Surrender to the Sea (Lords of the Abyss Book 4) by Michelle M. Pillow Read Free Book Online

saying.
    “You may let Bridget examine the squid if you wish. It will be yours.” Brutus smiled. The gesture transformed his features. “I have given it much thought. Lady Lyra enjoys a strange hot dog. She communicates with the surface world where her brothers live. They send her packages in sealed trunks. If you have requests, I can ask her to include a message to your family. Communication has become incredibly fast. They speak at least twice a year now and it only takes a few months.”
    “Squid and hot dogs,” Laurel summarized.
    “Yes. As your guardian, it is my duty to see to it you have everything you require.” He continued to smile at her. It was a genuine look as if his desire to please her made him happy.
    “The gesture is very kind, but really, I don’t need a pet squid or hot dogs.”
    “But I devised a way to trap…” For a moment she thought he’d fall back into silence, but then he asked, “What about a message home?”
    Laurel thought of her crotchety neighbor.
    Dear Mr. Jenkins, I’m writing to tell you I’m now living in an underwater world with a man who would make any professional athlete jealous. Sorry, you won’t be able to count wine bottles in my garbage anymore and silently judge me. Regards, Laurel
    “Ah, no, there is no one I need to get a message to via sealed trunk,” she said.
    “But…?” His smile fell. “I have given this much thought.”
    Laurel instantly felt bad. The man looked like she’d struck him.
    “Clothes.” Laurel eyed her shapeless gown. “I would like a change of clothes. And conversation.”
    “I forgot to buy garments.” Brutus stood and made his way for the door with renewed purpose. “My apologies. I was busy trying to draw up plans for the squid pool. I will rectify this oversight immediately.”
    “No, wait,” Laurel tried to stop him, but the man was gone. She sighed, letting her body fall sideways onto the low couch. Pulling her feet off the floor, she rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. To herself, she mumbled, “I would much rather have the conversation.”
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    “ C lothes ,” Brutus muttered to himself. How could he forget clothes for his ward? He gave a rueful laugh. “Probably because I can’t stop picturing her out of them.”
    He was disappointed she didn’t want the squid. He’d given the project much thought—from how to trap the creature in open water, to how much space he’d need to ensure it lived a healthy life. Of course, this decision was more practical. He wasn’t sure how he’d convince the king to let him build a saltwater pool large enough.
    But, Laurel was a special woman. He needed a big gesture to impress her. What was bigger than a squid? With every man she encountered trying to marry her, he needed to stand out. The fact he was her guardian made it even harder. He couldn’t hide her away from the world forever. He couldn’t refuse to let her take suitors if that was her wish. She hadn’t indicated that she wanted him to deny other males on her behalf.
    Seeing his twin brother, Brutus quickened his pace.
    “Bru—” Demon began.
    Brutus changed course and walked faster down the wrong passageway. The last thing Brutus wanted was to listen to Demon’s renewed claim. He wanted Demon to find happiness—just not with Laurel.
----
    “ H ello ?” Brutus’s voice sounded a little hoarse.
    “I’m here,” Laurel called. She dropped the lock on the bedroom cabinet, unable to open it and not wanting to get caught trying.
    “Lady Laurel.”
    Laurel paused in the doorway at the excited tone. Brutus was turned from her, waving his hands to motion others to come inside the home. Women entered carrying folded clothes, boots and several cloth bags that were tied shut.
    “Please accept these tokens.” Brutus moved behind his entourage.
    A woman handed a stack of clothes to Laurel before she could speak. “You are most welcome to Ataran, my lady. I hope you will enjoy these dresses we have made