Page 19 of The Immortal’s Mark

Gregory bows deeper. “Your Grace.”

Then he’s gone. His quick speed sends a gust of air across my cheeks.

Your Grace?

I arch a brow.

Alex catches my expression and snorts. “It’s just a title of respect.”

Something tells me there’s more to it than that—more to my former coffee store manager than I know.

But I let it go.

“Did you have to be so harsh?” I ask. “It took forever for Gregory to start being nice.”

He blinks.

Then a boisterous laugh bellows from his chest.

“What’s so funny?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t believe I’ve ever heard anyone describe Gregory Fang as nice.”

“Don’t say his last name like that,” I mutter, shivering despite myself. “And yes, he’s nice. He’s been a lifesaver since you left.”

“Careful, Darcie.” A smirk blooms. “Or I might think you’ve forgiven me.”

For his deception, he means.

While a small part of me wants to hold on to the hurt and frustration that came from being tricked by the vampire back in Maine, there are bigger issues at play that demand my attention.

Still, I’m not ready to completely let him off the hook. “You wish.”

“Aw, come on. I know you missed me.”

“Missed your nagging?” I roll my eyes. “Yeah, right.”

He chuckles.

I crack a smile.

He glances toward the hall, still amused, then back at me with an expression I can’t read.

“I’m beginning to wonder if you have this effect on everyone you meet,” he says, almost to himself.

“What effect?”

“The ability to make the most reserved, distant individuals drop their barriers.” His gaze holds mine. “I have not seen Gregory smile in years.”

Years?

“Beats me,” I say, aiming for a light tone. “Maybe he just needed a break from his boss.”

“Perhaps.” He lets me have the out. Gracious or strategic, I can’t tell. “Other than spending time with Gregory, what have you been up to since I left? How is your training?”

“Fine.” I shrug. “I’m not making much progress with Henry, though.”

While I can now conjure weak orbs of power, I cannot control them.