AllFreeNovel
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He steps closer. “Stop questioning me. You’ll live longer.”
“If you wanted me dead, you would have killed me already.”
“Don’t tempt me. Now get up.” His eyes study me in a way they never have before. Almost as if he’s worried I might not follow.
“Fine.” I swing my legs over the bed in an exaggerated movement, and my feet land on the floor. “Can I ask where we’re going?”
“No.”
Nice.
He leads me out of my room, down the hall, and through the front door into the sunshine.
“What are you doing?” I ask, squinting in the bright light of the sun’s rays.
“I figured you could use a walk outside. But no talking.”
Still as bossy as ever. Out of nowhere, he grabs my hand and walks me down the stone path to the small set of woods flanking the front yard. Is it weird we’re holding hands? Is it weirder that I almost like it? Almost.
I finally get a good look at the property. It's a little disheartening for someone planning an escape attempt. The two-story brick house sits on a secluded lot of land with woods surrounding. For anyone to find this fortress they’d have to know it’s here.
And they must not, because no one really comes here. No visitors, no guests, only him and his loyal men.
The sole woman I’ve seen is Krista. She's nice enough. Very cheery. But what makes her work for these men? What makes a person immune to another’s captivity? I don't ever want to be that person.
How could Xavier become that person?
The boy turned hardened man beside me is as mysterious as the morning dense fog that surrounds the trees like a veil of secrets.
“This place is beautiful,” I say to break the silence.
“Mmm.”
“I’ve always liked summer best.” I tell him, wanting to fill the silence.
“Yeah.”
“You’re probably a fall guy, huh?”
He doesn't say anything, only shrugs his broad shoulders.
“Most people are.” I glance over at him. “I just don't get why people love it so much.”
“All the colors?” he asks, cutting his eyes to me.
“Probably, but everything is dying. It's kind of sad.”
“Well, winter is worse, because everything's dead.”
He squeezes my hand just a bit, it's barely even noticeable, but to me, the imperceptible movement is enough to send a tiny shrill of excitement to my heart.
Must be a leftover teenage reaction.
“True. But, most people hate winter.”
He stops, and turns to face me. “This is the property. You can have free range of the house and outside,” he says, cutting me off about the seasons. But, I don't care...free range. What is he thinking giving me access to roam? I could almost hug him.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
