Page 80 of Reins

I don’t want it without him.

“If you keep those fans on—” He points to the vaulted ceiling in the living room. “—it keeps it a lot cooler in here. The pantry is around this corner.” He pushes open a smaller door in the hall. “And down that way is my room.” His voice falls hoarse. “This way to yours.”

He doesn’t let go of my fingers. I think it’s to keep me from going the opposite direction.

I have no interest in the guest suite with its fancy queen sized bed and full bathroom.

“See? It needs a little life in it. A dresser and a desk maybe?” His brows raise as he looks around. “Some pictures on the walls?”

Just when it feels like he’s going to let go and leave me in here, he tugs me against his chest. “I want you to be comfortable. You’re safe here, I’ll show you how to work the security system.” His jaw tics as his gaze drops to my mouth…then he cups the back of my head to tuck me under his chin.

“I’ll show you my favorite diner.” His words rumble against me. “Then we can go pick up some groceries. I didn’t know when I’d be back so I purged all the perishables.”

“Thank you, for all of this,” I mumble, not saying what I really want.

I don’t want to sleep here, on the far end of the house from him.

But this is what he’s telling me.

After we get the bags unloaded, he backs the trailer under the shaded awning of the barn, then pulls up to the front step where I wait.

“You’re chariot, ma’am.” He smiles as he hops out to hold the door for me.

He does spoil me. I feel like a queen.

Until we walk up to the entrance of the diner and his hand falls from mine to slip to the small of my back as we’re led through the crowded tables.

“Cade!” A tall, thin woman with wild hair and bright red lipstick rests her hand on his shoulder with a long squeeze. “I thought you went up to Montana to see family?”

“I did.” His eyes rest on me.

“That’s great! Is this your…daughter?” She smiles at me, her long nails wiggling in my direction.

I feel like I’m frozen on some sort of display.

“No,” he says flatly.

“Oh, must be a niece. I see the resemblance.” The woman leans closer, her hand still on his arm. “I’m Daphne, darling. So nice to meet you!”

Is this why Cade has held me off?

“I’m not his niece,” I say quietly, barely above a whisper.

“So adorable,” Daphne laughs loudly, then slides one of the plastic lined menus from the front of her apron.

“She’s my…this is Rosalyn.” Cade’s gaze narrows as he watches me.

What is going on?

It takes everything in me to not cry.

Just like all of the times when the whip bit into me, I bite my cheek until I taste blood without a sound.

“Rosie is a great name, kiddo. Can I get you a drink?” She bats her black, thick lashes at me, then flicks her focus back to Cade. “Want a Coors? Or a whiskey sour tonight, hun?”

Kiddo? Hun?

My nails dig into my palms as I stare blindly at the text swimming out of focus before me.