Two Can Play (Celeste and Dominic) novel Chapter 441

I hesitated, and the hesitation cost me a breath. He was proud and prickly, and he did not take criticism from anyone, least of all from the woman he kept in his bed. But this was for Tasha. It had always been for Tasha.

"It is about my niece. Tasha."

"What about her?"

"The way you treat her. It is not nice. You make her uncomfortable. She is afraid of you, Sparrow. She walks on eggshells around you."

His brows shot up. "Really? In my memory I have been very polite to her. You know I usually do not give so many people the time of day. But I stopped for her. I talked to her. I almost smiled at her. What more do you want from me?

And why is she such a scaredy cat? It is irritating. Yesterday at the wedding I was genuinely impressed when she acted bold. I thought, finally, she is coming out of her shell. And then this morning she stood in front of me trembling like a leaf."

"That is because of you. You make her uncomfortable, and you embarrassed her yesterday."

"I embarrassed her? When exactly?"

"Come on." I set the knife down and faced him fully. "Do not pretend to have a short memory, Sparrow. I know you are smarter than that. Tasha got up to dance with you, and you left her standing alone on the dance floor."

"What I am saying is, do not be so rude to her. Speak more softly. Just treat her like... how do I put this? Okay. Imagine she is your younger sister. A younger sister you genuinely cherish. You talk to her nicely. You pat her head. You try to make her smile."

"And why would I want to do all of that?" He asked it with real puzzlement, as if I had suggested he take up juggling. "That is hard work."

"Please, Sparrow." I heard the plea in my own voice and did not try to hide it. "It is affecting her. I just want her to be happy. I know this is an arrangement. I know it will be over in a year. But I do not want her sinking deeper into her shell while she is here.

Tasha has been through so much. She has suffered more than you will ever know. All I am asking is that you treat her exceptionally nicely. Just try to make her smile. That is all. If you do that, she will relax around you. She will come out of her shell. She will smile. Everyone will be happy."