Page 48 of Dark Awakening: New World

"Hi. What are you doing?"

Margo lifted her head. "Shopping. I put all the packages that were delivered for you in your room. If you want to check whether everything arrived, I can brew coffee in the meantime."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll just make sure that the swimming trunks are here. Julian wants to start Ell-rom on exercising in the pool."

Margo sat up and then pushed to her feet. "When are the rest of us going to meet your prince?"

Jasmine hadn't thought of that. "I don't know. I'll have to check with Ell-rom to see if he is okay with that, and I also have to check with the doctors to see if they approve. It's also possible that Kian or Jade or both will visit, so I need to clear it with them."

The Clan Mother would no doubt show up later today, but Jasmine didn't know whether she was allowed to mention her.

"Busy guy, your prince." Margo walked into the kitchen. "How are things progressing with you two?"

"Nicely." Jasmine smiled. "Make the coffee. I'll check on the packages, and we will talk when I'm done."

Margo lifted the measuring cup she was using to spoon the coffee grounds. "I'll hold you to that."

The truth was that Jasmine preferred to talk about her budding relationship with Ell-rom to discussing Lynda's cheating. One was a happy subject, while the other was depressing.

With a sigh, she walked into the room she used to share with Edgar and looked at the pile of bags and boxes stacked on the floor.

After unpacking everything, she considered putting the clothing items in a wash before delivering them to Ell-rom, but that would take too long. Besides, he might not like some of them, and she would need to return them. It was better to show him what she'd gotten for him and then ask him if he wanted her to launder the items he decided to keep.

Jasmine loaded everything into two large shopping bags that she'd saved from before, put the boxes and delivery bags in the closet in case she needed to return anything and grabbed a fresh change of clothing for herself.

It was funny how little attention she gave her wardrobe these days.

Jasmine used to be so meticulous about her appearance. Most of her outfits were inexpensive, but she always wore one or two designer items to make everything else look classier. A pair of shoes, a handbag, or a pair of designer sunglasses—those things didn't show as much wear. Then there was hair and makeup, which she had never left her apartment without.

Now, she couldn't care less.

Ell-rom thought she was beautiful and sexy without her having to put any effort into it, and it was so incredibly liberating.

When everything was stored inside the two large bags, Jasmine hefted them and returned to join Margo for coffee.

"So?" Margo arched a brow. "Did the swimming trunks arrive?"

"Everything did." Jasmine put the bags on the floor, walked around the counter, and sat next to Margo.

Margo put a mug full of coffee in front of her and placed cream and sugar next to it. "You and the prince. Talk."

"Each day, he's getting stronger, and each day, we are getting closer. I spent most of last night in bed with him. It was very enjoyable."

"Do tell." Margo lifted her mug and cradled it in her hands.

Jasmine shrugged. "Nothing much to tell. We kissed, we hugged, and things got a little heated, but he was in no condition to do anything yet. Besides, there is a camera in the room, so Bridget and Julian and even Gertrude can see what's going on if they want to take a peek."

Margo grimaced. "Yeah, that's not fun. You need to get that boy in a real bed and then have your wicked way with him."

Jasmine closed her eyes. "Don't say that word. I feel bad enough about seducing a celibate priest. He says that it wasn't a life he chose but one that was chosen for him, so he doesn't care about the restrictions of that position. But I'm worried that when his memories return, he might remember that he loved that lifestyle and that all he ever wanted to do was to serve others and lead them on their spiritual journey."

Margo shook her head. "If he felt that strongly about it, his subconscious would have remembered it." She smirked. "It's not like you had to do a lot of convincing to get him to transgress, right?"

There was something to what Margo had said, but it wasn't enough to completely assuage Jasmine's guilt.

She sighed. "I just hope he doesn't regret it later. I like him too much to lose him."

Margo arched a brow. "Just like?"