Chapter 7

Nova

During the entire dinner, his phone kept vibrating. “So Nova, how has the first week living with Killian been?” Camille asked. 

“It’s actually perfect; he stays away from me and minds his own business, so I love it.” 

“I see. And Tanya?” She asked in a tone; I knew she wasn't just asking out of curiosity. That was why she asked me to marry him, to keep the leech away. 

“I haven't met anyone named Tanya.” I lied, and I saw the look he gave me. A few seconds later, Pascal walked in. Followed by Tanya. 

“Killian?” "Tanya," she said, her voice soft and sweet. Camille sat up straight. 

“Killian, I asked one thing of you.” Camille said, her voice cold. He stood up and turned around, leading Tanya out. 

“Was that the Tanya you mentioned?” I asked. 

“Yes,” she said. I didn't ask any more questions. He seemed protective of her; he dotes on her and claims she is his friend. However, his grandmother doesn't want her around. Hmm, well, this is the kind of drama Vera would love and the kind I usually avoided. 

He returned and sat down; I ignored him and continued eating.

“Killian, I do not appreciate that you spend your every waking hour with that girl. You are an Ashford, the heir to the Ashford legacy. Your friendship, as you claim, is causing rumors.” Camile said.

“Grandmother, Tanya is simply a friend. She has no one, and she grew up with me. That is all there is to it.” He replied.

Camille just shook her head. “She will never have a place in this family, Killian,” she said, her voice as serious as could be. 

After dinner, I took a walk around the grounds and left him with his grandmother. Who was still reading him a riot. I excused myself. After she began saying she had a room prepared for us.

I was walking along the rosebushas I headed back to the house. When I turned the corner, I almost walked into him. I stopped and looked at him. He annoyed the hell out of me. He was on the phone.

“For Christ’s sake, Watch where you're going,” I said before walking away but stopped five feet away from him and turned around, smirking at him. 

“The Villa is big; you can find another room to sleep in tonight.” 

“That room is mine; you can sleep in one of the guest rooms,” he replied.

“No chance,” I replied, walking away. By the time I made it to the room, the door was locked, and I didn't bother trying. He opened the door and smirked at me. I turned around and headed back to the sitting area and sat with Camille. 

“Your mother’s treatment is going well. I was visiting the hospital yesterday, and Vera, I believe her name was, was there.” she said softly.

“Yes, Vera is my friend. I’m happy the treatment is working.” I said with a sigh. She patted my hands. “She will make a full recovery. My grandson, on the other hand, is blind,” she said, sipping her tea.

“If you don't mind me asking. What is the deal with Tanya? After all, you made me marry Killian.”

She sighed and leaned back into her chair. “Tanya Davis was the only daughter of the Davis family. They were our neighbors and good friends.  Micheal and Killian were the same age, around sixteen. Tanya was around ten when it happened.”

“The Davis was into insurance. It started with one complaint. A client had some issue with their life insurance, and it snowballed into an investigation. When it all came out to the public, the Davis were running a pyramid scheme. Jackie and Gabe decided to run. Apparently Tanya was out on a playdate, and her parents decided they would flee, so they took Micheal and ran; unfortunately, they had an accident and didn't make it.”

“That’s terrible, for Tanya, I mean.” 

“Oh, it was,” she began to cling to Killian. We didn't hold it against her, so we took her in and raised her. But when she turned eighteen, I noticed she clung to Killian more than she should, and as the years progressed, I came to realize she was in love with him, but he does not see it. So we began creating separating them.” she said

“We sent her abroad to study, but it never changed. She returned six months ago; I realize she still has hopes of marrying him. He would do anything for her; he would drop everything for her if she were in trouble, and I needed that to change. So hence, here you are.” 

“Okay, well. If all I need to do is keep them from spending a lot of time together, then I can do that. I’ll use you as an excuse. If she shows up, then I’ll drag him off, saying, “Your orders.” 

“Perfect. There is our lakeside cabin; I will arrange something. Now I am sure he locked you out; let's go.” She said, taking my hand and leading me to the room.

She knocked on the door, and the door was thrown open instantly; I saw his face change—he was expecting me. Camille Pushed me into the room and closed the door. He stood looking at me seething. 

I walked past him straight into the washroom and turned the shower on; when I turned around, he was standing behind me.

“What the hell are you doing? Get out.” 

“What did you say to her?” He asked, "Oh, he was pissy." I tilted my head and smiled but didn't say anything, and I could see him getting angrier. I pushed him aside and walked into the room; he was still behind me.

“Killian, stop following me.” 

I walked into the closet and grabbed a shirt.

“Answer my damn question. What did you say to her?” He asked again, and I just rolled my eyes.

“Nothing, asshole, nothing at all.” 

He grabbed my hand, pulling me into the room; his phone began ringing, and he let go of me instantly. He walked over and grabbed the phone. I walked into the shower and locked the door. 

After my shower, I stepped out of the room; he was sitting in a chair, with a glass in his hands. I got into bed and pulled the covers over me. I began formulating how I was going to keep him away from Tanya.

I could hear the vibrating of his phone on the table. Guess Tanya was really missing him. 

Killian

This girl was getting on my damn last nerve; I wonder what lies she told the old lady. I looked at my phone and sat up instantly.  Shit. I grabbed my jacket and walked to the door; she didn't even move on the bed. I turned the lock, but it wouldn't open. 

I let go of the door handle with a sigh. I dialed the number.

“Pascal, Tanya was hurt. I can't leave at the moment. I need you to return home and take her to the doctor. No, I don't need you to get me; just get her to the hospital. Let me know.” 

I ended the call and began pacing the room. I looked at the woman lying on the bed. My grandmother really locked me in this room with her. I sat in the chair seething.

“Was this your idea?” 

She turned and looked at me. “Oh yes, I enjoy being locked in a room with a man that has no emotions,” she replied before turning away. I sat there waiting for Pascal to return my call. 

What was I going to do with this girl? She’s rude, she has no filter, and she is clearly comfortable making me uncomfortable. I needed to set some boundaries with her. She was doing this for her mother, and I was doing this for my grandmother.

“Nova, we need to talk.” 

She turned and looked at me, as if I was the bane of her existence. “What is it, Killian?” She asked, sitting up and leaning against the headboard.

“There needs to be some rules within this arrangement.” my voice cold and serious. 

She sighed.