Chapter 10 Maya
Maya
“Ethan! Are you fucking serious right now? NO!” I wail.
“Come on, Rivers! Just put your hand in there and grab the eggs!” Just like yesterday with the pigs, he’s laughing hysterically at my attempt to gather eggs from a mad hen.
I reach my hand forward and the hen aggressively pecks at me again. I throw some curses to the wind. Ethan laughs harder, tears now streaming down his face.
“I’m so glad you think this is funny. If it’s so easy, you do it.” I cross my arms, refusing to let her peck me again. Of course he doesn’t have any trouble with the hen. He reaches under her, searching for the eggs and pulling them out one by one.
She doesn’t peck at him.
“Well aren’t you quite the ladies man.” I shoot him a fake scowl that turns into a smile.
“Always.” He gives me a wink before moving to the next nesting box.
He makes me try again. “Don’t reach under there slowly, just shove your hand in there like you’re the boss. It won’t hurt, much, if she pecks you.”
“Fine.” I’m not sure why I am so nervous. It’s just a chicken. I’m a chicken. Why am I afraid? I can do this, I’ve dealt with far worse.
Deep breath in, slow exhale out. I can do this.
The hen pecks at my arm as I reach my hand under her, it hurt but not like the bastard rooster. I reach my hand in there and grab the other eggs.
“See, good job. Maybe there is hope for Farmer Rivers after all.” Ethan gives me a wink.
“Has Nick told you what he wants me to do yet? I could just stay here and help.” I wonder if Nick comes here to visit often, if he would want to see me when he did.
The honest question is, would I want him to visit me? He’s an asshole who is holding me prisoner, but I find myself heavily conflicted with how I feel about him. Even if he scares the life out of me. There’s something about him that I can’t quite figure out.
He’s a gorgeous asshole. Drop. Dead. Gorgeous—get a grip, Maya. He saved your life and shipped you off. He’s not interested in you.
My internal monologue never fails to put me back in my place.
Nick is obviously out of my league. His type don’t go for women who look like me.
My stringy brown hair and murky brown eyes are not attractive.
My skin is too pale, and I definitely don’t move with grace and confidence like the women seen in pictures with rich and powerful men.
Let me not forget the aura of danger that drips from his every fiber. I’ve lived my entire life around dangerous men, but rich, powerful, and dangerous is a level I am not familiar with.
I think of the grin that tugged at the corners of his lips when I told him I didn’t need his charity. My heart rate picks up as a chill runs down my spine. This might be some kind of sick game for him, and I should’ve stabbed him with my fork when I had the chance.
“He hasn’t said, but if I had to guess it’ll be some kind of office work. He has enough staff on the farm.”
My attention snaps back to Ethan. I almost forgot about the conversation I started with him.
“What kind of office work? What do y’all do anyway?” I tuck the basket of fragile eggs close to my side as I walk. I don’t have any office skills. Maybe office is some kind of code for something.
Every time I see Nick, he’s in a suit but that doesn’t always mean he has a typical, stuffy office job. His persona screams crime boss and I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him, which would be not at all.
“Nick is a lawyer, and I mostly work with computers and security systems.” He pauses for a second like he wants to say more but stops himself. “We have plenty of eggs, let’s go cook breakfast.” He eyes the basket clutched tightly to my side but doesn’t say anything.
In the kitchen, Ethan lays the eggs in a strainer and instructs me on how to wash them. He gets the chicken out from yesterday and places it on a cutting board.
“What are we making?” I thought the chicken was for lunch.
“Fried chicken and homemade waffles. A southern delicacy.” He cuts some strips from the chicken.
“My favorite,” a deep voice growls from the doorway. I don’t even have to look to know who that voice belongs to.
My brain goes fuzzy and I break out into a cold sweat. What’s he doing here? I thought he wasn’t coming for two more weeks. Shit. Shit. Shit. I keep my head down, focusing on washing the eggs to keep from having to acknowledge him.
“How are you adjusting to the farm life, Emily?” My skin prickles, becoming all too aware of the man who is now standing next to me.
So much for wondering if he would come visit me, I’m too afraid to even look at him. I readjust my stance in attempt to appear more confident even though I’m shaking on the inside. I have to learn to stop being so afraid.
“My name is Maya. You said I could keep my identity here.” My mind scrambles to keep its focus and maintain a steady level of breathing. I may pass out if I hold my breath, my lungs already struggle to keep up with the oxygen demands of my racing heart.
“I did, didn’t I?” He smirks. “Well then, Maya, how are you adjusting?” His tone is surprisingly mellow as he slowly approaches me.
It would only be a matter of seconds before my brain decides it’s lights out. Breathe, slow, steady. In and out—just breathe. The smell of his aftershave hits my nostrils. It’s a delicious deep woodsy scent. My head swirls a little, he’s intoxicating.
That smirk—holy shit. My face, neck, and throat simultaneously flush with heat. “Fine,” I squeak.
“How long are you going to wash that egg for? I would say it’s clean by now.” He crosses his arms and leans closer to me. His presence unnerves me so much I didn’t even realize I’ve been wiping the same one for so long.
“Don’t be a dick,” Ethan chimes in.
“I’m just asking a simple question.” Nick shrugs and walks towards the island where Ethan is.
In a way I’m happy that he walked away but part of me is left wishing he was still standing next to me, even if I can’t seem to get my shit together.
“Has she met Mama yet?” Nick’s talking to Ethan, but I catch myself trying to tune in on their conversation. Somehow hearing him refer to his mother as “Mama” makes him seem less threatening. Like a young boy who wants someone to meet his best friend.
“I thought Maya might need a few days to settle in. The farm is a lot to take in. I was introducing her little by little.”
It has been a lot in a sense that there’s always something going on or something to do, but not overwhelming or bad. I’ve fallen in love with it. My whole life I wanted to spend time with animals but was never allowed to have one after what happened to the one pet Mama tried to have.
“Come with me, Maya. If you’re going to be staying here, you need to be acquainted with everyone. Ethan will finish breakfast,” Nick orders. Mr. Totalitarian is back.
“Yessir.” I do as I am told and follow behind him, wiping my sweaty palms on my pants. I wish he didn’t make me so nervous.
“My mother has her own private quarters in the eastern wing of the house. She has a full-time nurse, Jessa, who is on call for her around the clock. There is a maid, Elizabeth, who you’ll also see around the house. She keeps everything clean and cooks for the farmhands.”
He continues talking about the history of the house and farm as we head to the east wing. This farm has belonged to his family for more than two hundred years.
Occasionally he slows down to let me catch up. There’s something different about him than when I met him at his beach house. He’s much more relaxed.
I can’t say the same.
He’s ditched the custom-tailored suit in favor of some fitted Wrangler jeans with a leather belt, a white T-shit, and some rugged cowboy boots. He is still drop dead gorgeous.
“Stay here. I am going to see if she’s awake.” He walks through the sliding barn-style door, leaving me behind.
Standing there, I pick at some dead skin on my fingers, unsure of what to do. I’ve already peeled all my nails to the quick. It’s a nervous habit I developed in school when I was forced to sit through lectures and my anxiety would skyrocket.
Meeting Nick’s mom seems like a big step. Hopefully she isn’t as sinister as he comes off as. I pace back and forth, taking in the grain pattern details of the beautiful hardwood floors. I wonder how old they are.
For several long minutes, I admire the many scuffs, scratches, and dents that add character and tell an unwritten story of many years of wear and tear.
I wonder how many times Nick and Ethan ran up and down these hallways.
If they were allowed to play like normal kids or if they were required to act a certain way inside.
Was there laughter here from a happy family? Or lots of yelling like mine?
I wish I could just go back to the kitchen with Ethan.
His laid-back, easygoing personality is really growing on me.
Sure, he’s very attractive, but I’m not attracted to him.
He’s like the pain in the ass brother I never had growing up.
I can’t even remember being attracted to many boys growing up.
I either avoided them completely or let certain ones like Trevor and Kaleb use my body for favors. None of it ever meant anything.
The door slides open and Nick motions me forward. “Jessa is finishing up getting her dressed so we can go in. I want you to meet Elizabeth.”
Through the doors, into a sitting/kitchenette area is a short, plump woman with gray hair. “Elizabeth, this is Maya, and she is going to be staying with us for a little while. Maya, this is Elizabeth.”
“Maya, what a beautiful name! It’s a pleasure to meet you, young lady!
I am always on the farm unless I go to the market.
I live in the small guest house behind the pool.
I’m here if you need anything at all, dear.
” She wraps me in a tight hug, catching me off guard.
She reminds me of Emma with her motherly vibe.
Another set of doors open and a lady with dark curly hair, who I presume is Jessa, peeks her head out. “She’s ready to see you, sir.”
“Thank you, Jessa. This is Maya.” Nick holds his hands towards me.
“Nice to meet you.” She smiles and holds her hand out for me to shake.
“Thank you, it’s nice to meet y’all too.” I look from side to side at the two women.
My heart is in my throat from my nerves.
I grew up in a town where everybody knew each other.
Given the town’s reputation, nobody new ever moved in.
I’m not accustomed to meeting so many new people all the time.
I wonder how much he told them about me, or if they even know anything at all.
I’m sure they can tell by looking at me that I don’t belong here, but their smiles and kindness seem genuine nonetheless.
“This way.” Nick places his hand on the small of my back. It startles me so bad, I nearly jump out of my skin, internally. Externally, my body gives a slight shudder, and my breath hitches.
If he notices, he doesn’t say anything. I can’t tell if it’s my imagination or adrenaline but the thin shirt I am wearing does little to hide the heat radiating from his hand.
It makes my pulse pound harder and I’m pretty sure my pale skin is flushed.
Inside the room there’s a small hospital bed with a tiny, small-frame, white-haired woman with the same eyes as Ethan, but very little resemblance to Nick. He must take after his father. Her winkled hand trembles as she tries to hold a cup of coffee.
Her bright blue eyes light up when she sees Nick. “Jessa, where are we? Is this the funeral home? Did I die?” her squeaky voice trembles.
“No ma’am, you didn’t die. You’re at home.” Jessa laughs.
“But my son is here. He never comes to visit. Are you sure this isn’t my visitation?” She smiles so big I swear it reaches her eyes, then she starts laughing. “I was sure I would have to die before you’d come visit me again.”
Her smile and laugh are so infectious I can’t help but laugh when she does. She must not have noticed me when we first walked in but is now staring at me intently.
“And who are you, my dear? Oh heavens, Nick, this isn’t your girlfriend, is it?” She looks to him questionably.
My heart sinks. Obviously there’s a noticeable difference in social stature between him and I, but I was hoping to not be called out on it.
I suppose if I am going to be around people like this, I need to get used to them passing judgment on me. I take a step back, but Nick holds me firmly in place.