Passion Follows Pain (Passion Series Book 3) by J. A Melville Page A

told you. Mrs Appleby would like to meet me and test my suitability. She has become very fond of Arissa and vice versa.” Lucian said, turning his attention on Sirene. While he spoke, I watched him, almost mesmerised by his beauty. When he turned and caught me looking at him, I blushed and averted my gaze.
    Fabian’s eyes shifted to me again and I found myself squirming under his intense gaze. “If Mrs Appleby is concerned about my son’s intentions for you little one, perhaps it might be best if we all went over to meet her and put her mind at rest. Still a part of me is curious; while my son is to be put under the microscope so to speak to test his suitability for you, who will be testing your suitability for him?”
    I looked up at him, my eyes widening. “I…I don’t know what you mean? What do you mean who will be testing my suitability? I…I…I think I need to go now.” I whispered, standing, rubbing my suddenly sweaty palms down my thighs.
    “Sirene, I think this would be the right time for you to assist Arissa, don’t you?” Fabian asked her and I looked nervously between the two suddenly aware that something was happening but not sure what.
    I saw Lucian stand and step close to me. “What is happening father, Sirene? What do you have planned?”
    “I want you to have answers my son.” Fabian said and I frowned, feeling more and more confused about where this conversation was going. I just wanted to get out of here now.
    “Umm, I need to go.” I said tentatively but no one seemed to be paying attention. “Well, good bye.” I called and started to leave the room.
    “When I give the command, you will answer any questions we demand.” I heard Sirene say and I froze, feeling suddenly a bit faint and nauseous.
    “Help her to a seat Lucian.” Fabian said quietly and I felt hands take me by the arms and lead me to the lounge, sitting me down again. “Now we have questions for you Arissa. Questions about why you are the way you are and you will answer honestly because, well, you have no choice. The spell will force you to be honest. Is that quite clear?” Fabian asked and I found myself nodding, unable to do anything else.
     
    Lucian
     
    Lucian looked down at Arissa once she was seated again on the lounge. She was awake but her expression was blank and her eyes had a faraway look in them. Sirene had cast a spell on her that was obvious, but for what reason he had no idea; but he sure as hell intended finding out.
    “What have you done to her? Why is she under a spell Sirene?  What do you intend doing with her?” He snapped at the tiny woman angrily before his accusing eyes turned to his sire. “This was you, wasn’t it? Why? What do you want from her? I won’t let you hurt her.”
    Fabian chuckled quietly. “My son, you couldn’t stop me if I wanted to hurt her, and you know that, but I have no desire to harm this tiny, fragile looking woman you desire so much. I merely want to know why she is as timid and as lacking in trust of people as she appears to be. You said yourself her father has made her the way she is, and you suspect it’s because he’s controlling, but sadly I believe her behaviour to be the product of abuse from her father, abuse that is unspeakable. It pains me to even imagine it, but sadly I suspect this poor child has been horribly abused and hurt by the man who should have protected her and nurtured her.”
    Lucian froze, shock making him unable to do or say anything for a moment. “What? You can’t be serious? No, no, you have to be wrong. What you are suggesting is completely abhorrent to me.” He raked a hand through his hair, his face pained. “No, god no; surely you are wrong. Her own father? He couldn’t, he wouldn’t.”
    “I’m sorry son but it happens to children more than most would realise. We will find out if I’m wrong and for the record, I hope I’m wrong because this young woman should not be a victim of abuse, but we shall see. Hate me for