AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Pulling back, he stares at me. There’s a flare of desire burning in his eyes.
“Let’s go for a walk,” I offer, knowing things need to cool down.
His lips pull up into a smile, and he nods.
“But first, let me finish getting ready.”
“If you weren’t injured, I’d not let you finish getting dressed,” he says, a low rumble in his chest that makes my stomach clench with excitement.
We’ve shared many kisses, but I’m sure they’re nothing compared to what he’s like between the sheets. Just the thought makes my thighs tremble, and a need builds deep within.
I know my cheeks are rosy, but I don’t try to hide them. “While that is tempting, I still need to trust you.”
His lips form a thin line, but he says nothing. I know what I said hit a nerve. I need him to show me he trusts me. Only then, maybe I can allow him to hold the piece of my heart that I’ve held close and protected my whole life.
* * *
Hunter finishes helping me get ready and says he has to make a few phone calls. There is a shift between us, but I’m not sure if it’s good or bad.
I slowly walk past my old room, and thankfully, the door is shut. My legs become weak, and I’m not sure I’ll make it past. I stop, taking deep breaths, steadying my racing, anxious heart.
Once in control, I continue, and with each step, the weakness leaves my legs.
I take an apple and carrot from the refrigerator, slipping on the boots May gave me. Then, I head out the back door toward the barn.
I know I’ll eventually have to face that bedroom, but it’s still too fresh in my mind right now.
Pulling open the barn door, I catch May mucking out the stalls. She looks up at the sound of the door squeaking. “Hey, honey. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. I’m sick of looking at the four walls of the bedroom.”
She places the shovel against the stall door and removes her gloves, opening her arms and embracing me gently. I inhale her peppermint and lavender scent and can’t help but relax a little in the comfort. “Did you have to fight Hunter to let you out?”
I roll my eyes. “Yes. He seems to think I need to be wrapped in cotton wool.”
May takes my good hand. “Hunter isn’t one who shows his emotions.”
She isn’t wrong.
“The night that Miles came here, and Hunter found you in the paddock? I’ve never seen him so scared.”
Perhaps I’ll get the answers I want from May since Hunter won’t give me anything.
I shift on my feet. “What exactly happened that night? My mind is blank, and Hunter won’t talk to me about it. I think I deserve answers.”
May nods as she turns and closes the stall door. “Come with me. Let’s go sit out here.” She gestures to the back of the barn.
She leads me to a timber swing chair overlooking the paddock. It’s a beautiful spot. “Sit,” she says, and I happily join her. “Your grandfather made this chair.” She touches the armrest and rubs it gently.
The chains holding the chair to the frame are slightly rusted but still appear sturdy enough. Its white paint is worn and chipping away but still has an elegance to it. I wonder if any of my siblings have had the opportunity to sit here, but I decide I don’t want the answer. I’m just grateful to be here now.
It’s big enough for us to sit comfortably, and I turn my attention to May. “It’s beautiful,” I gush.
There’s a small silence before she speaks. “Now, the other night. I don’t want to cause you any pain in reliving it, but can you tell me what happened? Your version of what you can remember.”
I take in the greenery before me, fields of grassy pastures full of horses, cows, and sheep, and it reminds me that I’m safe, even though something so tragic happened.
Taking a deep breath, I start from the beginning. “I was about to have a bath when the power went out. Then I saw him, and all I remember was that he shot me, and I ran. He also told me that he’s working with Hunter’s father and that he killed Nash.” My words crack as I mention Nash’s name, and May simply nods, catching me off-guard. “Did you know?”
