Chapter Five #2
He limped forward and I moved back, gesturing for him to go towards the front room. At least the room was spacious, I’d feel more at ease.
He went past me, moving to the window and looking out. “Have you found an escape route? What the fuck is this place?”
Crossing my arms over my waist, I leaned against the archway. “It’s the back wing, a place used solely by my father.”
“So, why are you here? Have you come up with a plan together?” He went to the inglenook and picked up the iron grate, his arm muscle straining with effort.
Shit, he’d found a weapon immediately. If he wanted to kill me, that thing would do it in one blow.
“No,” I replied uneasily, “He’s locked me in here to punish me.”
His gaze snapped to me, an intense look on his face. “Don’t lie.”
Holding up my hands, I moved into the room and sat on a chair. “I promise, I’m not lying. He caught me coming out of the lodge and sent me straight here. He’s pissed that I went behind his back to help you.”
Fly stayed quiet as he looked around the room and then headed out, investigating the rest of the place.
I followed, not saying anything as he tested each window for weakness before moving on.
My stomach churned when we reached the bedroom I’d been sleeping in and he sighed loudly, his jaw tight, his hands clenched into fists.
“You got us into this mess with your fucking meddling, woman,” he barked, pushing past me and storming, as best as he could, back up the corridor.
I stayed for a moment, debating whether to shut myself in the room to rest more or seek him out and try to talk some sense into him. My father wouldn’t let the man hurt me, so I felt some protection there, but could he come to my rescue before Fly took me out? It was highly doubtful.
Rubbing a hand over my face, I went to where I could hear Fly clanging in the kitchen. He had a frying pan on the Aga and a packet of eggs on the island.
“Are you seriously cooking right now?” I blurted incredulously.
“I haven’t eaten in a long time.” He sliced some butter into a pan and the sizzle filled the room.
Wow. The man had managed to turn on the flames, find the pan, eggs and butter, within the space of a few minutes. Jeez, he must’ve been hungry.
Cracking several eggs into the pan, he hummed to himself before looking over his shoulder. “I’m fighting in my mind, wanting to be the gentleman that I am and offer you some, but you’re a bitch… so… you see my dilemma?”
Glaring at him, I held a hand to my stomach as it erupted with a loud grumble. Of course my body would betray me at the first waft of buttery eggs. “I can make my own, thanks.”
He inclined his head and went back to humming while he stirred. The psychopath had lost his mind and almost attacked me only a few hours ago, and now, he was cooking scrambled eggs. My father had to allow me to leave and soon. I wasn’t going to stay cooped up with the man who wanted me dead.
Bending to get a plate, Fly clattered two on the island, winking at me when he retrieved his pan of eggs and scooped out two loads.
“I can’t very well let you starve,” he said, forking some into his mouth as he pushed the other plate towards me. “It would defeat the object of my killing you.”
Tiptoeing closer, I retrieved the plate and stood on the other side of the kitchen, eating the food in big gulps. It wasn’t just that I was starving, I was also a little afraid that he might suddenly attack. And if I was going to die, I wanted a last meal.
“I don’t know what my father is doing,” I said, making my way over to the island and snatching up his empty plate, “I promise you.”
Dumping the dishes in the sink, I turned on the water, added soap and edged closer to him, indicating that he pass me the pan.
He raised his eyebrows, doing as I asked with a small nod of the head.
I got to work cleaning while he stayed quiet behind me.
I could feel the intensity of his gaze on my back.
“What’s happened since we’ve been gone?” he asked, interrupting the thoughts that swirled through my mind.
My hands went still and I watched the suds, popping as they floated. The day Melody had died had hardened me. I’d released the need to be supportive of those who believed in me, instead concentrating on my own welfare.
“Not much has changed considering it’s been so long.” I kept my gaze down. “My father still performs his rituals on a Sunday, the elders choose their bride when they want and the wedding day happens each Solstice or Equinox, like before.”
“Those poor fucking women,” he mumbled.
Frowning, I looked over my shoulder. “Those women are happy to be chosen. It’s what they signed up for, isn’t it? They want to be cleansed and being claimed by an elder helps them to progress, especially when my father gives them his seed.”
“It’s a fucking cult!” He was behind me, his voice booming.
I spun, holding out the pan in defense. He stood with his hands on his hips and a snarl on his face.
My arms shook as I held the pan before me, ready to defend myself if he came for me.
He may not agree with our lifestyle but everyone who lived at the compound had a faith that was immeasurable.
He had to respect that people were happy and chose this life.
“You’re shaking,” he said, taking a step back. “Are you so brainwashed that you can’t see the abuse?”
I turned back to the sink. If he was going to come for me, I wouldn’t stand much chance anyway. Plus, if he did hurt me, my father would never let him out. Maybe that would work in my favor.
“I’m not talking politics with you.” I cleared my croaky throat. “You have no idea what we truly stand for.”
I had to hold onto my resolve. Yes, there had been a concern lying underneath all my belief, but I’d ignored it perfectly fine. Until now.
Fly shuffled behind me and I turned to see him rubbing a hand over his head.
His profile was eye-catching with the fly tattoo on his neck and the bulge of every muscle when he moved.
The stubble that was thickening on his chin caught my eye too.
No, I couldn’t admire him, he was my enemy.
One determined to hurt me at the right time.
“I wasn’t indoctrinated like you,” he said, his voice gravelly, “but surely you’re intelligent enough to see through the lies? The abuse in this place… It’s beyond comprehension and these people need help to get away. From him...” He waved a hand. “…and you.”
“Me?”
“Yes,” he glared. “You.”
Sneering, he turned away and headed for the door. I watched as he left, not wanting to fire him up or draw his attention any more than was needed. How dare he accuse us of being abusive? Our mission to help people achieve their very best self was commendable.
And yet, my chest ached at his accusation. I would never hurt anyone, ever. I was leading a revolution with my father, helping the people of my family into a better space, to be cleansed and cleared of all the crap of existence. We all wanted to be good, to be well. Surely, he could see that?