Page 188 of Eternal Craving

I gave Marcus an incredulous stare.

“But,” Marcus continued, “we survived. Crawled our way up out of the gutter. And yes, now we enjoy the finer things in life, but it’s not like we don’t work to have them.”

Jacob looked at me. “Why don’t you tell me these things? When I try to find out more about you, you change the subject.”

“Some things, I choose to forget.” I reached into my vest pocket.

“But I’ve missed out on all of it.”

I placed several coins on the table. “We should go.”

Jacob gave me a worried frown. “Do I have your permission to take Rachel out tomorrow?”

With a nod, I rose from the table.

I was glad to be back on dry land. There had to be a better strategy, one where I didn’t cause my son distress. Here in the study, I could be assured of privacy.

Tonight, though, was an exception.

Sunaria, Marcus, and Rachel stared me down.

“This is not open for discussion.” I turned away from them and faced the fireplace.

Rachel sniveled. “But I don’t want to go to Cornwall.”

“You don’t actually have to go to Cornwall.” I spun around to face her. “Just tell him you are and convince him you’re leaving.”

Sunaria glared at me.

“He’s infatuated with her,” I said.

Sunaria sighed. “I don’t see the harm.”

I shook my head in frustration.

Marcus wrapped his arm around her waist. “Sweetheart, what he’s trying to say is that Jacob is not ready to learn about who we really are.”

“But Sunaria’s shown me how to mingle,” she said. “I know how to act normal.”

“Define being normal, Rachel.” Dealing with her was making me weary.

She suppressed a sob.

“Jacob’s a man of science,” I explained. “He’ll detect you’re different.”

“Don’t say it.” Sunaria gestured insistently to me.

“He needs to forget about you so he can meet a nice girl and marry her,” I said.

“You bastard,” Sunaria muttered.

Rachel burst into tears.

“Can’t you see her heart’s breaking?” Sunaria snapped.

I waved off her statement. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Rachel, go to your room.” Sunaria rubbed Rachel’s arm with affection. “I’ll join you in a minute.”