Arranged: An Array Series (Book #1)(68)

“Now I’m convinced you’re trying to kill me.” His hand found my shoulder, keeping me firmly against the wall.

“You don’t look scared,” I teased, peering up at him with innocent eyes. He flexed his brows, his chest rising and falling with rapid pants, as he shook his head.

“Yes, I am.” He sighed, letting out a harsh breath. “I’d give you the fucking Elite Eight to do with as you will with that.”

I leaned closer. “You already did that.” He spread his fingers across my shoulder, which sent shock waves between my legs.

He looked down at me, his eyes full of lust. “What is it that you want then? I’m at your command.”

My lips curved slowly into a grin. “Don’t ask such a loaded question, Garr.”

He chuckled, as his hand descended, along the side of my breast, sliding down my ribs. “I was hoping it’d be something in this room.”

A loud knock sounded at the study door, and a groan filled the air. I didn’t know if it was mine or his. Garrett stepped away from me, hunger still in his eyes.

“We’re not done,” he whispered. Bringing me to Papa’s chair, he pulled it out for me to sit.

“Come in,” I rasped, trying to gain normal function of my body. The door opened, unveiling Reddington behind it. He came in with a smile, pausing when his eyes landed on Garrett.

“Garr, I didn’t know you were coming,” he remarked.

Garrett leaned against the pine desk, his arms crossed. “I keep my actions to myself, unlike my brother,” Garrett grumbled. Reddington sent the door closing, approaching the desk.

“I’m sure it’s just natural for you,” Reddington said. “I’ve been keeping Lady Barlow company, and brought my own doctor to assist her father.” He took a seat in front of Papa’s desk, crossing his legs. His gaze landed back on Garrett. “All is good here.”

His voice was calm, collected, while Garrett’s body tensed, his hand turning into a fist.

“So I see,” Garrett gritted out.

“Did you just arrive?” Reddington asked.

Garrett crossed his arms. “You sure have a lot of questions, don’t you, William?”

Reddington held up his hands in silent surrender. “I’m sorry. I was just making conversation with my cousin.”

“We aren’t cousins,” Garrett bit out. “And I really don’t understand why you are here.”

“Ava and I are friends. Of course I would come when she needed it.”

Garrett tsked. “You’ve been friends for, what, a week?”

Reddington sank deeper into the chair. “I believe congratulations are in order, Cranfield. I wish you the best.”

“In regard to what?”

“Your engagement to Lady Chitwood.”

Garrett huffed. “There is no engagement.”

Reddington’s brows knitted. “Oh,” he replied. “Has she realized how much of an ass you are and called it off?” He let out a soft chuckle.

Garrett stared at him. “There was never anything to call off because I was never engaged to her.”

Reddington shifted in his chair and looked at me, scratching the side of his face. Pulling out a white envelope, he handed it to Cranfield.

“I received this from one of the footman at my lodging. I was confused as to why it’d come to me, since I didn’t know you were coming. It is from Lady Chitwood.”

Snatching it from Reddington’s hand, Garrett ripped the seal, quickly reading it. His jaw twitched while his face began to turn red.

“This is getting ridiculous. I’ll be back.” Without another word, he left the room.

“I’m sorry, Ava, I didn’t mean to upset you,” Reddington expressed, remorse in his voice. The air lacked the substance I was craving moments ago; Garrett took it with him.

That was it?

“No need to apologize,” I croaked, forcing a grin. “I didn’t know he was arriving.”

Reddington chuckled. “Sounds like Cranfield. He is an unpredictable fellow.”

I nodded, experiencing it for myself.

“He never liked me for some reason.” Reddington paused for a moment, rubbing his jaw. “I wish I knew what I may have done so I could fix it. But he looks at me like he wants to strangle me half the time, so I keep my mouth shut.” He leaned in closer. “I must confess, he intimidates me.”

I sent him another weak grin. “I’ll keep your secret.”

He smiled. “Thank you. I came to talk to you about something…and I really don’t want to.”

“Oh?” I asked. “What is it?”

“I’ve been sending reports to George, on your behalf, updating him on Lord Barlow’s progress. George has asked me when you were going to be coming back to the castle.” My stomach turned. It was the last place I wanted to go. “I’ve been trying to buy us some time. I know that I am being forward and maybe assuming, but you seem happier here. You smile more, laugh more. Your element is here. I don’t want to be the one who asks you to…to leave.”

“Since we are confessing things to each other,” I replied. “I hate being there.”

He frowned. “It is quite stressful there at times, isn’t it? I was going to suggest for Lady Evelyn to accompany you this time.”