Holiday Second Chance Romance (Clarice and Trevor) novel Chapter 78

78 The Cells

Simone POV

Trevor and I follow closely behind Noreen and Jared Phillip falls into step behind us. I feel bad that I suspected him, but I knew he had feelings for Jaret. He had always been stoic, but it was the warmth in his eyes every time I saw him looking at Jared that made me realize he had feelings for him. As we make our way through the castle, I notice the looks of shock I’m getting from members of the Shimmer, but no one makes a move to try and talk to me.

I’m not sure what story the fae people were told about my sudden disappearance, but I’m sure my father made sure whatever it was didn’t make him look bad. He always cared about his title far more than he cared about me and Jared, Jared starts to slow down as we approach a darkened hallway. The guard standing near the large metal door that I assume leads to the cells, bows his head. I’ve never been to this part of the castle despite knowing it existed.

He steps aside, allowing the five of us to pass before retaking his post. The spiral stairs lead to a That cold dark hallway. Jared lays his hand on the wall and the blocks that line the walls light up. was cool,” Trevor says as he threads his fingers with mine. I smile and squeeze his hand. I can feel his concern for me through our bond despite his attempt to be non–chalant. I’m not sure if he is worried about my safety or my emotions after Jared mentioned my father.

Before I can offer him reassurance that I’m fine, a woman screaming to be released makes me laugh. A few seconds later, the hallway widens, and the first cell comes into view. “Trevor, please don’t let them do this to me. I know you still love me. I’m not sure what she has done to convince you that you belong together, but you have to snap out of it,” Loretta says, her hands gripping the bars tightly. Noreen turns looking at Trevor and then back at Loretta.

“Did you have a moment of temporary insanity when you chose to be with her because I can tell that she is a pretty wrapping around an ugly soul after ten seconds in her presence,” Noreen says. I cover my mouth to fight the giggle that wants to escape me. “I’d like to think so. I really don’t understand how she convinced me to cheat on my wife. I really did love Clarice,” he says. His eyes get big when he realizes all he just said.

“You cheated on your wife,” Noreen asks, anger clear in her tone. Guilt flashes in Trevor’s eyes. “That’s because I’m better than Clarice in every way. He didn’t love her, he loved me,” Loretta screams. She really is a delusional b**ch. Before I can defend Trevor, Noreen steps closer to the cell. She raises her hand and closes her eyes.

Loretta seems frozen in place and I wonder exactly what power my new sister–in–law has. Her eyes fly open and, before she can step any closer to the cell, Jared wraps his arm around her. Apparently, he could feel her anger like it was his own. “How f**king dare you drug a man and assault him,” she says.

Clems

Her words make it hard to breathe. She s*xually assaulted my beloved. She made him cheat on Clarice. She took away his choice. He may have made choices after, but they were based on fear and shame 1 look at Trevor, his expression a mix of anger and shame. I wrap my arms around his middle. His body shakes as he realizes the depth of Loretta’s evil. I had thought about returning to the human world and threatening her to stay away from us, but now I’m not sure if she will ever leave this place. Hell, I might just kill her for what she has done.

After a few seconds, I release my hold on Trevor and look up into his eyes. I cup his cheeks, forcing his eyes to meet mine. “I love you. You were a victim of her evilness. She is going to pay for every bit of pain she caused you and Clarice.” He leans down, pressing a firm kiss on my lips. “I love you, Simone. I love you so much. I’m so grateful you gave me a chance,” he says. I wipe the tears from his cheeks. “No you don’t. You love me,” she screams again.

“Open the cell now,” I say to a guard that is standing quietly in the corner. I see his hesitation until my brother nods. “Her word is law. If she speaks, you listen,” Jared says. “Of course, my king,” the guard says, and quickly follows my orders. Loretta realizes she is in trouble and rushes to the back of the cell. I step inside and stalk toward her. Despite her best effort, she can’t escape me. I take great pleasure in punching her repeatedly until she is lying unconscious on the dirty cell floor.

I lean down despite knowing she probably won’t hear me. “As soon as Clarice has her baby she will be here to get her pound of flesh for what you did to her and Trevor. She still loves him, and he might not want to hit a woman, but we will. She and Trevor will decide your punishment, and I’ll make sure it’s carried out, you disgusting b**ch.” I notice her brow crease and I pray to the goddess she heard me because I meant every word.

Janice POV

I can’t believe my own brother threw me in the cells. There is no way they know I’m the one who put the poison in Noreen’s juice. The kitchen was empty at the time. She never should have been queen. She should never have been allowed to carry the heir to the kingdom. I still can’t believe the former king accepted a servant as his son’s beloved.

I hated every minute of pretending to be that pathetic b**ch’s friend. I had to ensure that everyone believed I had let go of my desire to be Jared’s queen. Especially my brother, since he would do anything to protect Jared. The fact that he thought for a second he could be mated to the king was a laugh. Jared spent time with me before he found Noreen, but he refused to give himself to me. He insisted he only wanted his beloved.

Then he found that b**ch and he never even looked my way again. She isn’t worthy of him. The sound of heavy footsteps brings me out of my rant. “Noreen, I don’t understand what I’ve done. Phillip said that I did something to harm you, but you know I would never do anything like that. We are friends, Noreen.” “I thought we were, but now I know that’s not true,” she says. “Noreen, I swear to you, I didn’t do this. I wouldn’t hurt you or the baby.”

Noreen steps closer to the cell and closes her eyes What the hell is she doing? Goddess, she is

such a stupid pathetic servant. Why the goddess ojose her I’ll never know. It’s too bad they were able to save her and that little ba**ard growing inside her. I should be the one having the king’s

heir. Her eyes fly open, and I immediately take a step back. Angry flashes in her eyes. “You lying

b**ch. How dare you try to harm me and my baby,” she says.

“What are you talking about, Noreen? I didn’t do anything.” A smile spreads across her face that is anything but friendly. A shiver runs down my spine. Do you know what happens when a royal fae completes their bond with their fated beloved, Janice,” she asks. I shake my head as fear ripples through me. “We are given a gift by the goddess herself. A gift of a special power. I have the gift of hearing thoughts. It’s helpful when settling debates between faes,” she says.

My blood practically freezes in my veins. It’s not possible. She can’t have heard my thoughts. It’s not possible. “I normally block the thoughts out because, honestly, it gives me a headache, but also because fae deserve to have private thoughts. I heard every vile thing you just said. I may have been a servant, but I am the f**king queen now. Jared is mine. He was never meant to be yours,”

she says.

I look at Jared and then my brother. “Phillip, please you know I wouldn’t do this. You are my brother. You have to protect me. Tell Noreen I didn’t do this.” His eyes turn cold as he steps closer to the cell. “You are no sister of mine. My loyalty will always be to the King and Queen of the Fae. I’d say I hope the goddess has mercy on you for what you tried to do, but that would be a lie,” he says before taking a step back.

“Jared, please you know me. You have known me all my life. I didn’t poison Noreen. She is only saying this because she knows you care about me.” Noreen throws her head back and laughs. “He doesn’t care about you. He barely tolerated you. Now, since I was the one you tried to harm, I believe I should decide your punishment” she says looking toward Jared. “Of course my queen. Do your worst, my love,” he says.

17

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