Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
“PURE AS THE DRIVEN SNOW - FROM THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS Justin is keeping himself safe in the only way he knows how, by lashing out verbally.
“She’s come a long way, and part of that is being open about who she is and the struggles she faces. She’ll tell you what she’s comfortable sharing.” I watch as his hand goes into his jeans pocket. Pulling out a penknife.
“Ant gave this to me for my birthday last year,” he whispers, looking down at it like it’s his most prized possession. No doubt it is.
“A very fine gift,” I tell him, then glance up at Anatole. “Perhaps you could keep it in the pool house? As long as it’s not in the house or where Sally might access it, I’m sure that would work if you’d rather, Justin?”
He nods, handing the blade over to his brother, who puts it in his own jeans pocket.
“Thank you, Justin,” I say, and his gaze flits to me, surprise on his face. I turn to look over at the three men. “I have to also ask that you do the same. Please keep any blades out of sight, including razors for shaving.”
Steele nods, and Anatole follows up with, “Of course.”
“You’re welcome to come pat me down,” Nox adds, holding his arms out, and heat rolls over me as I let my eyes trail down his body.
His hooded tank doesn’t exactly hide much; the silver of the chain around his neck, wrist, and his rings making me a little jealous because it’s touching him. “Eyes up here, Petal.”
My gaze snaps up to his, and there’s a hint of amusement in his cutting, jade depths along with a banked heat that only makes me burn hotter.
I clear my throat, deciding that ignoring the can of worms that Nox is presenting with his offer is best. Turning back to Justin, I swallow.
“Now, before we go on a tour, a few things to cover. School.” His eyes roll and he makes a disgusted noise that has me chuckling.
“Well, there are options here, so have a think over the next couple of days, maybe chat to your brother, and you can let me know on Monday.”
“What options?” he interrupts.
“I was getting to them,” I chide softly with a smile. “Some children go to local schools, and we can look at the options there for you, though I would ask that you try the one where most go because poor Henry has only a certain amount of time to get everyone where they need to be in the morning.”
“Who’s Henry?” Anatole questions, and his bright blue eyes are focused on me.
“He’s our driver, been with me all my life, as he was my mother’s before becoming mine,” I tell him, watching as his shoulders loosen a little.
I turn back to Justin. “The other option is that you can be homeschooled. We have two children who are already including Sally, and it works really well for them. We have tutors come in every day for a few hours, and we take them on trips to all sorts of places. Plus, there are the animals to look after.”
“Animals?” Nox sounds so dubious I can’t help the small laugh.
“Yes, we have a couple of pigmy goats who are honestly the bane of my existence because those two can escape anything,” I tell them, watching as four sets of eyebrows raise high.
“Then there are the chickens; we go through a lot of eggs, and it made sense to have our own source of them.” I look at the three huge guys, tilting my head and trying to keep my eyes from wandering like they keep trying to do.
“Perhaps we should get a few more now that you’re all here. ”
“Where do the animals live?” Justin asks, breaking me from my musings about how many eggs those muscles need per day.
“Oh, the goats are in a small barn, and the chickens have a coop and a large run in the vegetable garden. I can show you that tomorrow if you like? Well, all the chickens bar—”
The distinct clucking noise of a chicken being followed by giggling children filters in from just outside the door. Debbie, our house chicken, struts into the living room like she owns the damn place.
“You have a chicken in the house?” Nox’s incredulous tone elicits more giggles from outside the room. I sigh, getting up and walking over to Debbie, who waits as I bend down and pick her up.
“Look, it was six to one and I dare you to say no to six pleading faces,” I tell him, stroking Debbie’s soft feathers and letting her gentle cooing noises relax me as I casually walk towards where Nox is now sitting on one of the sofas.
At least he’s making himself at home. “And honestly, chicken cuddles are the best.” I place a kiss on her head, then bend down, plopping her into his lap.
He startles, but she settles quickly, and one of his large hands comes up, stroking her feathers as if he’s unconsciously doing it.
His mouth parts slightly, his throat working, and my damn heart twinges again.
I know the feeling of peace that having a calm animal in your lap brings, have seen its effect on so many of the hurt children who come here.
“Plus, she’s meant to be kept in the conservatory so she doesn’t defecate all over the house,” I gently scold, looking at the doorway to find Anna and Mitchel there.
“Sorry, Miss. Blossom, she got out again,” Anna says, not at all sorry in her tone, strolling into the room and standing next to me. Mitchel is on her heels but looking at the others warily.
“Sure,” I reply, my tone telling them I know they’re full of bullshit, but I’m not mad. Chicken cuddles really are the best. “How about you two lead the way and we can show Justin, Anatole, Nox and Steele the ground floor?”
Anna tilts her head as she stares at Nox. “You’re a bit old to be looked after by Miss. Blossom, ain’t you?”
His light green eyes find mine, and a glint in them has my pulse racing.
“Not too old to be looked after by her, no,” he says, and the way he says it makes me think he’s talking about more than just what I do for the children.
It has heat rushing to my cheeks again, and his lips tip up into a smirk, like he knows I’m now thinking naughty things about him.
“But we’re staying in the pool house, keeping an eye on our younger brother, Jus here. ”
“Cool. Follow me,” she shrugs in that way children do, accepting his words at face value and spinning on her heel, grabbing Mitchel’s hand and striding out of the room. She’s so fierce, I adore it. Especially since her home life was so heartbreaking.
Sighing, I turn to Justin. “Could you take Debbie and go with them please, I need a few words with your brother.”
He looks to Anatole, who gives him a nod.
I take Debbie from Nox, carefully handing her to Justin, who takes her with such gentleness a lump forms in my throat.
Anna and Mitchel are waiting by the door, and they all troop out, Anna taking Jus under her wing, even if he’s older than she is by a couple of years.