Anathema (Causal Enchantment #1)(8)

Mortimer’s laughter reverberated throughout the atrium. It was deep and menacing and left me unsettled. “I agree, they are much larger than we had expected—and they consume the equivalent of a horse.”

My hand flew to my mouth.

“Don’t be worried about offending us, dear Evangeline,” Viggo said, patting my back, chuckling.

“You don’t like my dogs?” Mortimer’s eyes narrowed.

“Oh, no! I’m just … shocked by their size.” I stepped forward and reached up to stiffly pat the top of a head. I didn’t know whose. They all looked the same.

Mortimer laughed again, obviously aware of my discomfort. “You will learn to appreciate their companionship, I promise,” he called over his shoulder as he walked down the path toward a set of double red doors embedded in one of the walls.

I peered at the four pairs of eyes gazing back at me, unconvinced.

I received the grand tour of their home, or parts of it, because a full tour would have lasted into the wee hours of the night. Viggo explained the extensive renovations while we wove through the countless rooms and marbled hallways, including the construction of an atrium where one had never existed.

“We could have built an identical home from the ground up for one–eighth of the cost,” Mortimer complained. “But Viggo had to have this location and what Viggo wants, Viggo gets.”

Viggo only winked in response.

So they lived together. That meant they were more than platonic friends—although, listening to their interaction, I never in a million years would have guessed it.

We ended the tour on the top floor. Viggo pushed open a set of double doors, and threw his arms wide. “Your suite, mademoiselle.”

To the left of me was a king–sized four–poster bed, dressed in layers of feathery pillows and opulent bedding, all in a mixture of white and silvery gray. Circular glass tables on either side of the bed held crystal lamps and fresh bouquets of ivory calla lilies, and a crystal chandelier sparkled above it all. To my right, a white velvet chaise waited beside an oversized fireplace. A watercolor of a young girl picking wild flowers hung over the marble mantel. The softly–hued image stirred familiarity within me, though I couldn’t place it.

“Leonardo stocked your room with clothing, toiletries, and the like,” Viggo said, placing a firm hand on my back to prod me toward a door in the opposite wall. With the turn of a knob and the flick of a switch, I found myself standing in a walk–in closet filled with a department store–worth of clothing and shoes. “Everything your little heart may require for your stay,” he added with a smile.

My jaw dropped. All for me?

“Yes, it’s for you. It should fit perfectly. All new and—” His eyes narrowed as something caught his attention. He walked over and reached into a basket to pull out a lacy pink thong. “Oh, you old devil, Leonardo.” He grinned.

If there was a competition over whose face turned a harsher shade of red—Leonardo’s or mine—I couldn’t say who would win.

Leonardo gruffly cleared his throat. “Martha was in charge of those … items,” he answered curtly. Spinning on his heels, he marched out of the room.

“I should be more careful or I’ll give the old man a heart attack,” Viggo murmured, casually tossing the frilly thing back into the basket and walking out.

I followed, still shocked by their generosity. At least that solves my underwear issue …

“It’s late. You likely need your rest,” Mortimer exclaimed after releasing an obviously phony yawn.

“Please help yourself to anything in the kitchen, should you get hungry. Our staff made sure the fridge was fully stocked,” Viggo added, patting my back.

They all turned to leave.

I panicked. “Wait!” Three sets of piercing eyes turned to regard me curiously. “What if I get lost?”

Viggo threw his head back and howled with laughter. “Oh, you are precious, aren’t you!” He pinched my cheek.

“Maximus will guide you,” Mortimer answered, trying to keep his amusement from showing.

I turned to find that the massive animal had crept in behind me. I eyed the beast skeptically.

“Don’t worry, he knows this place well.” Viggo chuckled.

Maximus stared at me with oddly perceptive eyes for a moment and then, letting out an unimpressed groan, he flopped down beside the fireplace.

Sofie was the last to leave. She gave me a small, apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. Those two can be … overwhelming.”

I shook my head, giggling “They’re nice. And extremely generous.”

Sofie bit her bottom lip, suddenly pensive. “I’m just down the hall if you need me.”

“No worries. I have a tour guide, remember?”

Sofie glanced over at the big beast, her eyes narrowing to slits. “Well, if you need anything, I’m there.”

“You’re kidding, right? What more could I possibly need?” I waved to the luxurious suite. “I could die a happy girl here, tonight.”

Sofie’s face contorted in horror for a second before she schooled it to her normally reserved expression. “Well, good night then.” With another icy gaze at the giant mass of canine muscle, she was gone, walking briskly down the hall.

“Well, I guess it’s just you and me, Maximus. Max.”