Page 56 of Gunnar

“Okay,” she says calmly.

Her gaze shifts to me.

“I’m just going to get a glass of water.”

She walks past us toward the sink, skirting the edge of the table.

The water runs.

“Alexandria,” I say, forcing my voice back under control, “This does not happen here. Orson was just testing my boundaries, and he’s going to regret it.” I throw him a furious look, but he’s staring at the floor.

She shuts off the faucet and turns, glass in hand.

She looks between the two of us.

Then she shrugs.

“It’s fine,” she says. “I know what you guys are. Life is different out here.”

She lifts the glass and drinks the whole thing in one long swallow.

Rinses it.

Sets it on the drainer.

“I’ll be back in ten,” she says. “For the washing.”

Then she turns and walks out of the kitchen.

Just like that.

I stare after her.

She didn’t panic.

She didn’t scream.

She didn’t even look particularly surprised.

When I turn back to Orson, his expression has changed.

He looks… disappointed. Almost hurt.

“You really thought that was going to scare my mate off?” I growl.

He shrugs. “Thought she should see what she’s signed up for.”

“Shame on you for trying.” I draw my lips back. “Clean it up.”

Orson doesn’t move.

“If you ever pull something like that again,” I say, quieter now, “you’re out.”

His head jerks up. “You don’t mean that.”

I step closer.

“Don’t test me, Orson.” My voice stays calm. “Alexandria is mine.”