I frown. I contemplate telling my mom about how much worse Wyatt has made this for me. I think about her and Isaac in their little blissful bubble of happiness. Who knows what kind of argument that would cause. “Yeah,” I say. Better to keep it as vague as possible. But Mom knows me. “Okay?” she
“Coworkers?” I say, still slightly incredulous. Laura groans and stands up. “Are you daft? I just said yes.” I blink, still a bit confused. I shift Mia on my hip. “Did they swindle you into this too?” I say. Laura raises an eyebrow. “Swindle?” “Yeah,” I confirm. “They basically told me if
My throat clenches and my heartbeat is loud in my ears. Unique. No one’s ever called me unique before. I wonder if it’s some sort of backhanded compliment. The way he said it however, it felt real. It felt real. I feel a rush of happiness swell over me like a gust of air. Being praised by an a
I run my hand over a sweater then furrow my brow. My actual clothes are gone. I whirl around. Archer and I are chest to chest. He blinks twice and steps back a bit so were no longer touching. “Where’s my stuff?” I snap. “The grey stained rags?” Archer scoffs. “Please. You’re not wearing those.”
I whip around and glare at him. “Slaves?” I growl. “What the fuck?” Archer merely shrugs. “It’s an ancient Hayes tradition,” he says. “All employees are members of the Hayes Court of Slaves. It’s a highest mark of honor.” “Fuck you,” I hiss and shove his chest. “I’m not wearing this shit.” “Yo
“I can’t believe you all!” I shout. “You’ve completely tossed aside this baby now that I’m here.” Beau snorts. “Isn’t that the point? We got you to take care of her so we can go about our normal lives?” “No!” I say. “A proper home needs both maleandfemale influences. Children learn separate thin
The next morning, Mia and I are the first ones up. It’s a brisk winter morning and I can see frost on the ground outside Mia’s room in the pyramid. I scoop her up and get her changed into her clothes for the day before feeding her. I make her some applesauce. It’s usually her favorite. Today, she’s
“You’re not supporting her neck or butt,” I say to Archer. “She won’t stop – ugh – moving!” Mia is squirming violently now. She’s about to slip out of Archer’s grasp when I swoop in and snag her. She immediately relaxes in my arms. She presses her palm to my cheek in a silent thanks. “You were