Every step that took him closer to red-headed girl standing on the mansion's porch felt heavier than the last. Her grass-green eyes bore into him, and a coy smile played her lips; his stomach roiled as if he'd eaten rotten meat. There was something cat-like about this girl.

Leah walked ahead of him, her back rigid and hands curled into fists. There was obvious history between the girls.

They climbed the porch steps.

"What are you doing here, Samantha?" Leah demanded, but Samantha Queen seemed to have little interest in Leah, for her gaze never left Wren.

Wren shifted, uncomfortable, and forced his gaze to stay connected with hers, which took effort with her skin-tight tank top that accentuated a full bosom and a black miniskirt that exposed rather long legs. As if she sensed his unease, her full lips parted in a wide smile, and her head titled, giving full view of her neck and shoulder.

His throat constricted. She was beautiful, yet not with the same innocent beauty that Leah possessed. Screw the cat. She was a mountain lion. And he was the prey.

"Um, hello." Leah waved a hand in front of her face. "I asked you a question. Why are you here?"

Annoyance flitted across Samantha's face. "To check on you, of course." Her thick English accent rolled from her tongue.

Leah raised a skeptical brow. "Oh, really?"

Samantha smirked. "Why wouldn't I?"

"Let me think... because we can't stand each other?"

"True. True. But, my heart softened when I saw the awful predicament your father was in. He wanted so desperately to come to you, but my father couldn't spare him. When I saw they were about to argue, I knew I had to do something! So, I offered to come in his stead."

Scowling, Leah glared. "How kind of you."

"Yes. It was, wasn't it?" Samantha flicked a glance to Wren again. "I am curious though, Leah, Dear. How did you snag such a handsome boyfriend?" She wiggled her brows, "Are you into sharing?"

Lord, help me. Wren attempted a smile as he moved to stand beside Leah. "I'm not her boyfriend, Miss Queen. I'm her butler, Wren Adams."

Samantha's brows raised. "Her butler?" She clicked her tongue. "I thought Tony had more sense than to put an eye-catching man like you in charge of his daughter. I knew he was a fool."

"Watch what you say about my father," Leah snapped. Her arms untangled and Wren, on instinct, gripped her elbow, sure she would pounce on their visitor.

Surprise flashed across Samantha's expression. "A butler restraining his ward? Do you let him control you, Leah?"

Wren groaned as crimson stained Leah's cheeks. Her nostrils flared, and he knew Leah was reaching a level of angry he had never witnessed. He frowned down at Samantha, pulled Leah behind him at the same time.

"That is enough provoking, Miss Queen," he said, sternly. "I have a certain level of authority over Miss Kingsley, but I can promise you, I do not control her. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've had a heck of a few days, and Miss Kingsley needs rest. I will be out to help when I see her settled."

Wren tugged Leah towards the doors, praying she wouldn't resist.

"I'm not a patient person, Mr. Adams." Samantha's voice made him pause. "I want you to take my luggage now." He turned and she waved a hand at her pile of suitcases.

Leah stiffened beneath his touch, and he squeezed her arm in a reassuring manner. "I believe you're not patient, but I don't take orders from you."

Samantha gasped. "How dare you speak to me this way. I demand your apology!"

"Well, you're not getting one," Leah said, her voice now soft. She pulled against Wren's grip, and he released her elbow. Leah faced Samantha with a calmness that hadn't been there before. "Wren has an injury and needs rest. I'll have Hilda radio Bates to help you." Leah's back was to Wren. He couldn't see her face, but when she spoke again, her volume had lowered to a dangerous note. "Let me be clear, Samantha. Wren is my butler, not yours. You will in no way use and order him. If you do... just see what I will do to you."

Leah spun and walked past Wren, her head high. Wren followed, smothering a grin.

###

Samantha stared, shocked as the mansion doors shut. In the ten years that she'd known the Kingsley family, Leah had never stood against her, much less issued a command. Her heart stuttered, and she swallowed hard. "I'm still in charge," she whispered, closing her eyes against the rage simmering in her chest. Leah Kingsley needed a reminder, then everything would go back to normal.

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