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Frederick.Fuck. What are we missing?
Vaguely, he was aware of Winona turning her attention back to the kids. “Guys, make sure to clean your plates! And then into the sink with your dishes, got it?”
“But I don’t want any broccoli! I’ll eat everything else, but nothing green,” said Jaye.
“Jaye, there’s only one piece. I had to sneak a little green in, come on, don’t be difficult, please.”
“We’re not difficult! We’re charming angels! Angels, I say! Dad, tell her I don’t like broccoli, you never make me eat it!”
“Well, you’ve been angels up till now,” Winona laughed. “So, what will it take to get you to eat your broccoli?”
“More chocolate chips!” yelled Bucky.
Clearly, they’ve had enough sugar already.
All the kids, who seemed in particularly mischievously high spirits started to chant together, “Chocolate chips, chocolate chips!” as they banged the table.
The sound went right through his skull.
“Dad, tell her! No more green things!”
Before he even thought about what he was saying, it was out of his mouth. “Boys, enough. Eat your broccoli, you’ve had enough sugar too. And listen to what the nanny says! Winona, I mean. Do what she tells you please.”
The boys instantly hushed. ”But I don’t like broccoli,” murmured Bucky.
“Winona, please handle this, okay?” Again, he knew his voice had an edge to it, but he couldn’t help it. “I have a lot on my mind, obviously.” He felt all the pressure of the moment threatening to crack his cool.
Shit.It already had.
Who are you kidding?One look at Winona and the kids and he could see that. He hadn’t realized how much strain he had been under. But there was nothing he could do about it now. Soon though, he would set things right. Of course they understood, they were in a safe house after all.
Winona appeared to take it in stride, though, as she busied herself wiping the counters. “You heard your father, kids, finish up and let’s clean this place up. I know your dad has taught you how, right? The dishwasher is next to the sink, so let’s load that up.” He watched her move as she gave them instructions, her ass in particular drawing his attention. If he weren’t so suddenly stressed, he knew that would have stopped him in his tracks. But Dax was right, there would be time for that. But not now. He pushed away his carnal desires. For the moment.
Guilt was weighing down on him. He knew he hadn’t been at his best, but hell, a killer was after them. Had that been his ex, Brie, chances are she would have already turned it into a fight. He was impressed with her self-control and he wanted to say something, to make her understand. But he caught himself. Enough with the distractions. Dax has a point.
His wolf whined.Ugh, his head was a mess, and he felt a dull ache coming on.The mission, Rollo. Complete the mission.Right.
“I’m going to have a look around the perimeter,” was all he said, as he left the kitchen. He had to be absolutely sure they were safe before he left.
He’d have to leave her here, there was nothing for it. She could take care of the boys and they’d probably have fun, in a way, while he was gone. She’d understand.
CHAPTER17
Winona was still feeling annoyed after breakfast as she headed back to her room. The boys were all getting dressed for the day and she was hurrying to beat them back down to the kitchen. It had been a pretty fun breakfast, at least at first. It was hard for her to wrap her head around, but things had just felt so right. She knew her head had nothing to do with it, of course. Anyone using their head would have…well, not slept with their kidnapper boss. Right, there was that. But she had actually, strangely moved on from that. She had made the decision that her heart knew best. Maybe it had a little to do with some other parts’ opinions on the matter, she thought, going a little red.
And the phone on the nightstand had been really nice, actually.
But, for the first time, Rollo had seemed a little…well, moody, this morning.Jerky, you mean. And he called her ‘the nanny’.Relax, it was one convo, he has a lot going on. Yeah one conversation in the, what? Two days you’ve known him? Or has it been three?She was driving herself a little crazy.Just stop.
She had a friend who said her parents had met and gotten married within a month. And that was twenty years ago. Itcouldhappen.
What was she doing? She knew she had been triggered by what happened and could feel herself spiraling. She took out her phone again, but still no signal.Stupid safe house!Julie would set her straight, although she was a little nervous about what she would say.She’ll probably insist on calling the police.
Now she was really going insane. She did her best to recall the night before, and it instantly calmed her down. It had been real. The way he had touched her, the way she had felt. What did you expect, Winona? The guy is only human…well, not exactly human, but he was allowed to have a bad day. He had a lot on his mind.Like, a lot.
That was just it, he had been so patient, and so, great, and then he had snapped, like a shifter.Oh cut to the chase. Like Blake.
And he called you ‘the nanny.”
