“Oh, you’re back! So good to see you, my child.”
An older woman came into the kitchen, pulling Sabastian into a tight hug. She was short, but looked strong as the man didn’t fight her on the greeting.
“Hello, Emra. How are you?”
“Doing well,” she pulled back before tracking her eyes to me. There wasn’t a single piece of gray hair out of place atop her head. “Hello dear.”
On instinct, I took a step back, afraid she would try to give me a death trap of a hug next.
“Oakley, meet the house cleaner.”
I made some sort of nod, folding my hands around my torso.
“Not a talker, are ya? No worries.” She turned back to Sabastian. “I found a stray book in your spare bedroom. It’s on your nightstand. And all the laundry has been put away.”
“I wonder how a book could have gotten there.” While Sabastian didn’t seem surprised, he did turn his burning gaze to me.
Crap.
My heart fell, as did my head, knowing I had finally been caught. At least I was almost done reading it.
“I noticed you moved stuff around, yet no one stays in that room.” When Sabastian didn’t say anything, she went on. “Don’t scare off the poor girl. Your parents would be happy to hear you found someone to share your bed and home with.”
“It’s not like that, Emra. Oakley’s just a friend.”
“Hmm. I don’t believe you, but that’s okay. You seem like a sweet child, Oakley. Don’t let this man fool you. Or hurt you.”
“I won’t hurt-“
“Hush now.” I looked up in time to see her hold a finger to his lips. His eyes squinted at her, but otherwise didn’t say another word. “ You’re special. But I also know this man,” she paused, walking closer to me but thankfully keeping her distance. “He has never once let another sleep in his room. You are different. Special.”
“Emra,” Sabastian sighed. “You’re overstepping.”
“I don’t overstep,” she shifted, holding her head a bit higher. “You’re like my grandkid. There is no overstepping when it comes to your love life.”
Sabastian gave her some sort of look, one that made her bark out a laugh and shake her head.
“My job is done here for the day. I’ll see you again in three weeks.” She pulled Sabastian into another hug, gave me a small wave, and left the house. Her soft shoes echoed through the entryway until the front door shut.
“I was hoping she’d be gone before we made it back,” he said. “She’s been after me to try to settle down, and thinks I pick the wrong kind of partners.”
All I managed to do was blink, letting my eyes fall back to the floor.
Maybe he’d forget about the book. Maybe I could sneak up and stash it away, so he’d not be able to find it.
“You can go put this stuff away. There’s an empty drawer in the bathroom under the sink you can have.”
I moved a bit too quickly, taking the three bags off the counter. Before I could get my body out of the kitchen all the way, Sabastian’s voice put more fear into my core.
“Leave the book alone.”
I didn’t bother to reply, my throat was clogged with unshed tears.
I knew I’d eventually be caught with one of those books.
I took as long as I thought I could get away with to put everything away. My hands shook, my heartpounded in my chest, each thump reverberating through my entire body.
What kind of punishment was he going to give me? How painful would it be?
