Page 74 of This Rotting Heart

“That is enough of that from you!” Callahan snapped. “You are still my little sister and I can only stomach so much in one day. Besides, you’re exaggerating. It was not that scandalous.”

“If it’s not that scandalous, why would you be in such a rush to shut me up about it?” Hellebore raised an eyebrow.

Their father had had a conniption when he’d heard of it. While their father was prone to overreacting, it certainly wouldn’t have been swept under the rug if the girl had been of a higher status. She’d already warned Taiyo they’d need to keepan eye on Callahan if he started flirting with any girls during his visit.

“I’ll have you know there is actually a young lady—actually, no.” Callhan cut himself off, cheeks dusting pink as he waved his hand. “You don’t need to know anything.”

She rolled her eyes and looked up at Taiyo, who was smirking. “He was just about to say whoever is the current object of his affections, he’s serious about this time. He says it every time. I’m waiting for him to mean it.”

Taiyo laughed, hand shifting up and down her arm.

“Maybe this time I do, but you’ve lost the privilege of knowing anything about it since you want to run your mouth.” Callahan glared at Taiyo’s hand on her. “Enough of that too! Seriously, you two are monarchs, why are you looking at each other all doe-eyed?”

“Fine, please, Prince Callahan, enlighten me. What exactly does it mean that your friend Emerson has taken over your aunt’s position?” Taiyo asked, shifting slightly to focus his gaze on Callahan.

Hellebore moved just enough so her ear rested on his chest as Callahan launched into telling them of Emerson’s misadventures in the last three months.

Taiyo’s heart beat strong and steady beneath her. She grinned at what was the beginning of a collection of life she so looked forward to amassing throughout the rest of her days.