Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“Why were you in here?” His voice was no longer soft and gentle. It was harsh, and accusation was clear in his tone.
I didn’t need to see him to know that question was directed at me. Not his Angel.
I stopped and slowly turned back around. The girl was now clinging to his side as he glared at me. I had done nothing but try and help the girl. It was obvious she needed help—and not just with those cuts.
“I came inside to get a break from the party. I heard a cry and then another one. I followed the sound and found her in here, bleeding. I was trying to help her. Or at least get her to put down the knife so I could get some help.” I hated that I sounded defensive. I shouldn’t have to defend myself for helping someone. I hadn’t been the one holding the knife. “I realize I scared her, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
Blaise’s jaw stayed clenched, and his body was rigid. She whimpered against him and buried her head into his side. I still didn’t understand what it was about me that had upset her other than me catching her causing harm to her body. She should be glad it was me and not one of those sheltered princesses outside. I’d seen this and worse in my life. I was positive they had not.
“When you are at this house, you are Trev’s guest. Stay with him. This isn’t Moses Mile. You aren’t welcome to walk around as if you own it,” Blaise said with a coldness I had come to expect from him.
“Got it,” I replied and started to leave, but my stupid temper stopped me. Instead of going back outside to what could have by now turned into an orgy, I glared at Blaise. “She needs help. That will only get worse if ignored, and it looks like that’s what has been happening. You’ve got the money. If you care about her, then help her.”
I didn’t wait for a response before getting as far away from Blaise Hughes and his damaged Angel as I could.
Thirteen
I was sure there had to be a shortcut from the Hugheses’ house to Moses Mile when on foot or horseback, but I didn’t know it, and it was dark. So, I took the route I did know, which was the road. I needed to burn off some steam anyway. Going back outside to that party was not an option. Pretending like I was okay and not upset after that encounter wouldn’t have been possible.
Once I was off the Hugheses’ property and headed down the road leading to Moses Mile, I slipped the cell phone out of my pocket and sent a quick text to Saxon and then Trev. I claimed I had a headache and that I hadn’t wanted to bother them, but I was headed back to Moses Mile and going to bed. It was only a couple of miles, and if I hadn’t worn sandals tonight, I could have run back quickly. A run would have felt good, but a long walk was going to have to be enough. Hopefully, neither boy would realize I was gone or see my text until much later. I didn’t want them leaving a good time because of me.
The moon was almost full, so it wasn’t completely dark on the road, but the sounds of animals and others I didn’t recognize made me slightly nervous. Sure, I’d walked home alone on dark city streets many times, but I’d been prepared for whatever came at me then. I knew self-defense, and I had always carried a knife. I was sure neither of those would help me if I was pounced on by a wild animal.
Trying not to focus on that, I thought about other things. Like the possibility of letting Trev or Saxon teach me how to ride a horse. It was that thought I was fleshing out when headlights lit up the road, and I had to move off the pavement onto the gravel and shade my eyes to keep from going blind. I turned around just as the vehicle was slowing and decided that maybe my self-defense moves might be needed after all. I didn’t have a knife hidden in my combat boots since I wasn’t wearing any, but I still knew how to disarm a man.
When it came to a stop, I could make out that it was a truck, which wasn’t surprising around here. However, when the door swung open and Blaise stepped out, I was not relieved. He happened to be the last person I’d wanted it to be.
“Am I not getting away from you fast enough?” I snapped. “I would have run, but unfortunately, I am wearing these sandals. You’ll have to be patient.”