Page 10 of Innocent Salvation

“That’s fine.”

“One more thing. You’re here to do a job, an important one. One that doesn’t land you a rich husband so if you have any thoughts regarding that get them out of your head this second. I’m not looking for a hook up, fun, or benefits. I have my private life and certainly have zero interest in you. Is that clear?”

Now he got a reaction as her nostrils flared with what he could only assume was outrage. Her skin pinked at the cheeks, and he couldn’t help but think how stunning she was angry.

“Perfectly, and for the record, I’m not looking for a sugar daddy. I make my own money and have no interest in you, Mr Alexander.”

He’d offended her and he should feel bad but after the last few days it was difficult to see the wood for the trees and it was more important to be clear than to preserve her precious feelings. “Good, then we’re all set. You can move in whenever you’re ready and if you’re available you can start first thing tomorrow.”

“I can bring my stuff over tonight and will be ready for Fleur first thing in the morning.”

“Good.”

He pulled out a key and handed it to her. “Here’s your key and I’ll text you the alarm code.”

He was careful not to let his fingers touch hers as he handed it over and yet he could still feel the pull between them. This may have been a mistake for him, but he felt sure it was the right thing for Fleur and she was the important one.

Chapter 4

Promptly at seven am the next morning, Snow stepped into the kitchen to see Mrs Lewis at the counter in the kitchen. The older woman turned and smiled warmly and pointed to the coffee pot.

“It’s just brewed, my dear. Why don’t you pour a cup before you head up to see Miss Fleur?”

Snow poured some of the fragrant rich coffee into the mug Mrs Lewis handed her and set it on the side after one sip.

“I best head up, don’t want to get on the wrong side of the ogre on day one.”

“He really isn’t so bad when you get to know him a little, just reserved.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

Snow rushed out of the kitchen and ran slap bang into Sebastian Alexander who was lurking outside the kitchen. She felt her cheeks flame and wondered if he’d heard what she called him. Not that she cared really, he was an arrogant jerk who thought he was God’s gift to women. She hated that she found him stupidly attractive and was relieved he was so unlikable, or she’d be in trouble.

His firm hands gripped her shoulders to steady her from landing on her bottom, releasing her as soon as he could.

“Are you okay, Ms Goubert?”

“Yes, just heading up to wake Fleur.”

“No need. She’s been awake for an hour already. You may need to help her with her outfit though.”

“Oh, I thought you said I should start at seven.”

“I did, but she’s awake at five-thirty, and nobody should be made to work those kinds of hours, not even an ogre.”

Snow flushed at his implication that he’d indeed heard every word. She wouldn’t apologise though, this man was rude, conceited, and arrogant and he was an ogre with everyone. She just hoped he wasn’t that way with her niece. “Well, I’ll go help her.”

Snow rushed off, feeling the heat of his gaze as she raced up the stairs. She found Fleur trying to stuff her legs into woolly tights of striped pink and orange and a yellow summer dress with stars on it. The outfit was nothing if not unique and she rolled her lips to hide her smile. She reminded her of herself at the same age, so sure, so independent.

“Need some help?”

“Snow, you came back.”

“Yes of course I did. I had far too much fun yesterday to leave you.”

Snow knelt beside Fleur and helped her pull the tights up to her waist before brushing the skirt flat. It was by no means a match, but it was important for Fleur to know she had a choice and could express herself however she saw fit.

Snow held out her hand. “Ready for breakfast?”