Tainted Innocence

C H A P T E R 1 3

Leilani

I jumped up from my seat frantically. Alexei looked at me question and I just gave a small, awkward smile.

"That tea will be coming right up for y'all." I smiled and rushed to the kitchen. As I rushed out I felt a pair of hazel eyes watch me until I was out of sight. I felt like I could finally breathe as I exhaled. He couldn't mask his interest in me. And while it did boost my confidence it also made me nervous.

The kitchen was quiet. Which didn't help my loud mind rumbling with a thousand of thoughts. Why was Mr. Devereux really here? I thought as I boiled a pot of water for the tea.

No one ever visited the manor and I mean ever. The barn, yes of course if they needed produce or something. But never had I had an encounter like this. Like him. He was powerful obviously. Anyone could tell by how he carried himself.

So why was he here surly not for charcuterie and talk? I turned around as I watched the tea leaves bloom and swirl and I was surprised to see Alexei leaning on a wall with his arms crossed. "Ms. Giovolvi." He said in a clipped tone.

"Alexei," I replied shifting my weight from one foot to another.

"Mr. Devereux may be charming. But he isn't who you think he is." Alexei warned me as his eyes softened. He searched my eyes for something but I had no clue what.

"Thank you Alexei. But I don't think he is anyone. Yes he is charming but this is only my second time meeting him and I am not as naive as I seem." Alexei looked like he wanted to say something but he couldn't because the kettle whistled interrupting us.

I poured the teas and put on the platter I also poured some ice tea too. "Let me help you with that." Alexei said holding cups of ice tea.

Together, Alexei and I walked into the living room. As per usual, Mr. Devereux flashed a charming smile. But this smile seemed different something was off. His eyes followed how Alexei elbow slightly touched mine— and I could've sworn I saw his eyebrow twitch in response. But as soon as I saw the movement it disappeared.

Mr. Devereux took a glass of tea and tasted. He hummed before speaking, "Thank you Leilani. I wasn't aware that you were such a good hostess." I just gave him a small smile and return as I sat on the very edge of the couch again.

Ms. Kuznetsov shot out of her seat. "As much as I would to sit and chat, Mr. Devereux and I have business to attend to in my office." With that she made a sharp turn to her office I supposed, I didn't even know she had office. Granted I haven't done any exploring since that night.

She left without sparing anyone a glance. Mr. Devereux got up from his seat and put out his hand to help me get out of mine. "It was not meeting you again Leilani, something tells me this won't be our last time seeing each other. So don't miss me too much." He kissed my hand and winked at me. Alexei cleared his throat once again and I just gave Mr. Devereux a small smile before beelining to my room.

It was so tense downstairs I couldn't take it anymore. I pushed myself against the and breathed. I twisted my hair around my finger before deciding to switch into my work clothes. I made my way back downstairs but it was empty.

I walked outside and felt the evening sun hit my face. I marched to barn with a pail of water in my hands because today was wash day for the horses.