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Another chuckle is his only response. A moment later, a soft snore comes from behind me, and it’s my turn to suppress a laugh. He’s still firm inside me, yet he’s already asleep again.

I don’t understand how he manages to fall asleep so quickly. Apparently, he’s worn out.

When his arms loosen, I carefully roll away. He sighs heavily but doesn’t open his eyes.

A male like Conall is too intense with too many sharp edges to ever look truly young or childish, but, looking at him now, I can see the ghost of the boy he once was in his features.

Quietly, I gather my clothes and carry them into the bathing chamber to wash and dress for the day. When I emerge, I find Hunter in the kitchen, brewing a pot of tea.

“I heard you up and about,” he murmurs. “Would you like some tea?”

“Please,” I reply, moving over to the table to sit. “I slept later than I planned.”

“You haven’t been sleeping well, so I’d say you needed it.”

I decide toast with butter and jam sounds lovely for a midday snack-slash-breakfast. A half loaf of bread sits on a board in the center of the table, a bread knife beside it. While Hunter brews tea, I cut off a thick slice of bread and carry it to the fire to toast it.

A few minutes later, I’m munching away on my snack with a cup of tea, and Hunter sits across from me.

“I need to go to Vera’s tomorrow,” I say, licking breadcrumbs from my thumb. “I have orders from the healers and apothecaries in Grimdale and Grimsgate, and I have to start the salves and tinctures, so they’ll be ready for delivery in a couple of weeks. Not to mention, I need the money badly.”

“Conall and I will walk you to Vera’s, but why do you need the money?” he asks.

I frown at him. “So I can find a place to live and buy food, clothes, and the occasional book, Hunter. The same reasons you and Conall need money.”

He shakes his head. “You already have a place to live,” he insists. “This cottage. It’s your home as long as you want it to be. And Conall and I are happy to take care of you. We have quite a bit of coin saved between the two of us. We can take care of you.”

My chest tightens at his words and the thoughts they invoke. The idea of having no home and no money of my own terrifies me. I’d be trapped. What if he and Conall changed after I agree to mate them? What if they’re only treating me well now because I have the ability to leave?

The thoughts are unfair, because neither of them has given me reason to question their motives, but I can’t help it. Men can and do become cruel and controlling once they’ve stripped a woman of her independence. I can’t let myself become such a woman.

Instead of lashing out with those words, I take a moment and breathe. I know Hunter means well, and he doesn’t deserve to have his kind intentions thrown in his face.

I need to try and reason with him. “It’s important to me to have my own money and to have my own home. I know you and Conall want to take care of me, but I need to know I’ll be fine if I have to take care of myself. It’s the only way I’ll feel safe.”

Hunter studies me closely, and I worry we’re about to have our first argument. My stomach clenches at the thought. I’m still unsure if I’m ready to permanently commit to a relationship with either him or Conall, but I don’t want our time together to be clouded by harsh words and bad feelings.

But he surprises me.

With a nod, he says, “I know exactly what type of woman you are, Scarlett. I knew when I decided to pursue you. And I understand. All I want is for you to be safe and happy. If achieving your happiness means Conall and I have to walk you to your grandmother’s house, then so be it. Now, how long will you need tomorrow to finish your tasks?”

“Tomorrow will be a full day. And maybe the next day as well. After that, just an hour every other day or so to check the tinctures and salves are steeping properly.”

“What would you need here in order to make your mixtures here?” he asks, obviously curious.

“A root cellar,” I begin. “Burners, glass bottles, a large cauldron, a stone mortar and pestle, and some other odd and ends. I have a lot of things, but there are still a few things I need.”

He nods, but doesn’t say anything except to ask, “Could you write down a list for me when I get some paper?”

“Of course,” I reply, a little unsure.

Hunter nods and gets to his feet. “Now, you go wake Conall while I make some lunch and we’ll work in the garden this afternoon.”

Feeling better about my place in Hunter’s home, I immediately jump up and head toward the bedroom.

My toast was delicious, but I’m ready for something a little more filling.

Chapter Nineteen