Читать книгу Mysterious Vows - Cassie Miles, Cassie Miles - Страница 10

“I want to see her,” Alice said, “before I leave.”

“Maria is sleeping,” Jason replied. “She’s exhausted.”

Alice closed the door to his office and confronted him angrily. “I’m going to give you some free advice, dear brother.”

He knew very well that it would do absolutely no good to protest. Jason settled back in the chair behind his desk and braced himself. When Alice had an opinion, it would be stated come hell or high water. “Yes, Alice?”

“Don’t be overprotective of Maria. She’s not an invalid like Elena was. Please, Jason, you must listen to me. I know you adored Elena, but she was a very sick woman. Taking care of her turned you into a recluse.”

Though he didn’t like to hear it, he knew she was right. Elena’s drawn-out death had changed him. Watching her die slowly, unable to help her, had stolen his spirit. After she’d passed away, he had flung himself headlong into his work with the rebels of Guermina. The people of that country had called him courageous. They had not guessed at the truth: he didn’t care if he lived or died. Without Elena, his life was over.