Page 76 of The Promise

Was she?

Too much.

Karine bit down on her lip, another problem poking at the back of her mind. “Masha doesn’t enjoy places like that.”

Masha had returned to the stove, cooking more eggs and still had her back turned to them. Not that her lack of attention mattered. She didn’t need to see her expression for Karine to sense she didn’t approve.

“It’ll just be the two of us for today,” Claire said. “And a bull. Maybe Masha can take the morning off, I’m sure she could use some time to herself.”

“I don’t need any time to myself,” Masha protested.

Not once turning away from the stove.

So she was listening.

Karine’s heart raced.

This was a small thing, sure. Just a short trip for the day with Claire—it really wasn’t a big deal in the grand scheme. Except to Karine, it would be a brand new experience. A taste of freedom. A look into what her future might be like.

She hadn’t ever known that feeling, never mind that kind of life, with the constant disapproving shadow of her father looming over her. A cloud that was now out of reach. She couldn’t help that Masha was uncomfortable.

It was something else Karine learned.

Growth hurt.

“I love it—let’s do it,” Karine said suddenly.

Masha did turn away from the stove, then, her cheeks ruddy with frustration. They were never separated, especially not when Karine went out anywhere. It was clear her caretaker didn’t trust her, even though she was slowly starting to do that for herself.

Claire caught her looking in Masha’s direction.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine, Karine. I’ll be right there with you, if you need anything. No matter what.”

Karine wet her lips. “Or who?”

Because that was a possibility, too. With Karine, the who was sometimes more concerning than the what.

That made Claire smile.

Just a bit.

“Or who,” the woman agreed. “And like I said, Roman did think you’d really enjoy it.”

Well ...

“I already said yes, but if Roman thinks I should, then I really can’t say no,” Karine said. “When are we leaving?”

• • •

Despite Claire stating a bull would go with them to the market, he drove in his own vehicle, but still followed their every movement once they arrived. Karine was starkly aware of his presence close by, even though he wasn’t always visible to them. It made her feel safer when she realized how many people were there.

Thrilled at the sight of the primitive, homemade sign for the farmer’s market, Karine ignored the unease that snaked inside her belly. The village was rural with a small population, and it seemed like the whole community had set up stalls to sell one thing or another.

Claire had been right.

There was ... everything.

Crafts, homemade food and baked goods. Handcrafted clothes and accessories, jewelry, old books, trinkets and more. Every vendor they passed had something new, and unique, to look at.