His gaze fastens to me like chains. Just like I thought…he can see right through me.
“I…what?”
As he gets closer, I realize he resembles my father. Square-jawed, eyes filled with discipline. Big strong hands…
He’s also tall. Well over six feet.
“I can see by the way you’re clutching that cross that you’re just a bad girl in disguise, aren’t you?”
My body trembles. What does he want me to say?
“They taught you to hide, not to change. We can’t go through life pretending, Joan.”
I’m speechless as he stops in front of me. I’m overcome by with his size. I have to crane my neck to look up at him like I’m kneeling in prayer.
This isn’t fair. What is he thinking? It’s like he already knows everything about me, but I know nothing about him.
My stomach sinks. This is beyond wrong. Amon and I are family now that our parents have married. If Daddy knew what I was thinking right now, my butt would be red for a week.
“I’m Joan…”
“Our housemaid is on leave,” he says, his voice sharp. “You’ll be taking over her duties until she returns.”
Is he joking?
I search his face for signs that he is but see none. No, he’s serious, and I’m starting to sweat. His blue eyes bore into me, causing me to blush as I wait for his next command.
“Duties?”
“Cleaning, cooking, washing,” he replies. “And anything else I say.”
That last bit shakes me. I may be a virgin, but I’m not stupid.
His eyes move across me, lingering on my chest. I’ve never felt attention like this before. My blood begins to pump madly. I can feel my heartbeat in my ears.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a phone.
“You’ll need to sign this. It contains a list of your responsibilities.”
Using his finger, he swipes through what looks like a contract until he reaches the end. A black line, just waiting for my signature.
I may have just left the convent, but I’m still pretty sure you should have a lawyer look over any documents before you sign them.
“Amon, I can’t—”
“Sign and stay,” he snaps. “Or leave now.”
Thunder snaps behind me. I can hear the rain pelting down in thick sheets. Leave? I have nowhere else to go. Momma is gone, and our old house has been sold.
Amon’s authority frightens me. His power. But it also intrigues me. There’s no hint of shame in his eyes. He sets the rules, and they are clear: It’s his way or the highway.
“Fine,” I reply, quickly signing with my finger.
The hint of a smile threatens his lips, but he hides it quickly before stuffing his phone away.
I must be losing it. Did I just sign my life away to this man? It wouldn’t be the worst thing I could do. Not him. The man who seems to see straight into my soul.
I swore to Momma I would serve the Lord, and I failed. Now it looks like I have someone new to serve.
