Page 97 of Darkened Promises

She looks over her shoulder at Nate. “Do you not do it for anyone else?” she questions.

Their eyes meet and his soften. “Only you.”

“Oh,” Rosy squeaks. Her eyes dart away, and a flush crests over her cheeks.

A loud squeal comes from the field next to us, and Rosy twists to look over her shoulder. “You’re right. I do need to get back to work. No need to yell about it, Jerry.” She sighs and turns back to look at us. “I’m sorry. This was so thoughtful, and I’ve loved it. But I need to get back.”

I shake my head, giving her foot one last stroke. “You don’t need to apologise. We didn’t come with the expectation you’d forgo what you need to do here for us. If you need extra hands, I have no other plans for the afternoon.”

She shoves a foot back into her boot. “It’s been really nice. Maybe we can do it again?” At our agreement, she smiles and slips on the other boot. “You’re always welcome to stay if you want to. We’ve got to finish up the pig’s shelter, clean out the ponies and chickens, poo pick the fields, then feed everyone their dinners.”

I glance at Bry, but he shakes his head. “I’d love to stay, but I need to ice the cakes for the cafe and drop them off.”

“Okay. I’ll stay here and grab a lift back with Nate. You can take my car,” I tell him, removing the keys from my pocket and handing them over.

Bry takes them, then looks at Rosy. “I’m sorry. I wish I could stay.”

“No,” she insists. “Your job is important. I understand. Knowing you want to stay and help is sweet enough.” She leans across the blankets, and the remaining picnic, to press a firm kiss to his mouth.

“We’ll help clean up,” I add as I close a container and reach for another.

Another impatient squeal has her chuckling. “That pony is far too demanding.”

FORTY-EIGHT

PETER

How. Dare. She.

Laughing, giggling, and smiling for them.

My patience had finally paid off this morning. I’d waited around, hoping she’d finally leave to go to her little rescue, and she’d appeared. Unfortunately, not on her own as I’d hoped, but in that oversized oaf’s truck with him. That other annoyingly loud one was with them too. It meant I had to stay back and watch. The risk was too high to take her successfully, and whilst I’m pushing a lot of boundaries to still be here, my kitten isn’t worth the risk of being caught.

No. I’d rather snuff her out than be caught and have her live a life without me.

After my anger got the best of me last time, and I was almost exposed, I’ve had to settle farther back to keep an eye on her. Not that I like what I’m seeing. The other two showed up moments ago.

It’s not right. It’s disgusting for her to flaunt herself like that for others. She wore my collar. I took her for me. Not for them to enjoy and play like some convoluted, happy family.

With them all being preoccupied here, it gives me the opportunity to head back to their residence. As much as I want to stay here and keep an eye on my kitten, it’s more important that I get my ears to the ground, so to speak.

“Soon, pet. Don’t think I’ll forget all of this misbehaving,” I murmur, casting one last look at her before I pack up and head back to my car.

FORTY-NINE

ROSY

The front door opens and closes, and I smile a little when I don’t flinch. Peeling off another label, I line it up on the box and carefully stick it on as neatly as I can.

Footsteps come down the hallway and stop behind me, then a warm, muscled arm wraps around my chest.

“Hi,” Nate greets.

His head drops down to my neck, and he brushes his nose against me and inhales. His other hand drops a pile of mail on the island counter, and I lean forward quickly, dislodging his arm to grab them.

“These are Bry’s orders. You can’t mess up our system,” I scold lightly, waving the envelopes back at him. He flashes me a small smirk.

Bry hands me another box filled with baked goods. The aroma is so tempting. Snapping the box shut, I tape the sides, peel off another address label, and stick it on the centre. As of late, I’ve been helping him with getting orders ready and packed up. I might not be able to help with any of the baking, but I can at least assist with this.