She's learning. Good.
The drive to my Berkshires estate takes ninety minutes.
Eden falls asleep somewhere around the hour mark.
Her head tips against the window.
Her breathing evens out.
I watch her sleep.
She looks younger like this.
Vulnerable.
The fear smoothed away by unconsciousness.
I wonder what she's dreaming about.
Escape, probably.
We pull through the gates of my estate just after two in the morning.
Fifty acres of forest and grounds.
The main house is dark except for the lights I had turned on in anticipation of our arrival.
Callum opens the door.
"We're here, sir."
Eden stirs. Blinks.
Looks around with momentary confusion before memory crashes back.
Her face shutters and the walls go up again.
Good. I'd be disappointed if she made this easy.
I get out and extend my hand again.
This time, she takes it.
Her hand is small in mine.
Calloused.
The scar on her palm rough against my skin.
She lets go as soon as she's standing.
"This way," I say.
I lead her up the steps to the front door and it opens before we reach it.
Mrs. Silva stands in the doorway.
My housekeeper.
