“But she’s a self-confessed relationship-phobe,” I said.
“That’s just her not wanting to open herself up.”
“Has she told you about Orson?” I asked, taking advantage of Theadora’s candour.
“He actually called her when we were at the market. I think she likes him, but I get the vibe it’s her way of getting over you.”
All I heard was that Mirabel liked Orson, flashing like a neon sign in my brain. “Has she slept with him?”
Theadora’s eyebrows flung up. “I think you should ask her.”
I leaned in, kissed her cheek, then left in search of Mirabel.
Chapter 15
Mirabel
Amblingalong,Iimbibedthe pretty surroundings, pausing every now and then to take in the breathtaking beauty of Merivale at night. Rippling beams of everchanging colour cast a magical glow on the sculptures and hedges. Beyond the magic garden, the moon beamed over the silvery sea.
I was so caught in the spectacle that the sudden sound of a deep voice made me jump. “That was some performance you gave.”
I turned, and a tall red-haired man who might have been in his early fifties pierced me with a cool, penetrating gaze. He sucked on a large cigar, looking like some wealthy baron.
“Thanks.” I looked up at him. “That’s if you meant it as a compliment.”
“I’m rather fond of opera. I have a particular soft spot for Bizet’sCarmen. The other tune was an original, I take it.”
“One of mine.”
“You’ve got talent.” His eyes travelled up and down my body like cold, unwelcome fingers sliding over me. Feeling naked, I shivered. “Although it was probably better suited to a hipster bar than Merivale.” He smirked, and I felt an instant dislike towards him.
From a distance, I noticed someone heading our way. I looked over the tall man’s shoulder and saw Ethan.
He turned to the man. “I hope you’re not making a pass at our guest artist.” Ethan remained serious.
“We were just chatting about her tantalising performance. No harm.” He showed his palms in defence and walked off.
Ethan stepped closer to me, and my body buzzed just from a whiff of his herbal cologne. “I hope Crisp wasn’t inappropriate.”
“Oh, that was him,” I said, recalling Theadora’s harrowing story.
“I gather you’ve heard he’s a nasty piece of shit?”
I nodded. “He struck me as pompous. But then the rich can be like that.”
“I’m rich, and I’m not.” A faint smile touched his lips. “You’re safe. You’re probably too old for him.”
My mouth twisted into a scowl. “Gee, thanks.” I turned to walk off.
“Hey, I didn’t mean it like that.”
I stopped and met his handsome face close to mine. He’d stepped in towards me as though trying to block me from moving. My insides turned over. I wanted to run away, but my heart anchored me there. I tried to speak but couldn’t get the words out.
The weight of his gaze and the turbulent emotion his intense almost-black eyes evoked made him unreadable. I reached into my bag for my tobacco. All this intensity made me want to smoke.
He watched me rolling one, and without asking, I handed it over to him.
“Thanks. I’ll have to buy you a packet.”