Bleeding Hearts

CHAPTER 8

Ashley’s POV

Sam eyed us suspiciously when I came down with Fey. His seriousness about this whole situation was putting us off. I wanted to slap his head upside down.

He was taking this ‘take care of your sisters’ thing way too seriously.

Mom and uncle John left for London right after Nathaniel left. They were not ready to take chances with him.

I knew it would be futile to look for a clean escape from the trap he set for us.

But mom was willing to gamble.

She was going to return tonight and I needed to meet Nathaniel before that.

If there was even a chance to convince him, as small as a grain of salt, I was ready to take it.

“We are going to the coffee house,” I told him.

“At this hour?” Sam raised one eyebrow at us. “Why?”

“Calm down, you nutter,” Fey groaned. “Can’t you see that there are two of us?” She pointed between us. “It is not even past the curfew mom set. We will be back before night.”

“It is not you I am worried about,” Sam said smugly. “It’s her. That sod asked for her hand, not yours.”

“Ouch,” Fey glared at him and pushed me to the door. “It is not like he is going to kidnap Ashley.”

“Hey!” Sam yelled after us, “don’t be late, or I am calling mom.” We just dismissed him with a wave and left.

The weather took the worst turn at the worst time. There were black clouds across the whole sky.

“I am not getting a good feeling out of this” I mumbled dejectedly. Fey watched me amused. “I am talking about the weather.”

“Are you sure about meeting Nathaniel alone?” Fey asked me again. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Not after knowing what he wants.” She looked at me grimly. “I saw how he looked at you. It was all dark and sinister.”

“Don’t scare me,” I exclaimed.

“I’m just worried, Ash. I don’t want you to be impulsive. I know how your brain functions when it comes to us.”

We resumed walking.

“I won’t be heedless,” I replied without looking at her. But deep down I knew she was right.

“I don’t trust you,” Fey said out loud. “Nathaniel is expecting you?” I shook my head. “What?”

“He would have stalled me.” I reasoned. “He will know when I will go there.”

“Inform him now,” Fey said seriously. “I am not letting you go otherwise.”

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and called Nathaniel. Fey put her ear next to mine to hear our conversation.

“I need to talk to you,” I said when he answered the call.

“Such a graceless girl,” Nathaniel retorted coldly.

“I didn’t call to discuss my manners with you.” I shot back. “Hello?” I looked at Fey when he didn’t answer. “Are you there?”

“I am,” came his deep and cold reply.

“I will be at your place in fifteen minutes and-”

He disconnected the call.

“Bloody hell,” Fey said incredulously. “What is this man? Are you sure you want to go into the wolf’s den alone?”