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“Yeah. I told her there is no us. Never will be. In any form of a relationship. That’s when I really started getting angry. She wouldn’t listen. Just kept pushing my buttons and twisting my words to suit what she needed.”

Unable to look at Clover, I hang my head. “I couldn’t get my emotions under control, even after I hung up on her. Thank god she didn’t call back. I probably would have destroyed the phone. And I couldn’t face you in that condition. I didn’t want you to feel like my anger had anything to do with you.”

She presses her palm to my cheek and encourages me to look at her. “Unfortunately, when you didn’t talk to me, that’s exactly what I thought. Believed I’d done something wrong. That’s something I’ve been trying to work on. It’s so hard, though. Ever since my younger sister was born, pretty much anything that went wrong in my family was my fault.”

I don’t want to frighten her or do something to reinforce her negative thoughts. We both need to feel close to the truth. “Can I hold you?”

She nods. As I rise, I pull her to her feet and into my embrace. After a stiff moment, her body relaxes against mine and her arms wrap my waist. She rests her cheek against my chest. Holding her tightly, I stroke her hair and sense her sigh. It feels right when we barely sway side to side. Another layer of comfort and acceptance. This perfect moment is all we need.

nine

Clover

We had a long, successful day in the forge. Knight completed all his projects except for some final polishing and finish work. When I took a break from working on my grinder skills, I found some wire and wrapped one of the plain stones I’d been using for practice to make a pendant. Other than a few crimps in the wire since it had been used before, the end result looked nice enough to wear.

I was hesitant to show it to Knight, the work was so simple compared to what he does, but his reaction was genuine and encouraging. Maybe I’ve discovered a creative venture I’m good at. Despite what he says it’ll take a lot more practice before I’m satisfied though.

He was just as enthusiastic when I suggested trying to put a bezel on the upper point of one of his spinning tops. He makes jewelry, so he knows how to set stones securely. A shiny crystal would increase the beauty, and value of the tops. When we go to the crystal shop in town, he suggested I pick out a few that I think would work for the tops. And for my wire wrapped pendants.

We worked through lunch and it’s late enough in the afternoon that the evening shadows are easing across the surrounding mountains. Tonight I’m fixing pasta and making more biscuits, garlic with a little cheese this time.

We’d continued to share our personal histories during the day. Now, I’m feeling talked out. I’ve told him more about my childhood, and the rest of my life, than I’ve ever told anyone. I still have secrets that I’ll share when the timing is right.

Maybe tonight, if the way he keeps ‘accidentally’ touching my hand or brushing against me is any indication. Wanting more of his overwhelming kisses keeps my senses on full alert.

The sound of a roaring engine freezes both of us and Knight glances toward the door. The sound cuts off and a moment later someone shouts, “Knight, you in there? Come out. Now.”

Panic overflows my system. “Sugar lumps, no. It can’t be.”

“What, Clover? What’s wrong?”

“That’s Pete. He’s found me. No, I won’t go back. I…”

Knight’s finger presses against my lips. “Shh, darlin’. I’ll take care of it. You’re safe here. You’re always safe with me. You understand?”

Swallowing back my panic, I nod. “I do. I’m safe. You be careful. He sounds angry.”

He tries to move away but I’m clutching his shirt. His hands cover mine. “Don’t worry, Clover. Stay out of sight.”

Nodding again, I take three backward steps until I’m in the shadows at the edge of the kitchen.

“Knight.” Pete’s rough command makes me tremble. After only a few hours in his presence, I’d known he expects compliance to his demands.

“Be careful,” I repeat, to myself as well as to Knight’s back as he opens the door and steps outside.

Curiosity overrides common sense and I tiptoe to the single window at the front of the cabin and peek through a gap in the plantation shutters. Pete stands in front of his huge truck with his legs spread and arms crossed. About six feet away, Knight faces him and mirrors his posture. There’s enough light I can see Pete’s expression. His voice is loud enough I don’t have to strain to hear his sharp words.

“Have you seen a woman wandering around? Brown hair. Braid. Fat ass.”

Knight remains silent. Pete shifts and I bite back a gasp. He’s wearing a holster under his jacket. I’d never seen him with a gun. What do I do? If he hurts Knight I’ll never forgive myself for putting him in danger.

“Have you seen her?”

“You lose her?”

Peas and carrots, don’t antagonize him. I don’t know what he might do.

“Ran off. Don’t much care except she stole from me.”