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Her arms wrap around me, and she hugs me back. "Of course, I came for you, sweetie. Why would you think differently? Now, hurry and get dressed."
I rush to the closet and quickly grab a shirt and jeans. My Converses are on a shoe rack, so I grab those and pull them on before rushing to the bathroom to brush my teeth and hair. When I come back out, my mother is waiting by the door.
"Should I grab a bag with some clothes? We will come back for the rest, right?" I ask.
My mother gives me a strange look. "Why do you need to pack a bag just to go down for breakfast?"
Now I'm confused. "I thought you came for me. Aren't you taking me home?"
"Honey," Mom chuckles. "We are home. I came up here because I knew you would get lost trying to find the dining room."
I swear, all the air leaves my lungs at hearing my mother's words. "But you can't be serious about staying here! Bain drugged me and brought me here against my will!"
"Don't be so dramatic, Ryan." Mom sighs, "Bain wants the best for you, and since you're still in high school, you need to live with us. I agree with him, honey. Once you graduate, then you can move back into the house."
"You told me that I could stay there! We agreed that I would come here on your weekends off," I remind her.
"Yes, I know, but after chatting with your stepfather, we agreed that this would be best for you, especially after the way Beau left. I figured you would need me to be here for you."
My mother's explanation does sound plausible, but I don't like it. Bain is using his power once again, and this time, he is using it on my mother. Maybe it would be good if I stayed here, but only because I want to keep an eye on my mother. Something just isn't right.
"Fine," I huff in irritation. "I'll stay, but not because it's what Bain wants. I'll stay for you…to keep you safe."
My mother giggles. "You're too funny, Ryan. You and I are safest here at Huntley Manor. You will see, sweetie. Now come, let's go eat before the food gets cold."
My shoulders droop as I resign myself to obeying Bain's orders. I'm far from happy about it, but I think it's best to let him think I'm following his rules. Maybe then, I'll get more freedom, because I need to find out where Beau went. I'm hoping with all my heart that I know him better than anyone, and that he wouldn't have just taken off the way he did.
"There are my two beautiful girls! I'm so happy that you're joining us, Ryan." Bain gets up from his chair at the table, walks over to me, and places his hands on my shoulders. His intense stare burns into my eyes. "I hope you will forgive me for how I went about doing what I did. I felt it was the only way…"
As I return his stare, I don't say anything to my mother's husband. Mom used to say that if you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all. I think I will put that advice to use right now. I can see my lack of a response irritates him. Good.
"Well then, let's eat." He returns to his chair. "Your mother and I will be leaving in about an hour. We will be gone one week, and during that time, I want you to stay here at Huntley Manor. Familiarize yourself with the layout, but please refrain from going into our bedroom. Otherwise, you're free to roam around and use whatever you need."
I finally break. "I can't leave the house? What if I want to go on a run…or to the store?"
"Our property is big enough for you to get your run in. There is a trail through the woods at the back of the property, where I run myself. As for needing something at the store, just tell Helen, and she will make sure to get it for you."
“Un-fucking-believable…” I say under my breath but still loud enough for Bain and my mother to hear.
"Ryan!” Mom hisses, but Bain holds his hand up to her, and she remains quiet.
"You will learn very quickly that I don't like to hear women swear; it's unladylike, and I won't tolerate it. I will let it pass this time, but make no mistake, you won't want to swear in front of me in the future."
I roll my eyes. "What are you going to do, spank me?"
His eyebrow lifts. "You're never too old for a spanking—ask your mother." He smirks and looks at my mom, who is now bowing her head, embarrassed. "Look at me, bunny."
My eyes bulge at the nickname he uses for my mother and how she obeys his command.No fucking way! Is she brainwashed? I feel like I'm going to be sick as he places his hand over my mother’s and smiles at her. Yes, I see love in his eyes for her, but I don't like his demands and his rules…or why my mother is acting strange around him.
His voice interrupts my thoughts. "There is no need to be embarrassed, bunny. You are my wife and my submissive. Ryan will have to learn to accept our interactions if she is to live here."
"But Idon't want to live here, Bain. I want to go back tomy home." I grit out while clenching my jaw so hard that I may break a tooth.
Bain turns his attention back to me and looks at me with amusement. "You could have stayed at your old home had you and yourbrother not continued fucking behind my back. As if I didn't know, I had eyes on you both the whole time."
"Beau isnot my brother! Had you and Mother not been so secretive with your relationship, we would never have started one of our own. This is on you, and now we are being punished! Where is he?" I ask. "Where is Beau?"
"Oh, that's right, he didn't have time to tell you since you were sleeping so peacefully." Nothing about how he's talking sits well with me, but I remain quiet for the moment. "My son has enlisted. My boy is going to make one fine Marine, and then he will come back and run the company right beside me."
