Primed: A Kayla Madison Story

Primed Part 31

CHAPTER NINETEEN: WISHING FOR A STUNT DOUBLE (CONT)         

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We pulled up to the back door where we had previously snuck into Wu's house. Michael helped me into his carriage and handed me the reins which Spyder promptly grabbed.

"If you think I'm going to let someone who can't even throw a FOA take the reins, you aren't as smart as I thought you were." Spyder leaned closer to me. "And yes, I saw your pitiful throw when you opened the portal and came here."

Even though he knew Michael and I had escaped to Earth Prime, he still hadn't FOA'd after us immediately. I mentally gave him another point in his favor that he was telling the truth about not wanting to kill me.

My second thought was being insulted that he didn't think I could drive...or whatever you do with a horse and carriage. I was about to let him have it for his distrust in my ability until Michael shrugged his shoulders and nodded his head in agreement. Even my "protector" wasn't going to defend my horse steering ability. "Fine. Whatever. You both are still on my list!"

The staff must have been informed I was coming because they were waiting for me. Jake came outside and walked to my side of the buggy.

"Kayla, I am so glad you were able to join me this evening," Jake politely kissed my hand then turned toward Spyder. "Spyder, welcome. Glad you could join us after all."

"Yes, it was so nice for Spyder to agree to help us with our homework project." I took Jake's hand and climbed down. I hoped my acting ability was convincing enough for Jake's staff to think Spyder hanging out with us was warranted.

"Absolutely. I concur. We certainly need his knowledge and expertise on the report. Come, let us go to my room for some peace and quiet." Jake held out his arm for me to take as we headed inside.

Jacqueline was standing in the foyer as we entered. "What is Spyder doing with you two? I thought you were enemies." She gently stroked Spyder's collar. "It was one of your best features."

Spyder took her hand and kissed it. "Just a temporary thing, Love."

"When you are done playing with these peons, Mother and I have some plans for you. If you tire of them, you can find me practicing the piano in the music room." Jacqueline's long cobalt blue dress accentuated her hip movement as she walked away. How she could make the Edwardian style fashions seem sultry was beyond my comprehension.

Jake motioned for us to follow him up the stairs.

Spyder was still watching Jacqueline slink away.

"Come on. We're going." I whacked him on the back of his head. "Figures you'd call everyone 'Love'."

Spyder turned and looked like he had one up on the Cheshire cat as he rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, so you are the jealous type! No, Love, I only save that term for a couple of special ones. You and Jacqueline are worthy of the name. As a matter of fact, you both are very similar."

Piano music drifted in from the music room.

I stopped on the first step and turned back only to have Spyder's face within a breath's length from mine. I meant to snap the response at him, but his closeness surprised me. My voice came out wispy instead. "Jacqueline and I are nothing alike."

"Not so, Love." Spyder leaned in toward me. "You both are beautiful, smart and willing to do whatever needs to be done to help your family. The families just happened to have very different characteristics and morals. Under other circumstances, you both might be kindred spirits."