“Why is that bad?”
Olivia slid her hand over her pregnant stomach in a protective gesture. “He’s so…unnerving. And that’s saying something coming from me. I’m married to Lucien and he’s only halfway human.”
Lorenza laughed uneasily. “Let’s go in and sit down before they get back inside.”
They ducked into the dining room, but before I could follow them, the front door swung open. Lucien appeared, wearing his charming persona instead of his ice cold one, and Peregrine and Cosimo followed at his heel. Behind them, a man appeared in a gust of hypnotic energy and strode down the hall toward the dining room.
Lucien, Cosimo, and Peregrine moved by me, but the man paused several feet away, loitering at the entrance. I swallowed, my throat going dry. He was handsome, like the devil had walked right out of hell ready to break hearts and burn the world down with a single glance of his blue eyes. He was the same height as Peregrine, but he was broader and he took up every corner of the hallway with his suffocating presence.
He had black hair, slicked back over his head, light beige skin that showed his dark stubble, and glittering eyes. His lashes were thick and dark and they stood in startling contrast to his cobalt blue gaze. When he fixed them on me, my stomach turned over. He had the most intense, focused energy and it unnerved me to my core.
“You must be the new Mrs. Calo,” he said, extending his hand. “Merrick Llwyd.”
“It’s good to meet you,” I said, balancing both wine bottles in one arm so I could accept his handshake. “Welcome to our home.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” he said. “You’re very kind to host me tonight.”
I hoped secretly that was as long as Peregrine intended on allowing him to stay. I didn’t want this man in my house even for a night. I swallowed, refusing to break in front of him, and smiled.
“We’re happy to,” I said casually. “I hope you’ll enjoy staying in the city.”
“I’m sure I will. Here, allow me to carry those bottles for you, Mrs. Calo,” he said, taking them.
He stood back, dipping his head to indicate I should enter the dining room before him. Feeling awkward, I slipped past him and ran directly into Peregrine’s hard chest. He put a possessive arm around my waist, holding me against his side.
“I see you two have met,” he said lightly.
“Yes, Mr. Llwyd was kind enough to introduce himself.”
“Let’s all have a seat,” said Lucien.
We sat around the table and Mrs. Greene plated the food. I could tell she was nervous around Merrick as she filled his plate and wine glass. She ducked out as soon as she could and I heard her footsteps patter down the hall. I looked around the table, noticing all of the women were placed on their husband’s left sides. I knew that the men didn’t fully trust Mr. Llwyd if they were leaving right sidearm accessible.
Peregrine sat at the head as the host and I sat on his left with Merrick Llwyd on my other side. I shifted, uncomfortable with being so close to him. He wasn’t frightening exactly, now that I had spoken to him, but he had an intensity about him that intimidated me.
“Your house is a work of art, Calo,” Merrick said.
“Thank you, it’s been in my family for many years,” Peregrine said.
Beneath the table, he put a warm palm on my thigh and my stomach fluttered. His touch surprised me. He’d been protective and almost caring at our wedding, but since then, he’d barely done more than fuck me and order me about.
“What is it? Mid nineteenth century?”
“Early, actually,” said Peregrine.
“Your family is very traditional, are they not?” Merrick asked, fixing his gaze on my husband. “Were you not named for Peregrine Laziosi?”
Peregrine’s brows rose and he sat back, his fingers toying with the stem of his wineglass. “I was. And I would hazard a guess you bear the name of Edwin, King of Deheubarth. Lucien said Merrick is your middle name.”
Merrick’s inclined his head. “Someone knows their Welsh history. How did you come by that?”
Peregrine blinked slowly and I could tell he was irritated at being underestimated. “I have a minor degree in Anglo-Saxon and Celtic history. It was just for kicks.”
“Peregrine is our resident smart-ass,” said Cosimo lightly. “He’s got more degrees than I can count on one hand.”
Everyone laughed and the tension broke. I glanced at my husband and he looked back at me, his eyes soft as they connected with mine. The air crackled for a second and then I turned away, warmth blossoming in my lower belly. Beside me, Merrick shifted back in his seat and picked up his wine.
“How is Providence this time of year?” Lucien asked, fixing a slow stare on Merrick.