“What!?!” Brian is incredulous.
”The management has passed down instructions that we're not to approve any write-up about Grace Cummins," the editor replies.
Brian asks in amazement, "Is the Stevens or Atkinson family behind this?" It didn't make any sense to him. When he had written about Lily earlier on, the editor had approved his news. However, he was not allowed to write anything about Grace!
"It's not them. That's enough, don't ask any more questions. In any case, if this piece of news gets released, not only will you lose your job as a reporter, but I will be sacked as well!”
Brian rubs his eyes. To say he was shocked is an understatement. What the editor had said... seems too much of an exaggeration.
"Grace... is merely a sanitation worker. Who would want to protect her?"
"You're too young. In this world, there are many things beyond your imagination," the editor replies with a sigh. “But take my advice on this… leave it alone.”
* * * * * * * * *
JASON
I watch Grace putting away the utensils. ”I heard that the woman who told you to search for her ring has gone to the Sanitation Service Center to offer her apologies."
"Yes," Grace replies, "but I have given her gift to Claire."
"Did you see Sean? I saw from the news that he showed up with his fiancee, Lily.” I’m keeping my voice calm and acting like i’m focused on helping with the dishes, but I’m watching Grace carefully for her reaction.
I count the pulse in her neck.
I breathe in her scent for any traces of adrenaline or fear—if she’s lying or hiding something.
"Yes, I saw him," Grace replies. Her breathing rate doesn’t change nor does her heart rate. She looks calm, as though she was talking about someone who was of no concern to her.
“How do you feel? Did seeing Sean again make you sad?”
She looks a me. Her eyes are wide and innocent. “I think I know what you’re getting at.” She smiles softly. "Jay, are you worried about me? Don't worry. Please. I promise you, I would not grieve over such a man."
"Worried?"
Grace lifts her hand to my face. I don’t normally permit people to touch me, least of all my face or without me initiating the contact. But recently, she was doing this more frequently. A pat on the hand, a caress on my shoulder.
And dont’ even get me started on my wolf…
The bastard loves the way she pets him.
Not continuously to be annoying. Just the occasional rub or pet and then she just cuddles up next to the big beast, content to be near him.
Okay, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like the feel of her hands on me. Even if it’s a touch so innocent as tucking his hair back.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Filthy rich werewolves by Taylor Caine