𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐮𝐬𝐭

32

D A R I Y A

As Atreus took my hand to lead us to the house, his eyes fell to the items in my other hand.

"I did give you the physical invitation, right?" He questioned with furrowed brows.

"You did."

"And you ignored the part where it said no gifts." He finished with a slow nod and a shrug.

"You would be happy to know," He started, opening the French double doors and gestured for me to go in, "That we all ignored it."

Directly across from the entrance laid a low table laden with colourful bags and wrapped boxes. He took mine and placed it in the only empty spot which was on the floor beside the others that crowded below the table as well.

"It wouldn't have phased me either way." I said honestly. It is common curtesy to offer gifts to people that invite you into their home, at least I think so.

"Don't let my mother hear you saying that." I grinned at his rapid-fire response.

"I think I'll be fine." He stared at me for a long moment, then sighed and took my hand and pulled me along down the wide walkway that led below the staircases and away from the wide foyer.

We came to a halt when we entered what looked to be the living room. Tall ceilings and spotless marble floors met us. The many window cells alight the wide room, dancing over the marble and the many chandeliers. It was all an updated with the needed modern remodelling in some areas, making it more of a mid-century modern design.

A lightly tanned man lounged back in the settee, eyes falling upon the shabby head toddler at his feet. His salt and pepper hair were distinct and maybe the only obvious indication that he was aged. Him and the sleek black Doberman that lay below the table averted their gaze to us as soon as.

"Grandpa, meet Dariya Verlice my girlfriend. Dariya, my grandfather, Acel."

As he stood, I accepted his outstretched hand, meeting his gaze.

"Pleasure to meet you."

He nodded once deeply with a soft smile, "Likewise."

"And this is my youngest cousin, Kai." Big hazel brown eyes stared back at me curiously.

"Hello." I smiled at him, matching his curious eyes. He waved with what I put together as a shy smile and continued what he was doing.

"Don't let that fool you," Atreus said in turn, ruffling his hair as he passed, pulling me along.

"And Vera's dog." He continued to the poised Doberman that sat on his hunches, watching everything silently. Not so surprising but he mirrored Vera perfectly.

"Plenty people to meet grandpa." With that his arm slipped around my waist as he led me out the room to a well-lit hall thanks to the windows that went down one wall.

"I hope you're not nervous."

"The person I should be most nervous to meet, I already met." I retorted.

"Yes, but did you ever have a conversation with her."

I sent him a look, "I'm not scared Atreus, respect isn't built with fear so I will not fear your mother and rather respect her." He stopped at the door and focused fully on me.