Alveus (ABC's Inc. Romance #1) by Lara Earlman Read Free Book Online Page B

it.”
    “I’m
sure I have no idea what you’re implying, with all of your theatrics,” she
replied, haughtily. “If you’re referring to the conversation you overheard, I
really think you should refrain yourself from eavesdropping. It has really
gotten out of hand, lately.” Dane narrowed his eyes, menacingly.
    “We’ll
get to that. How about starting with that all knowing, wiser than God, I-told-you-so grin you were wearing when I kissed Aly.” Oma clasped her hands together and
brought back the smile.
    “It
was so sweet; you two are perfect for each other and you present such a
beautiful couple,” she was genuinely pleased. “I just love her, Daney. I’m
aware that something happened between the two of you last week to cause a tiff,
but insisting upon a kiss was a good start at patching things up. I can see
that you love her.”
    “Oma
you need to slow down, things are not as perfect as you assume.”
    “Is
it because she still refuses to marry you, Daney? Is that what the argument was
about, because you called her your fiancée? I heard you were in a jealous
rage,” she giggled – actually giggled! Dane had to admit that he never
remembered seeing his grandmother act this way before. It put him at a loss. My
God, what had he done by pulling this façade over on her? But, she was still
talking…
    “…because
she loves you, too. I know these things. You don’t get to be my age without
learning the tell-tale signs.” She paused at the serious look on his face.
“Daney, please don’t push her away; don’t push away your chance at happiness, jungen.”
    Dane gazed into
the faded hazel eyes of the only woman he has ever loved; her worried eyes
reflected that love back at him. There was only one thing to do – change the
subject.
    “About that conversation
I overheard…”
     
    Oma sent Dane out
in search of Aly, saying she wanted to rest her eyes a bit. It wasn’t hard to
find her; she had cornered some poor sap with her red-headed temper.
    “It
is totally unacceptable!” she raged. “Frau Brighton has been here for the
better part of the day and no one has seen fit to take care of the scrape on
her leg.”
    “I’m
sorry, ma’am, but we’ve been backed up here. The doctor was more concerned with
finding any broken bones…”
    “Just
give me the bloody supplies and I’ll do it myself! All she needs is some
antiseptic and a bandage. And some pain meds – can you at least send someone in
there to give her some pain meds?”
    Dane
decided he’d better rescue the unfortunate porter. He took hold of Aly’s
shoulders and turned her around.
    “Come,
liebling, I’m sure he’s doing his best. Oma is resting right now.”
    “Even
a small wound can get an infection if it’s not properly taken care of, Dane.”
    “I’m
certain your right.”
    Dane
had been steering Aly to the waiting lounge and gave her a gentle push onto the
couch. She looked exhausted. There were dark circles under her eyes. “I’m here
now, I’ll take over looking out for Oma,” he tried to reassure her.
    “That’s
right; I’m not allowed to care about her,” she murmured sleepily, “I’m just a
thing to be used and discarded. Soon sweet Oma will just be a memory as I
continue to do my thing, thing.” Her words rambled off as she fell asleep in
his arms.
    What
the… ?
She seemed okay moments ago when she was in Oma’s room. Then he finds her
ranting at some poor bloke, and now she’s like the walking dead – spouting off
some irrational nonsense.
    “It’s
good to see her sleep.”
    Dane
was startled by Bruna’s appearance.
    “She
hasn’t been sleeping since the fight you two had.  Oh, she acted fine around
your grandmother. I guess she didn’t want to worry her. The rest of the time
she was like a zombie, wouldn’t talk to anyone, didn’t eat much. I’d look out
the window at night and see her out there staring at the stars as if she was
trying to find answers in them. It must be your arms about