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As she ed the remote out of her hand and flicked the TV back on It was a news special about Alex and Luke’s wedding He gave Maylee a curious look "Didn’t get enough of it back in Bellissiaze "I didn’t really see the wedding itself I was justcurious, I suppose" She patted his shoulder and headed toward the kitchen

The shoulder with the tattoo, he couldn’t help but notice And he swore silently to himself when he saw the princess of Saxe-Gallia appear on the TV

Maylee still had doubts She knew he held at least one secret--that of the Brotherhood, and until she was sure he wouldn’t hurt her again, she was uneasy He recognized the look on her face It was the look she’d worn so often in Bellissi to be hurt at any roaned and rubbed his face in frustration, nearly knocking his glasses off his face What the devil was he going to do to prove to her that he loved her? To make her feel safe and comfortable with him?

He’d told Maylee that he loved her a dozen ti and hoping that she’d relax, become more at ease around hily for hi back her "I love you" see as she didn’t expose herself fully, she could still escape hih

Frustrated, he listened to Maylee putter around in the kitchen He went in and kissed her on the forehead "I’ht," she said, and her voice was a little too bright again "I’hten up in here"

He retreated back to his office, and instead of heading for his books, he picked up his phone He stared at the screen for aHe could call Hunter and ask for advice, but Hunter had that beast of a wo with a heart as sensitive and delicate as Maylee’s He needed a gentle hand

So he called Cade, but it went to voicee, so he tried Jonathan next

You there? Jonathan al texter

Here, came the response a moment later What’s up?

You back in NYC?

No, headed out Had soht for a moment I needadvice About a woman

Oh, Jesus

Piss off

Is this about that bouncy little blonde that ith you in Spain? She was cute as a button And it was clear she was into you

For some reason, thatat you every tiold

Griffin’s mouth twitched with amusement Her name is Maylee and I asked her to move in with me, but she’s not happy

Why isn’t she happy? She can’t fit her shoes in with all your books? Then, athis conversation with me?

I don’t know Cade isn’t available, Reese is a prat, Hunter is terrible o

Did you try buying her so?

She’s not into irl in NYC who isn’t into your wallet?

That’s besides the point She’s not happy She’s trying to be, but I don’t think she trusts ht for a ht I was hiding her because I was einally? Yes

Ouch, o to Jonathan for advice But hell, he was desperate You know I’ood with this e her?

Of course not She ives a shit what your assistant thinks I meant, did you introduce her to everyone? Make her feel welcoht about it You mean like Gretchen and Audrey and the others? She asked aboutto tell you not to tell her about the Brotherhood I could try, but if you’re thinking with your dick like everyone else, I know it’s a lost cause So you do what you feel is right I trust you We all do, or you wouldn’t be in the Brotherhood

Griffin didn’t knohat to say Isee

And one

What’s that?

If you’re in love--I otta move heaven and earth to show her that you love her Because if you don’t, you’re going to lose her And then life isn’t worth living Take it froht?

Griffin frowned at the screen Jonathan kept himself remote from everyone, even his Brothers To hear that confessionWhat does that mean? Is that some shoddy clue about a broken heart?

Tell you soht now, I have a plane to catch

Later

He clicked off his phone and thought for a long ti her seriously? Was it time to do ht Told her he loved her several tiether, holding hands and walking the dog He’d even let her bring her foul beast to New York City into his book-strenhouse If that wasn’t love, he didn’t knoas

Butthat she couldn’t dispute in the slightest

Griffin thought for a moment more, and then texted Reese Is Audrey there?

Why are you textingfor ritted his teeth and sent back, I have one I want to throw a party for her and don’t knohere to begin I thought Audrey