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“I’ll do sandwiches,” I offered hurriedly.

“You had a drink?” Chill asked.

“No, it’s fine. Sandwiches won’t take long.” I glanced between the two.

“You can make your own snack. Meadow isn’t your damn maid,” Chill barked, pointing a finger at Hercules.

“She’s the cook.”

“And not your slave. She’s entitled to a fuckin’ drink,” Chill snarled, and I whimpered. Both men stopped.

“Sit down,” Chill ordered. I hesitated, unsure what to do.

“I’ll get you a coffee. Are you hungry?” Hercules asked me, pulling out bread and sandwich fixings. Then added for Chill, “You can make your own, asshole.”

“Wouldn’t eat something you made anyway. Who knows where your fuckin’ hands have been,” Chill retorted.

Hercules grinned and waggled his fingers at him.

“You’re such a cunt,” Chill stated crudely, and I swallowed hard.

These men thought it and said it. I was still getting used to that.

“Yup, and I own it. So, fuck you, asshole. Go get the groceries in.” Hercules smirked, and Chill grabbed a slice of ham, slapped Hercules with it, and walked out.

Hercules stared, stunned, in his direction before laughing as he picked the ham up and ate it. His gaze turned to me. “We won’t hurt you.”

“I know,” I replied in a rush.

Hercules’ frown deepened. “Do you?”

“Yes. I need to put stuff away,” I said, grabbing some cold food and moving away from him. I worked in silence even as Hercules watched me and Chill carried bags in. They exchanged words, but I noticed a lack of heat.

“That’s everything,” Chill announced, placing the last bag down. “How long will this last?”

“A week. You guys eat a lot.” I kept unpacking as they both gazed at me. It was making me uncomfortable, and twice, I moved my shoulders to shrug the feeling off.

“Please, can you leave? I need to prepare lunch.” As it was Monday, it was simple food today. Sandwiches, fries, chips, and some snacky bits. I’d already begun cooking the chicken for tonight. I’d make chicken pasta with garlic bread and salad. It was a dish that I knew everyone liked. On Mondays I tended to do that as I lost the morning to shopping. During the week, I didn’t mind making multiple choices.

“Are you uncomfortable?” Hercules asked, stepping nearer.

I stepped back. “Yes.”

“Get the fuck out,” Chill flared up and shoved Hercules. Chill was big, but not as huge as Hercules. Yet Hercules allowed Chill to shove him out.

I leaned on the worktop, took a couple of deep breaths, and then began preparing lunch.

Chill

Hercules was such an asshole. It was obvious that Meadow felt awkward, but he had to push it. Hercules smirked at me as we hit the rec room.

“Meadow’s nice.”

“Yeah.” What was that meant to mean?

“Think Meadow wants to take a walk on the wild side?” Hercules asked.

“No.”