Page 79 of Bite Me

“My family’s crown jewel, passed down through many, many generations. They loved vacationing here.”

“I’m sure they’re just as charming as you.”

He smirks.

“You seem oddly calm,” I say.

Dacre shuts off every time I mention his family, but he’s leaning back in his seat without a care in the world.

“My grandfather had to take a trip out of town. He won’t be joining us, thankfully. Don’t get too relaxed now. This weekend is not meant to be fun. It’s grueling work.”

“Tell me I can bake a little.”

He smiles. “Wait till you see the kitchen.”

He isn’t kidding. This house is nothing like the estate his family has near the campus. There isn’t a piece of dark mahogany wood in sight. It’s all light birch and tall, arched windows that overlook the beach. I have no desire to swim, since it’s the cold season, but it doesn’t stop me from gawking when Dacre gives me a full tour of the two-story kitchen, the dining rooms, and the dance hall.

He’s all smiles, which is becoming my new favorite thing to see.

That is, until one of the staff stops us during the tour of the garden.

“Room . . . As in one room?” Dacre repeats.

“The east wing is under construction. We have only one room remaining. The bungalow.”

“This is ridiculous. Prepare a pallet for me in the dining room.”

“They’re setting up for the weekend, sir.”

“It’s okay,” I say. “It will be fine. We’ll split the room.”

“That’s out of the question,” Dacre says.

“Are you scared that I’ll bite?” I tease.

He stops. “I . . . I’m not worried about you. I’m more worried about what Luther and Verity will say when seeing you coming from my room.”

“Our room. And they’re on the other side of the estate. How would they ever know?”

“Sir?”

“Fine. Prep the room for two people. Keep it hushed.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Dacre

“What are you wearing?”

Emma is standing in the harsh, glowing light of the bathroom, wearing a long nightgown that’s adorned with cats and sardines. She even brought cat slippers.

She spits in the sink. “Nope. You can’t make fun of me here. This is a shared, safe space. Besides, what do you wear to bed? A golden pajama set?” She peeks her head into the room. “Oh, right. Solid colored pajama pants and a T-shirt. The joylessness is on track for you.”

“Usually, I sleep shirtless.”

“Don’t let me stop you.”

“I’ll sleep on the floor.”