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“Those days are over for you.”
When he stared into my eyes, I wanted to believe him, but when this arrangement was over, I would be in no better a position than I was before I got here, except those men wouldn’t be after me.
“I’m happy for the break.” I smiled. “It’s nice having food whenever you want it. I love the art supplies, the clean sheets, the hot shower, and seeing people like you, Luke, Cassie, Anthony, and Grace. I like not being lonely.”
“I’ll get you set up with a phone.”
“You don’t have to do that.”I didn’t need a phone. Who would I call or text? Having access to the internet would be useful, but once Jude said it was time to go, I would have to give it back.
“I’m going to do it.” He sat up. “That’s the end of the discussion.”
“You’ve already done so much for me.” I got into a seated position and then pulled the blanket up, holding it against my chest. Jude wasn’t as modest. He stood in front of the low-burning fire and got dressed, allowing me to study him for a drawing session later.
“We should go.” He handed me a pile of my clothes. “They’re still damp, but we can shower when we get back.”
A feeling of doom, maybe anticipation of what came next, I didn’t know, filled my stomach. Now that I had given him what he wanted, what would he do with me? Did he plan to let me stay? He didn’t seem like he had any intentions of throwing me out on the street, but he didn’t respond when I said I liked being here.
Did I say too much? I never talked about my feelings. Why did I choose now to start?
“Hey.” He tilted my chin up so I had to look into his eyes. “What’s got you so concerned?”
“Nothing.”
“You know I don’t like when you lie to me.” He extended his hand and helped me off the floor. “There is nothing for you to worry about.” He brushed his lips along mine.“I promise.”
I wanted to believe him, but I chose not to respond. I didn’t want him to think I had become too attached.
A few minutes later, we walked back to the house. The air had turned much colder, and the skies were gray. We held hands, but didn’t say much. Maybe that was for the best.
As we approached a large tree in the center of the yard, I bent down and picked up a beautiful red leaf with specks of gold sprinkled in it. The colors were rich and bright. Wonderful for the season.
“Isn’t this gorgeous?” I held it up to show him. “It’s so perfect.”
“Hmm…” He looked beyond the leaf and into my eyes. “Yes, you are.”
“Not me.” My cheeks burned when he complimented me. “The leaf.”
“It’s nice, but it’s not as beautiful as you.”
I skipped around the tree, inspecting all the wet leaves. There were so many I could draw. Tomorrow I would come out here and collect some.
Jude leaned against the tree and stared at me with a sexy grin.
“What?”
“You find amazement in the simplest things.” He shook his head and reached for my hand. “You skip, you get lost in your drawings, and you appreciate all the small stuff.”
“I guess I’m a simple girl.” I shrugged. “You have so much to appreciate here.”
“Yes.” He squeezed my hand. “I’m starting to realize that.”
When we approached the back patio, Luke was standing there with his arms crossed, waiting for Jude. There was another man with his back to us. I didn’t recognize him. Once we got closer, two men who I hadn’t seen before either, moved closer to the man with Luke.
“What the hell?” When Jude’s steps got faster, I let go of his hand. “Luke?”
The man with Luke turned as Jude made his way to the patio. Two of Jude’s security team joined us in the yard.
“Mr. Cordero,” he said. “I thought it was time I paid you a visit.”
