Chapter 283

The two of them were close again. Broderick had to lean in to unhook the hidden clasp at the back of Leslie's neck. His warm breath brushed against her skin. It tickled. It tickled for him, too-though in a different way. His heart itched with something else entirely. Staring at her fair, slender neck, he actually had the strange urge to...bite it. But he was used to holding back, and after removing the necklace, he just quietly tucked it away for her. Back at the old house, the family had pretty much all returned and were waiting patiently for them to eat. Seeing them walk in, Walter looked visibly pleased. Even Matilda cracked a small smile. Leslie started handing out the gifts she'd bought at the auction. Sienna's bracelet looked perfect on her, stylish and age-appropriate-easy to match with anything. Walter fondly fondled the smooth chess pieces and looked delighted. Even Matilda, usually stingy with gratitude, actually murmured a "thank you." Something felt different today, and Les