The Secrets of Lore Seymour

21. Bedtime Story

Seren P.O.V.

After talking to Cyan, I head back into the manor. My muscles ache from the prolonged and unusual exercise so I run a hot bath. The water eases the tension from my aching shoulders. A soft scent of lavender overtakes the room from whatever, likely very expensive, soap this place has. My thoughts stray from dark and terrifying to a quiet hum.

This place is built to rile me up. I have to withstand their attacks that are proving to be even more difficult than physical ones. Maybe this is a reason Olere sent me, hoping I'll learn from the experience. On the battlefield, there was no time for chatting. It was kill or be killed. I didn't learn the artful ways of manipulative mind games. To be honest, it isn't a skill set I wish to have. I had always hoped my skills as a warrior were enough. That being myself was enough, but that has never seemed to be the case. I have be more; more than what I am.

I step out of the tub in time to hear a knock at my bedroom door followed by Lore's voice, "Seren, are you still awake?"

What is he doing here?! Did Cyan tell him that we spoke and he's upset? Or maybe he has come to tease me some more. I'm not in the mood nor am I properly dressed for the occasion!

"Uh, yes, give me a moment!" I call, then curse when I slip on the wet tiles and faceplant. "Ouch..."

Lore's laugh manages to reach the bathroom. "Did you just fall?"

"No!" I scramble to my feet, narrowly avoiding falling a second time. "Hold on, I'm changing!"

"Oh... do you need assistance?"

I grip the sink to steady my shaking legs. "No, be quiet and wait a moment!"

I dry off as quickly as possible. Although Lore isn't here, I hate that he's nearby while I'm naked. Checking myself in the mirror, I find that my lip has a decent sized cut thanks to my tooth ripping into it. I wipe away the blood, then put on my nightclothes to meet Lore at the door.

I forgot that he likes to wear cursed items to bed. That damn robe hangs over his form like every piece was perfectly draped. At least tonight he has tightened it to hide the toned body beneath.

"Do you need something?" I ask while contemplating what is safer; meeting his gaze or risking staring at his exposed collarbone. I've yet to decide because each appears to be equally dangerous.

"You did fall," he says, raising his hand to gently grasp my chin.

I'm too shocked to respond when he nudges my head to the side to get a better look at my busted lip. His thumb barely grazes over the tender skin. I blame the tingling sensation on the pain.

"I got this earlier... while exercising," I lie and push his hand away. His tilted head states he wouldn't believe me even if I provided photographic proof. Huffing, I cross my arms and repeat the question, "Do you need something?"

"I just finished reading the children a bedtime story and thought I'd offer to do the same for you," he replies so nonchalantly that I'm jealous. I wish I could brush off what he said as easily as he says it. Instead, every word and move leaves me on my toes and they are really starting to ache.

"I'm going to bed. Goodnight," I grunt and nearly slam the door in his face. He grasps said door, pushing it open so he can walk in.

He uses different soap than mine. He smells like freshly picked apples. Why apples? I love apples. Why couldn't he have picked orange or banana? Although I like both of those too...

"Officer Jaryl called earlier," Lore says, taking a seat in one of the chairs. He gestures to the other. I take my seat and listen intently. "The woman Ayden sent money to, Sulli Harolds, is an illegitimate child to Ayden's father."

"But didn't Jaryl speak to the family and they all said they didn't know her?" I ask.

Lore nods. "Yes. According to Sulli, that is what she expected. They disowned her when she got pregnant at 14 to the son of an aristocratic family, who obviously didn't take responsibility. The only one who cared about her at all was Ayden. She said he has been sending her money so she could afford to go to school and take care of her child. She's meant to graduate college this year and, luckily, already has a job set up."

So Ayden was trying to ensure that his sister had a chance at a better life. He doesn't sound like the drug dealing type. They aren't exactly compassionate. Their jobs are essentially to abuse and kill people.

"Ayden was likely taking orders from someone, don't you think?" I inquire.

"That was my thought as well," Lore replies. He muddles my brain by tossing one leg over the other, giving me the briefest glimpse of way too much thigh or not enough depending on who you're asking and whether they're in their right mind.

Good thing Lore's still speaking because my mouth's too dry to formulate words. "The more we learn of him, the more I believe he is the type to take orders rather than give them. Considering the money he sent, he could have been coerced into the dealings."

I nod while desperately trying to regain my speech. Lore raises a brow, silently questioning me until I finally manage to say, "Right, someone could have discovered his situation and offered him money in exchange to work for them. If that is the case, it'd be someone who holds sway over him. Family, maybe?"

Lore taps his fingers against the arm of the chair in thought. "They did lie during a murder investigation to hide Ms. Harolds' existence, however, I don't see why they would offer Ayden money while knowing he was sending it to her. Regardless," Lore rises. "It's late and we should look further into this tomorrow. I merely wanted to let you know Jaryl called."

Nodding, I follow Lore to the door. He doesn't leave immediately, which has me looking around to check if he forgot something.

"My offer still stands," he says, puzzling me. Resting his arm against the doorframe, he leans in to whisper, "Staying here to read you a bedtime story, although if you're not interested in a story, I'm sure we could find other ways to keep ourselves occupied."

Lore grunts when I shove him out the door. There's no way I'm letting him see my face when I feel like I'm about to burst into flames.

"Goodnight, Your Grace," I call, locking the door. If only the lock would keep his snickers at bay.

"Goodnight," he replies and walks away.

- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -

Lore, stop being so sexually frustrating. Seren can't stand it! But if it makes you feel better, Seren, I did make Lore absolutely stunning for a reason. You were doomed from the start. Anywho, what do you think about Lore's constant flirting and Seren's incapability to truly stop himself from constantly checking Lore out? ;D