Chapter 19 - THE AFTERMATH|
Late that evening, after the captains had departed, the estate fell quiet.
Beatrice stood on the wide stone terrace overlooking the rain-slicked gardens, wearing a warm cashmere coat Arthur had given her, holding a mug of warm tea.
Footsteps sounded on the wet stone behind her.
Arthur walked out, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her back against his broad chest, resting his chin softly against her shoulder.
“You cut my entertainment budget by fifty percent,” Arthur murmured into her ear, a dry humor in his deep voice.
“You spend too much on vintage scotch,” Beatrice replied, leaning her head back against his shoulder. “I’m preserving your capital.”
Arthur chuckled softly, his dark gray eyes looking out at the foggy gardens.
“Tommy called this afternoon,” Arthur said gently. “He got a job at a logistics firm in Denver. He’s doing well, Beatrice.”
Beatrice closed her eyes for a moment, a deep, peaceful relief washing through her soul. “Thank you, Arthur.”
“Don't thank me,” Arthur whispered, turning her around in his arms so she was facing him under the patio lights. “Thank the accountant who bargained for him.”
He reached out, sliding his fingers into her auburn curls, looking down into her hazel eyes with a fierce, quiet devotion.
“Are you happy, Beatrice?” he asked softly.
May you like
Beatrice looked up at the man who had bought her armor, fought her battles, and given her a seat at the head of his world.
“I’m balanced, Arthur,” she smiled, reaching up to kiss his jaw. “And the numbers are finally clean.”
