Total pages in book: 215
Estimated words: 217988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1090(@200wpm)___ 872(@250wpm)___ 727(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 217988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1090(@200wpm)___ 872(@250wpm)___ 727(@300wpm)
And everything they needed.
“If you were her, wouldn’t you be upset?”
Another grunt. He didn’t look happy. Which was likely because he could see Brody’s point. The Fox didn’t like to be wrong. Personally, Brody thought his confidence was sexy.
“I know you wouldn’t have done this if you didn’t have to,” Brody told him. “But if she needs to leave, then you have to let her.”
“No.”
“Fox, we have lives. We can’t stay locked in here forever.”
“You can do your job from anywhere. You’re here now, I don’t want you to leave. I told you that once you were here, I would keep you both.”
And what he wanted, he usually got.
“Yes, but sometimes, I need to be around other people.”
“Are you saying we’re not enough for you?” the Fox asked in a silky smooth voice.
Careful.
“Most humans aren’t made to be solitary. The two of you mean everything to me, but I do have friends. Like you have Sunny. You wouldn’t like not being able to see her again, right?”
“I’d kill anyone who kept her from me or hurt her. I see your point.”
Good.
“Once the threat is gone, perhaps I’ll allow you to see people.”
Dear. Lord.
Small gains. Have patience.
Autumn made a pained noise, shifting around on his lap.
“I shouldn’t have left like I did. I should have realized how it would affect her. But I’m not good at this emotional stuff.”
“She’ll get past this, Fox. You’re her hero.”
“I’m the villain of the story.”
“You’re not the villain.”
The Fox shot him a look of disbelief. “Don’t lie to yourself. I’m always going to be the villain.”
But he was changing.
“You just have to show her your caring side.”
“I have one of those?”
Brody huffed out a breath in laughter. “If you don’t, maybe you could fake it.”
“Hmm. Good point. I’m good at faking things.”
Brody didn’t know what to say to that. But he knew the Fox could be caring, even if he didn’t like to admit to it.
Right?
“I’m going to get you some food,” the Fox said. “I feel this strange need to feed you both. Like you’re a pet goldfish. Had a goldfish once, killed it after a day. By accident, though.” He was muttering to himself as he left the room.
Great. They were with a guy who killed a goldfish after one day.
That didn’t fill him with hope.
29
Another moan escaped from Autumn after the Fox left the room.
Brody studied her in concern. He didn’t want to wake her when she had huge dark marks under her eyes. But he couldn’t stand the pained noises she was making. If she was stuck in a nightmare . . .
“Autumn? Autumn, sweetheart, wake up.” He rocked her gently and she sat up with a gasp, her hand on her chest as she stared around frantically. Her hair was all over her face in a mess.
“Where am I? What’s going on?” She moved off his lap, curling up against the other side of the sofa.
Shit.
Was there a better way he could have done that? He understood her fear. Waking up in a strange place was frightening for anyone. But especially someone who’d been through what she had.
“Autumn, it’s okay. You’re with me. Brody.”
“What?” She shied back as he reached for her.
Sorrow filled him at the fear on her face.
“Sweetie, it’s me,” he said soothingly. “It’s Brody-bear.”
She took a long, slow breath. “B-brody?”
“Yeah, baby. You’re with me. You’re safe.”
“I . . . where am I? I fell asleep?”
“Yeah.”
“I can’t believe I fell asleep.”
“You were exhausted. You kept crying out, so I decided to wake you. Sorry if that was the wrong thing to do.”
“Where . . . where am I? Oh crap.” She rubbed her hands over her face. “We’re with him. Where is he? What is even happening?”
“He’s making dinner. Sweetie, I know this is hard, but if we’re in danger, then there’s nowhere safer for us to be than here.”
“I don’t like feeling trapped.”
“I know. But I’m here.”
“I don’t . . . I don’t think he wants me here,” she whispered.
“What do you mean? Of course he does.”
“He barely looked at me. I freaked out. Idiot.”
“You are not an idiot. And he just doesn’t know what to say to make things better. You know how shy and retiring he is.”
She actually grinned at his joke before rubbing her lower tummy with a quiet groan.
“Are you all right?”
“Yeah, just a sore tummy.”
“Do you need the bathroom?” he asked.
Red filled her pale cheeks, then she let out a giggle.
“What? What is it?” he asked.
“Were you trying to ask me if I need to poop?”
His eyes widened in horror. “W-what? N-no. Of course not! I . . . I . . .”
“It’s okay, Brody-bear. I’m just joking with you. Although—” She let out a groan.
Panic filled him. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m fine. I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine. What’s wrong?”
“I just . . . I do need the bathroom. Can you . . . I mean . . .” She stood up and stared down at the sofa in horror. “Shoot. I’m just . . . that . . . I didn’t realize . . .”