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'm not sure if he means it or

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

more complicated, but I don't have the heart to tell Jasper I don't want to

Levi's sudden question has me looking at him. He is at the island holding a mug in his hands. If he's talking to me, does that mean he still considers 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 I

"Good. I made you hot cocoa. But I don't

do," I say

brings me the hot

Ansel and

Tell you what. Take the hot cocoa to the room and get some rest. I'll wake you when

look around the kitchen. Something is strange. Why are they all nice

mind?" I ask, wanting to be convinced I'm not missing

can always nap in

bed

rest of the house is quiet,

by Tyson's office, I hear noises coming from inside. 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

give in. I lean against the wall,