Chapter 8 #2
Everyone seemed to think so, except him.
He wasn’t a monster like the man in her sketchbook, but how did the mere fact that he hadn’t molested her make him a good man?
Although, even he wanted things from her that he shouldn’t.
She was beautiful, inside and out, and the lust it stirred was undeniable.
Not that he’d know what to do with it, given his lack of experience.
But his attraction to her wasn’t the reason he was lying next to her now, while she slept.
He’d heard her desperate pleas from the hallway on his way up to his own room.
The fear on her face when he’d touched her, was unlike any he’d ever seen.
Even now, the memory of it washed up a maelstrom of emotions.
Everything from rage to heartbreak. It created a desperate need to fix it for her.
To take away her pain and make her feel safe.
How was he ever going to do that?
When he woke, she was staring at him. She had turned on her side, her head propped up on her hand, a serene smile gracing her lips.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
Her other hand was in his and he once again had the urge to raise it to his lips, but managed to stop himself.
“Did I sleep in again?”
“No. The sun is only now dawning.”
“Thank God.”
She laughed and the sound brightened his mood even more.
“I’d better get out of your bed before a maid comes in.”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s not as if I’ll be compromised.”
“Well, perhaps I will be.”
She laughed again.
“The last thing we need is gossip.” He squeezed her hand once more before getting up.
“Would you mind having breakfast with Maggie this morning? I’d like to get out to the stables to make sure Anthony is taken care of if he shows up. And before you lecture me, I promise to grab a bite to eat from the kitchens on my way out.”
“I did not lecture you.” She sounded appalled, but her smile remained. “I delight in spending time with your sister and am happy to. You needn’t worry about a thing.”
She was supposed to be here to heal, not to take care of him. But he didn’t doubt she enjoyed Maggie’s company. And Maggie wouldn’t miss him, as long as Samantha was there.
Anthony arrived just ahead of him. Terror made his eyes wide as he looked up at Brennan. He fidgeted his fingers and spoke quietly. “Mr. Gibson asked me to be here this morning.”
“That’s right,” Trent said, clapping him on the shoulder. He startled, but relief settled over him. Apparently, Trent was less intimidating than Brennan, and with good reason. “Anthony’s here to do some work that will help him remember his manners around women.”
Anthony lowered his gaze to the ground, but he nodded.
Gareth, the stable manager, smiled almost gleefully as he came around Brennan’s large form. “We have plenty of that for you, lad.”
Before the man led him away, Trent gave him a stern warning. “I don’t want to hear about any grief from you today. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Now that that’s done,” Trent said, turning to face Brennan, “tell me about the cabin. How’s it coming?”
“It’s finished. I was hoping you might inspect our work today.”
That was a nice surprise. “I’d be happy to.”
“First, what else do you need done? We can put Theo and Stanley to work before we go over.”
“There’s a long line of fencing along the western edge that needs repairs. That’s what I was planning to take care of after the cabin. Do you think they’re up to that?”
“I expect so,” Brennan said with a nod. “They did good work yesterday.”
Two hours later, after getting the men started on the fence on the opposite side of the estate, Trent stood in awe.
The cabin was like new. “You have no idea how much I appreciate this.” He blew out a long breath.
“This would have taken me at least a week on my own, and I wouldn’t have been able to start on the fence until after that.
” He chuckled. “What will I do when you leave?”
“You’ll continue just like this. Stanley and Theo will still be here.”
Trent nodded. Apparently, Ash had agreed to have them take over the little house Trent had lived in with Maggie.
“If you need more help than that, you’ll hire it.”
“I hate to cost Ash more money when I’m perfectly capable of the work.”
“I know Ash better than you do.”
“I imagine that’s true. You’ve certainly known him longer.”
“This cabin, that fence, the money it costs to pay someone to do the repairs. Those things don’t matter to him.
Not really. But do you know what does? Samantha, Maggie, and you.
” He counted each one of them on his fingers.
“Don’t work yourself into the ground and neglect the things he cares about because of some misplaced guilt. ”
“It isn’t misplaced, Brennan.”
Brennan rolled his eyes. “Are you sure about that?”
“I was the one who made that robbery happen at The Raven’s Den.” He pointed at his chest. “I was the reason he was shot!”
Brennan’s brow dipped. “Does he know that?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I’m sure he had a good reason to forgive you then.”
“His own misplaced guilt, I imagine.”
Brennan shook his head. “That’s not the reason. I can promise you that much. He trusts you. Not only enough to oversee his estate, but enough that he has sent not one, but two women up here. And Daisy is special to him. Hence my ongoing penance.”
Trent wanted to argue, but Ash had sent them here. And Daisy was special to him. Like a little sister in a lot of ways. But he didn’t feel deserving of Ash’s trust.
“Well now that I’ve shared,” Trent said, “it’s only fair for you to tell me what it was you did that landed you here.”
Brennan shrugged. “I left my post at the back door of Raven House… repeatedly. On one occasion, Daisy slipped out and wandered into the darkness alone. Apparently, she was barely sober enough to stand.” He breathed a quiet laugh. “I’m probably lucky I didn’t sustain a beating for it.”
“I’d like to see him try.”
Brennan raised his brow. “You really don’t know your brother.
Ash might be smaller than me, but he’s skilled, and doesn’t hesitate to fight dirty when necessary.
Not that I would have fought back, but even if I did, I’m pretty sure he could best me.
Or at least he could have before you had him shot. ”
Brennan gave him a goading smile and laughed, but it wasn't funny. Trent would never forgive himself for that.
“Come see the inside.” Brennan turned and walked to the cabin.
When he’d told Bennan the truth, and his brow had dropped, a part of Trent had hoped he’d punch him. Hoped he might finally have some kind of consequences. But once again, he’d been spared.
And so you punish yourself.