rests on her shoulders.
“Where’s Willow?” I ask.
“Don’t worry, she’s fine,” Juniper chimes. “She’s with Mum in the guesthouse. Why aren’t you all changed yet? Come on, be quick! We don’t have all night!”
“What exactly is going on in the guesthouse?” I inquire.
“It’s a surprise,” she states. “And if you want to find out, you must change out of those dirty working clothes and into something easier on the eyes. But also make it a bit relaxing, not too busy. Now hurry!”
She moves forward, pushing Rowan by the arm. “All right, all right.” Rowan chuckles while Killian mumbles something under his breath, but he follows their lead anyway.
When they’re gone, Juniper’s eyes swing to mine.
I need more information than what she’s given me. What does she have going on in the guesthouse? And why isn’t Willow here with her to tell me? They never use the guesthouse. The last time we did was for a meeting with Vanorians—literally years ago.
As if she’s read my mind, Juniper says, “Please, Caz. Just let us do something nice and surprise you for once.”
I take a step back, studying her eyes. They’re bright, hopeful. Clearly no lives are a stake.
I shift on my feet. “Fine.”
I don’t waste much time getting changed. I find a black button-down shirt and dark jeans, tuck the shirt in, swap boots, and pick up my coat again. When I’ve returned to the kitchen, Killian is already there, leaning against a wall while swiveling a gun around his forefinger by the trigger guard.
“Is that thing loaded?” I ask.
“Of course, it is,” he retorts.
I shake my head. Reckless asshole. “Where’s Rowan?”
“Here!” Rowan appears from the foyer dressed much nicer than we are in a gray turtleneck, a dark gray trench coat, and dress shoes. He’s even gelled and styled his hair.
“Nice!” Juniper praises.
“You’re such a pretty boy,” Killian chuckles.
“And the ladies love it.” Rowan pops the collar of his coat.
“Right. Juniper? The guesthouse?” I ask, doing my best to cling to patience.
“Yes, yes. Come on.” She twirls around, opening the door again and walking across the deck to get down the stairs. The sun has dipped behind the ocean, and the moon is not too far off on the other side of the sky, ready to give a full debut. The sky bursts with purple and orange hues, and a gentle breeze drifts by us, causing some of my hair to fall into my eyes. Juniper leads us down a hill, and I’m surprised to find the guesthouse completely lit up.
There are lights hanging outside the house, wide bulbs that illuminate the area, and a warm glow emits from the windows. As we get closer, I take notice of the pillar candles perched in the windowsills, the flames dancing joyously. We cross the bridge and make it to the door. Juniper swings it open with a grin, revealing what’s inside.