The Blackmail Bride

Chapter 33 Part 2

This is wrong but... what if we could advise children, "Don't have parents if you can't handle them."

Later

"Hello, Jace. I didn't see you there."

"Of course, you didn't." Silver eyes narrowed at me, "What's so funny? I asked where you were going."

As I glanced down at the hand clamped on my arm, I shrugged.

"Nowhere it seems," a lilt of humor dripped into my tone as I quelled the irate laughter.

Jace was unsmiling, "And that boat?"

My head turned in the direction of the boat. A few of the staff were curiously looking back at us. I shrugged again.

"Those kitchen assistants are rushing to the nearest market. The next island. There's a problem with the meal ingredients, it seems."

"I wasn't asking about them. I'm asking why you are here."

How easily the lie was rolling off my tongue. I tilted my head to the side, "Considering I'm a hotelier? I wanted to see how they were resolving last-minute issues with the catering."

The look Jace was giving me said he didn't believe me. I wasn't sure if I cared.

"It seems to me you wanted to go with them."

My lips twitched, "Did the idea scare you?" I taunted blankly.

"Shouldn't you be in your room preparing by now?"

I met his stare with blank eyes, "It's brunch time. I'm allowed out before our guests flood into the place." But at the continued silence, I continued, "And you?"

"I just came in," he nodded at a helicopter taking off at the cliff behind him. I didn't even pay enough attention to hear the blades of the chopper? I amazed myself.

"I didn't notice," I admitted.

There was something in the way Jace was looking down at me, "Have you eaten then?"

I shook my head with a slight smile I wasn't feeling, "I'm feeling squeamish. I don't think I'd be able to keep anything down."

Bronze eyebrows drew together.

That expression of his... it unnerved me, "May you please let go of my arm now?"

That only served to tighten the hold he had on me. He tugged me closer. Before I could protest, he beat me to it.

"You look tired," he observed quietly.

Why did he have to be this way? It was such a contrast to my father's blotched angry face screaming not to get in his way.

I shouldn't compare but... Jace Black looked suddenly subdued. The anger he showed regarding the boat had completely vanished as he looked me over critically.

Don't be fooled.

I could feel the curve of my lips turn down. I swallowed, looked away and turned back to him with the sarcastic smile, "Just what a bride wants to hear on her big day."

Jace was unfazed, "I'm serious."

"I gathered," I didn't know what else to tell him.

I stood still, looking at his hand on me. The probability of hurting myself if I ripped my arm away was almost sure.

"It's almost time to go back to my room," I murmured.

"Is that so?" He asked, "I'll walk you back."