Lover's Betrayal: Misfits of the Lore Series Read Online Free PDF Page B

when Julian looked at his mother with love and affection. That time seemed so long ago. How she wished he could remember those days. Those moments before Daughton set out to destroy Julian’s love for her.
    “It’s a unique compilation, worth a ton of money. I would never give it away.” Julian could not acknowledge that the reason for keeping this work had nothing to do with the monetary value, but the sentimental value it held for him.
    “No. There’s a lot of value in this. I’m sure you could make a nice profit if and when you sell it.” Olivia said those words as if daring Julian to threaten to sell this book.
    Julian was tempted to accept her challenge, but the sadness in her eyes prevented him from making a sarcastic retort. “I would never sell that book.”
    Warmed by his words, Olivia knew that saying more would ruin the moment. Any words of kindness by Julian filled her heart and she would not tempt fate by trying to elicit more. She was grateful for this moment and if she never had another it would be okay, as she would have this one to take with her. A moment like this meant that Julian did not completely hate her. A little part of him maybe even cared. That was enough for her.
    Julian showed Olivia and Corinne to their rooms and then waited for them to freshen up and join him in the kitchen. As he was finishing up dinner, Corinne entered the kitchen.
    “What smells so divine?” Corinne asked as her hunger intensified.
    “Nothing special. There is calamari for an appetizer, my special recipe for seafood linguine, and Oreo cheesecake for dessert. Of course, there is plenty of A negative to help us wash all this food down.” Julian smiled as he sipped his goblet of A negative.
    Corinne was dumbfounded. “You actually cooked all of this stuff?”
    “Don’t be so shocked. I actually love to cook, but cooking for one isn’t much fun.”
    “Are you gay?” Corinne blurted out.
    “What?” Julian asked as he nearly choked on his favorite blood type.
    “I was just wondering because I don’t understand why you’re still single after all these years. You’re like a girl’s dream guy. You’re gorgeous, wealthy, talented, domesticated, kind, generous, and just an all-around great guy. Minus your mommy issues, you’re a great catch. I know women would want you. I was just wondering if the reason you were single was because you don’t want them. It wouldn’t matter to me either way. You can sleep with whomever or whatever you like, and I’ll still love ya.”
    Julian could not help but blush at those compliments. “Thanks, Aunt Cori. I’m definitely not gay, but I’m glad to know you wouldn’t be bothered by that.” Julian was hoping to avoid having to explain why he was still single, but he should have known that his aunt was not going to let him get away with that partial answer.
    “Ok, then -- so why are you still single? Are you a playboy?”
    “Of course not. I just haven’t met the right person yet.” Julian recalled the memory of the woman he thought was the one, but who clearly did not share his feelings.
    “Maybe the problem is that you live in a haunted mansion. That would scare most chicks away.”
    “My house isn’t the problem. I’m just not interested in a relationship right now. I have too many other issues to deal with, the main one being my lunatic brother. There’s no room for love. What about you? Why are you still single? You’re much older than I am.”
    Corinne poured herself a glass of A negative and sat at the kitchen table. “First of all, never mock a woman’s age. Keep up that behavior and you’ll be single forever.”
    “Mea culpa,” Julian apologized. “Aunt Cori, you have so much going for you, and I know guys drool over you all the time -- so why haven’t you gotten yourself married and knocked up by now?”
    “Good Lord! Married and knocked up? You must be joking. I have spent so many years taking care of other people’s brats. The last thing I