Chapter 25

Russell followed us down the corridor and up the stone steps to the first floor. Clive turned in the opposite direction from the front door.

We ended up in a two-story library that would have put the Beauty and the Beast library to shame. I stopped, just stopped. I could not get past the huge number of books. His library must be four times the size of my bookstore. I wanted nothing more than the time and freedom to climb ladders and inspect the shelves.

Clive turned around. Seeing the look on my face, he shook his head, a grin curling up the corner of his mouth. “Russell, I need to bring you up to date. Sam, you can explore the library, but first I need to give you a proper introduction."

"Oh, we've dated." I glanced at the man standing next to Clive. “He brought me here."

"Yes, I know." Clive walked over to the dark mahogany table. “I mean, I would like you to get to know each other better. Sam, Russell is my second in command, my right hand."

Russell winced at these words. “Russell