Chapter 13 #3
I quickly shifted my eyes away from his face to Gemma, who was battling to keep the smile from her mouth as she pulled her eyes wide at me. I had a feeling she was enjoying it too much to save me.
“I’m just making sure you don’t hurt the poor mouse with those burly fingers of yours.” I tried to cover.
“You didn’t complain about my burly fingers when I took care of you,” he arched a brow at me, challengingly.
I looked away, embarrassed. He had a way of making me eat my words.
Gemma placed the pink bundle she had back into the box and stood from the table. “I’m gonna go cut up one of Hunter’s shirts for the mice’s nest. I’ll be right back.” She smiled at me apologetically when I glared at her obvious ruse to leave me and Grayson alone. Hunter was already upstairs.
I sighed. Gemma was probably right. I couldn’t hide from him forever. They were planning on staying at the cabin for at least another three months, until winter was over.
“You’re avoiding me,” Grayson stated. “And I don’t like it,” he almost hissed, his jaw clenching. He didn’t look at me, which was a good thing. Otherwise, he would have noticed my flailing for something to say and failing miserably.
Gods, this man made me nervous, and I wasn’t always sure of which reason it was.
“Are you going to tell me why?” he pressed.
I thought for a while on what to say, my mind in turmoil and eventually settled on, “I don’t know you, Grayson.
And you don’t know me. You kidnapped me.
I…” My voice broke. “This is not right. It’s not normal.
” I was deathly afraid of falling for a man whose life was shrouded in mystery and darkness.
A killer. A man who kidnapped me and was keeping me against my will.
I had no idea what he was capable of. It would be ludicrous not to take a step back.
He studied my face. Something like disappointment or hurt crossed his eyes before he looked away. “I expected someone like you to not care what society deems right or normal.”
I winced, the words hitting me right in the chest.
I placed the little mouse back into the makeshift nest, ready to escape to my room.
But Grayson did the same and stood with me, blocking my way.
He stepped closer to me and lifted my chin.
“Maybe I should lock you in that room again, so you have nowhere to run.” His voice was soft, but his eyes had changed into something dark.
“Grayson…” I was at a loss for words as my stomach dropped. Would he do that?
He sighed up at the roof. “Fine. You don’t have to hide anymore, Ava.” Grayson sounded defeated. “I’ll behave,” he said quietly. His eyes roamed my face, then he quickly dropped his head to my neck, inhaling my scent, before he stepped back to let me pass.
I hesitated for a second, biting my lip. He was backing off. That’s what I wanted. Right?
I forced a smile. “Thank you.”
I made my way up the stairs. Once in the bedroom, I decided to grab the laundry basket and headed for the laundry room next door.
Keeping busy was the only way I would survive my thoughts.
And acknowledging those feelings making their way up my spine?
That would be disastrous. No, losing myself in menial tasks was safest.
I almost walked right into Hunter as I swung the door open. I apologised quickly, stumbling over my words. “I’m sorry, I didn’t… I can come back later.”
His expression had already turned irritated. The same expression he had whenever he watched me, while Gemma wasn’t looking. “It’s fine. I’m done anyway.” He bent to unload the dryer.
I stood there awkwardly in the door with my basket and waited for him to finish. The screen door slamming made my heart thunder. Where was Grayson going? It was dark already.
When Hunter was done, he made for the door and I scooted to the side, trying to make myself as small as possible.
I set my laundry basket before the washing machine and started separating the white clothes from the rest and throwing it in the machine.
I had insisted on doing my own laundry. Something about somebody else doing my washing felt a bit too intimate.
“You’re fucking him, aren’t you?”
I startled. I thought Hunter had left already. My mouth opened reflexively as if to answer him, but nothing came out as I processed what he just asked me.
He went on. “You act like you don’t want to be near him, but you’re fucking him when no one’s looking, right?”
The condescension in his voice froze me in place. I knew he didn’t like me, but he was being beyond rude. “Excuse me?” I finally found my voice.
He sighed in exasperation, like I was slow and took a step closer to me. “What’s your endgame?”
“What endgame? And I’m not fucking him.” My shock was dissipating, being replaced with anger.
“Oh, please! Then what was that, downstairs?” he hissed, pointing in the direction of the dining table.
He must have seen Grayson standing so close to me, nuzzling his face into my neck.
“And you think I don’t hear him sneaking up the stairs at night?
I can see the way he looks at you. You have him wrapped around your finger.
He had no idea who he was taking that day, did he?
” he laughed coldly. “He had no idea of the little siren he brought home.” He gave a condescending snort.
“Checks out considering the company you keep.” He looked down at me, as if disgusted by me.
Red tainted my vision. “Fuck you, Hunter,” I sneered. I could feel my blood heating.
“And now you have your slimy fucking paws on Gemma!” he whispered-shouted. He dropped the basket and stomped over to me.
I stood my ground. I didn’t dare to back away. I had enough practice with Grayson, who was far scarier than surfer boy.
“I don’t know what you’re planning, but I swear to God, if you hurt them…”
“You’ll what?” I sneered back, stepping closer.
“Kill me?” I returned his cold laugh. “As if that’s not already going to happen.
I’m the one being hurt here, Hunter. Do you think I enjoy being here?
” I turned away from him, shaking my head in disbelief.
“You’re fucking insane.” And an asshole. What does Gemma even see in him?
He retreated. “You know damn well we’re not offing you,” he grumbled angrily while snatching up the laundry basket. “You’ve already made sure of that.” He gave me one last despising glare, looking like he was about to spit at my feet before slamming the door shut.