Endless Chase by N.J. Walters Read Free Book Online

worrying about it. He’d deal with it when he knew exactly what he was facing.
    Cristofor nodded. “We are here if you need us.”
    “I know.” Those two words said it all. He had an extended family, all who would be more than willing to help at a moment’s notice. However, there was nothing any of them could do. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do yet.
    Johanna reached out and laid her hand over his, her golden brown eyes narrowed with concern. “Are you sure there isn’t anything we can do?”
    He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it, offering her a smile. “I’m sure, but thanks.” He released her and reached for the cup and took another sip of the tea. “I need to make a few decisions.”
    “You’re still not sure about the New York showing, are you?” Johanna was very astute.
    He shrugged, replacing the paper-thin china cup back on the saucer. “I like my privacy.” Especially now with the possibility of a major health problem cropping up.
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    “Your real name will be kept out of it,” she promised. “There is still time to stop the showing. I truly thought this was what you wanted or I would never have pushed you.”
    Johanna frowned and rubbed her hands over her arms. Her obvious distress hit him hard and he immediately sought to dispel it. “It was what I wanted or at least what I thought I wanted. I’m going to take a few days to think.”
    Plus, he’d be able to make better decisions as soon as he heard from his doctor. “I plan on telling everyone what’s going on before we all leave here after the reunion.”
    Chase grabbed a scone and bit into it, barely restraining a moan when the golden biscuit practically melted on his tongue. “Speaking of which, when is everyone arriving?”
    Cristofor stared at him for a long moment, before inclining his head, an acknowledgement that the subject of Chase’s problems was closed—for now. “Stefan and Laurel Rose may be arriving tomorrow, the day after at the latest. Your sister, Lucian, Cassidy and his family hope to be traveling with them. Lucian had some business matters to attend to, but if he finishes them in time, they will all come together.”
    “So soon?” Chase had been hoping for a few days of quiet before the rest of the family arrived. But the castle was large and most of the inhabitants slept the day away.
    There would be plenty of time for him to be alone.
    “It seemed to be the best time for everyone, and we don’t mind. The castle is always ready.” Excitement tinged Johanna’s voice and her eyes sparkled. He knew how much she loved having them all here. As much as he loved the place, he realized it must get lonely for her sometimes tucked so far out of the way.
    “I love the renovations to the place.” Chase laughed as Cristofor cursed.
    “She had workmen everywhere,” Cristofor complained. “Luckily, Cassidy agreed to stay for a month and oversee everything, otherwise I would not have allowed it.”
    Johanna laughed. “You’re not complaining when you climb into that large whirlpool bath every night.”
    Chase grinned as he watched the byplay. Cristofor Dalakis was every inch the lord of the castle—intimidating, powerful and dangerous—but he was putty in the hands of his wife.
    Cristofor stared at his wife, heat in his eyes. “Not as long as you’re with me, I’m not.”
    “Cris,” Johanna scolded. Her cheeks were tinged pink when she glanced at Chase.
    “I’m too young to be hearing this,” he teased. “But I do like the new bathrooms, and the kitchen is incredible.” It was all stainless steel, granite and oak, a gourmet cook’s dream. He was definitely going to make the time to try it out beyond slapping together a simple sandwich. He didn’t cook often, but when he did, he thoroughly enjoyed it. He found it relaxed him.
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    “Just because the castle is old is no reason it can’t be comfortable.” Johanna arched her eyebrow at her husband. “I