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“Why do you come way out here?”
“The soil is better. It’s virgin soil, sort of. No chemicals have been in it. The plants rot and fertilize it and it makes the best potting soil for new seeds.”
Liam stared at her for a long time. “Why so late at night?”
She cleared her throat. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been brewing all day. Yesterday and today and I will be for a couple of weeks. When do you think I should do this? Should I tell Craig the brew will have to wait because you don’t want me out here in my spare time?”
“I didn’t say I didn’t want you out here. I was just asking.”
She mustered the courage to brush past him in a huff. “Good night, Liam.”
Her heart pounded in her chest as she waited to see what his reaction would be. But one thing was certain, he’d be watching for her now. She’d have to be extra careful tomorrow.
Relief washed over her when he didn’t follow her, and she finally allowed herself a deep breath.
Setting the bucket of dirt on the stoop of her cabin, she slipped inside and locked the door.
She laid her forehead on the door for a few moments and let her breathing return to a slower cadence.
“Elena?”
She turned to see her mom’s eyes open, looking at her. “Yes, Mama, it’s me.”
“Is everything alright?”
“Yes, Mama.” She took her jacket off and hung it on the hook by the door. She hung her apron next.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Liam just scared me outside. I’m better now.”
“How did he scare you?”
She walked toward the bedroom. “He jumped out at me. That’s all.”
Her mom sat up, her lips quivered.
“Things are getting scary here, Elena.”
“What do you mean?”
Fear skittered up her spine as she sat on the edge of her bed and watched her mom compose herself.
“Theresa told me Craig wants you to marry.”
“How does she know that?”
“Apparently she overheard him talking in the meeting compound yesterday to the other men.”
She swallowed to keep from vomiting. She pulled her shirt away from her body to cool herself down. Her armpits grew damp.
Lowering her voice, she leaned closer to her mom. “Mama. Aidyn will help us get away from here.”
Her mom gasped and her hands flew to her mouth.
“You’ve been meeting him.”
She didn’t respond. There was no need. “Elena. You’ll get us in trouble.”
