Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

205. Olivia - Gifts

It's dinner time when Tyson opens the back door of the kitchen. The smell of home made food has my mouth salivating. Except for the strawberries Ansel, Jasper, and Mose fed me in the morning and a few candies I ate while in the city, I

haven't had any real food the entire day.

Ansel and Jasper are sitting at the table playing cards with Steven while Mose and Levi are at the stove making dinner.

As if reading my mind, Mose says, "Dinner will be ready in about an hour."

An hour doesn't sound that bad. I can wait. But not here, in the kitchen, where Levi is. He didn't even bother to look at me.

Not wanting to see another look of disgust on Levi's face, I decide to go to Jasper's room, but when I pass by the table, Ansel pulls me into his lap. "And where do you think you're going?" he asks me, his face serious.

Is Ansel angry? My heart sinks. What did I do wrong?

Tyson and Rueben, carrying the shopping bags, disappear down the hall. Them being so nice after what they did to me earlier has me unseasy. What are they plotting now?

"I didn't want to bother any of you and "

Ansel doesn't let me finish as he kisses me. "You can bother me anytime." Helping me stand, he says, "Let me see your new dress. Spin around a few times for your men."

not wanting to disappoint them, I turn a few times before I stop next to

says. I'm not sure if he means it or he is just

my waist. After nuzzling my mouth with his and leaving a trail of kisses from my lips all the way to my ear, he says, “I can't wait for dessert.” After kissing the shell of my ear, he adds, “I have a feeling that tonight you will finally

bond will make things even more complicated, but I don't have the heart to tell

holding a mug in his hands. If he's talking to me, does that mean he still

driving me crazy with their sudden mood swings. Do they have multiple personalities? Or are they trying to see how much they can push me before

made you hot cocoa. But I don't know if you still

do," I

me the hot

get to sleep too much last night. Ansel

cocoa to

strange. Why are they all nice to me?

ask, wanting to be

my cheek. "You can always nap

stand. "The bed is more

and leave the kitchen. The rest of the house is quiet, making me wonder

Is he working on a new book? But didn't Rueben say he has writer's block? Not my problem. Besides, he told me to stay away from his office. I rush to Jasper's room and close the

the day disappears and my legs give in. I lean against the wall, steadying myself. Hot