2

Jared and Kiera arrived at the duke’s estate. Garret, James, and their father were waiting for them. At twelve, Kiera understood what her relationship to Garret was supposed to be. They cared and already loved each other very deeply. Once the two of them walked off to be with Candice, Jared saw her out of the corner of his eye. Olivia. She was lurking in the shadows, always watching him. He found it annoying. She was one of the reasons he hated coming here.

Olivia saw Jared again. He looked the perfect figure. He was twenty and she had just turned nine. She didn’t know any better, but she followed him, and she got the impression she was annoying him.

Jared dealt with Olivia because she was still a child. He let her play at his feet and sit with him as he watched Kiera. She was adorable in her innocence, and he envied her on how much of the world she didn’t know. Things were to horrific for one so small to deal with. Kiera was the same age when half of their world was taken from them.

Jared avoided trips to London, due to his mother. Kiera was at the house when Garret, Olivia, and Candice dropped by. She was now fifteen. Garret was sixteen and he was learning new experiences with his self that he felt around Kiera. He would never act on them, he cared for her too much. Olivia, now twelve, knew in her heart Jared was the man for her. She felt a burning love for him. Jared had come to take Kiera to the fort. While all three were out on missions, Kiera stayed at the fort to stay safe. Olivia went to help Kiera pack and confessed to her.

“Kiera, can I tell you something?”

“Of course.”

“I know there is a difference in age with us.”

“Only three years.”

“Still.”

“What’s going on?”

“I haven’t told Monica or mother or anyone else but figured you would be the best person to tell.”

“Spit it out, Olivia.”

“I’m in love with Jared. And I hurt to think about him because he can’t see the past the child because he is so much older than me.”

“My brother is twenty-three and a commodore now.”

“I know. I don’t know what to do?”

Kiera hugged Olivia and she felt pained for her friend. She only hoped her feelings would vanish for her brother. Jared was married to the military and would never stray.