81

ALAYNA

Jason holds out his hand and grabs Brandon’s. I glance back and forth at the two men who seem to know each other.

“Have you met?” I ask.

“I work for him,” Jason answers.

“He works for me,” Brandon says simultaneously.

A beat passes. “Oh, wow. Small world, huh?” I frown, feeling a knot in my stomach because it’s weird. Suddenly, the atmosphere becomes decidedly colder.

I clear my throat. “Well, this is really a surprise.”

“I’m surprised about it myself,” Brandon says and shoots a glare at me. Maybe he’s slightly mad because I let my visitors in without his permission. I’ll just explain it to him later.

“Anyway, dinner is ready. Do you want me to take dinner to your room first?” I ask Brandon.

He leans toward me, not minding our guests. “I’ll join you.”

Now, that is even more astounding. “Really?”

“Hmm.”

Ms. Lennie comes in as if she’s been waiting for the right timing. She approaches Jason and Arianna, ushering them to the dining room. I am about to follow when Brandon pulls me