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“Well, then, I guess so.”
“You know, I’m hiring at the center.” Aaron’s focus slid to the left before returning to her. “I need another personal assistant. And Marge could use some help in the kitchen. Or even just an extra chaperone. That way you could spend your day close by and not have to work so many other places. And—”
“No.”
Aaron snapped his mouth shut.
“I’m sorry. Thank you, but I . . . I’m good where I am.” Sweat beaded on her forehead. She wasn’t used to standing up for herself, especially to a man. But she wasn’t the weak Miriam anymore. Now she was Brynn. And Brynn asserted herself and fought for her needs. Brynn knew how to set boundaries.
It was clear Aaron was just trying to be nice, but she couldn’t let him control so many aspects of her life. As it was, she lived with him and relied on him for transportation. She couldn’t allow him having anything to do with her income, her one source of independence.
“Okay.” He nodded, a flash of disappointment in his gaze.
She let out a breath and relaxed her body. She hadn’t even realized she’d tensed. Was it really that easy? He just accepted her declining the offer?
Aaron picked up his own plate and leaned against the counter as he shoveled a bite in his mouth, seemingly relaxed. “Once Danielle’s paperwork is finished, are you planning on enrolling her in school?”
Brynn’s heart swelled with joy and she nodded. “Yes.”
“That’s exciting. You’ll be in Aspen’s grade, won’t you?” Aaron asked Dani.
Her daughter beamed. “Yup! I can’t wait. She’s been showing me her homework so I can keep up with what they’re learning.”
“Once we get the name changes official, it will make the paperwork easier.” Aaron took another bite.
Brynn nodded. Her daughter going to school was a dream come true. Almost no one back on the compound went to school. Instead, they did their own version of classes. Girls were taught cooking, childrearing, sewing, and religious studies. The boys were also taught the religious text, but their other teachings were specific to the job they’d been assigned by the prophet. Most were laborers, woodworkers, what most in Shattered Cove would call handymen. Some of the favorites were sent to college to earn degrees to be lawyers, bank managers, and even police officers so they could integrate into the society around the compound. That way, the Livingstons could control everything. No one could stop them if they owned the law, and the money.
“Not hungry?” Aaron motioned to her untouched plate, concern marring his brow.
Brynn snapped back into the present, quickly grabbing the fork and cutting into her pancake. “Sorry.”
Aaron walked over to her side and set the maple syrup jug beside her plate. His hand gently rested over hers, sending a warm buzz up her arm. He leaned in as she turned to face him.
He focused on her so intently, she couldn’t look away. He held her captive with his amber orbs as everything faded from around them.
Mouth parted, his voice low and soft yet firm at the same time, he said, “You have nothing to be sorry about. Don’t ever apologize for speaking your truth.”
Her breath caught in her throat. His words were like a battering ram against the walls around her heart. No one had ever seen through her like this nor encouraged her to stand up for herself, except for her therapist. The contrast between Aaron and the man in Brynn’s past was night and day. Still, a big part of her held back. If her experience had taught her anything, it was that men were not safe. They were not to be trusted. They always wanted more than you were willing to give.
So, why did that small voice inside her disagree? Why did her gut tell her that, this time, she was wrong? And why did she want to believe it so badly?
