Page 51 of Promise of Punishment

“Fuck,” he drawls in a whisper as if he hadn’t thought of that.

“Good fuck or bad fuck?”

“Good. Of course, good. I’ve got to go, mate.”

“What about Fable?” I blurt. “She can’t know I’m involved.”

“I’ll handle it.”

If there’s one person I can trust to do what he says, it’s Lachlan. “Thanks. Keep me posted.”

Fable

I lounge on a couch in the staff common area at the mansion with Noah and Ashlyn. They talked me into staying for the afternoon, eating snacks, and watching a TV series, Maxton Hall.

Bear lies curled up with Noah on the adjacent couch.

“I could leave him here, and he wouldn’t care,” I say and eat a piece of white cheddar popcorn from the bowl on the center coffee table.

Ashlyn sits at the end of the couch near Noah, her brown hair in a high ponytail. “You know how they say blond guys aren’t hot? This actor proves that very wrong.” She points with a piece of popcorn. “Look at his tousled blond locks and that jawline.”

“All I’m looking at are his abs,” I say.

“Aw,” Noah coos and covers her heart. “Our baby girl is learning so much.” She smiles at Ashlyn.

I roll my eyes, but she’s not wrong. I never even heard of Maxton Hall until I got here. They couldn’t stop talking about season two and kindly started over from season one for me, so I could catch up. The show is addictive.

“You’re right though, Ashlyn.” Noah licks powdered cheese from her finger. “For a blond, this guy is hot as hell.”

I know another blond who's sexy. His sculpted back in the shower, decorated with tattoos, had me stunned in place. His six-pack abs when he turned around, floored me again. Even when I found him all those years ago, covered in bruises, his body was impressive.

I scowl at the memory, hating that I saved him. He almost ruined abandoned places for me, at least the gardens, but I refuse to let him take that from me too. He stole my mom from me—and the chance at a normal life. That's more than enough.

When season two is over, I clean my room, pack my stuff, and wait for Jace to get everything, including Bear.

“I hate that you’re leaving,” Noah says, sitting on the rug and holding Bear like a baby.

“I swear he likes you better than me now.”

“He’s so cute.” She rubs her nose with his.

“Maybe you should leave him until you get back. I bet he’d like a week away with Auntie Noah.”

“That’s not a bad idea. All his stuff is here, and he’s usually home alone most of the time. But I’d miss him.”

“Then come back this weekend. You might be back before that if they decide to dismiss you.”

A wave of guilt hits me that I’m leaving Haven after she’s been so good to me—Margo too. But they wouldn’t understand I can’t work in a place where Wes holds power over me and my future. Hellfire is a much better fit for me anyway. Plus, it’s safer. How would my dad track me here? Even if he did, how would his guy or guys get to me through the security?

Jace appears in the doorway. “Change of plans. Camila needs to see you.”

“Oh. Okay. I guess you could still pack my car.” He pulled it around front for me.

“But not this little guy.” Noah stands with him in her arms. “He’s staying. Right?” The glow in her eyes has me nodding. Hopefully, it won’t storm this week. Bear gives me something to think about other than the past when the thunder hits.

“She’s in her office,” Jace says and walks over to pet Bear, who’s getting spoiled with all the attention—as he deserves. “He really does look like a buttery Ewok.”

“I’ll text you when I’m done,” I say to Jace and traipse to Camila’s office, trying not to worry that this is bad news.