Chapter 149 - burning bridges

Building Bridges

Stella

"Must you two butt heads at every turn?" I chided Lawrence and James lightly even as relief swelled seeing both here attending my convalescence after the lightheaded spell.

Their answering stares flashed brief guilt like quarreling schoolboys caught bickering again by the stern headmaster.

I hid smile behind polite cough - for hardened powerful men posturing worlds apart, a vulnerable woman's gentle opinion yet steered their prideful courses more than either cared admit. But I tread carefully that authority not become petulant demand stoking more discord.

"Oh I won't swoon away just hearing civil disagreement between factions." I widened eyes playfully invoking frail feminine vapors. "But do go lightly where temper frays - this household survives no bloodshed marring fine carpets!"

I hoped teasing their paternal protectiveness might smooth ruffled masculine pride.

But Lawrence yet watched his prodigal brother wary as a distrustful mastiff despite masking i