“I didn’t work for this.”
“No, but we did it to offer our family a good life. We want to share it with you.”
I offer her a kind smile. She has a good heart and is genuine—I can read it on her easily. Earlier at the party, she and my father seemed so different, maybe they were acting a certain way because of all the people around us, but I could be wrong. “What about my aunt?”
Her lips briefly tip downward. She sighs and glances me over. She carefully takes my hand and pulls me toward my bed with a lace paisley coverlet that’s more delicate than anything I’ve ever owned. I’m supposed to sleep with it, which both excites and terrifies me. “Diana is your father’s sister. She’s always been jealous, I suppose. It became more pronounced when you were born, but she changed once you were kidnapped. She’s stepped up and hired many private investigators to try to find you for us.”
“And Hunter?”
She grins. “Always back to him… I shouldn’t be surprised. He’s been stuck to your side since you were born. He was your own little soldier, always looking out for you when you were tiny. We thought it fate, you and he intertwined throughout your lives, and perhaps it’d blossom into something more. Unfortunately, when you disappeared, those hopes and dreams went along with your absence. I couldn’t cope day to day for many years. My friendship with his mother suffered terribly. His father, Henry, and yours are still good friends, though.”
“He’s a decent guy, though?” I want her to confirm. I already know what I think of him, but I need to hear it come from my mother as well. I have to learn to re-trust my instincts, but Hunter has thrown me all off track with him leaving abruptly and withholding important information.
“He’s had his hand in a bit of trouble from time to time. He’s toed the line between good and evil. Overall, however, yes, I’d say that young man is good. His heart is pure, and in the end, that’s where it truly matters the most with love.”
I dip my head, silently agreeing with her. Talking about him only makes me miss him more and wonder all over again what I did to make him leave so suddenly. Men are confusing, I’m learning as much already.
My mother lets the subject drop for now, going back to the latter. “Speaking of your aunt. She has a room here, or rather, a wing. She comes and goes as she pleases, so don’t be surprised if you see her around. She may be moody at times, but she’s harmless overall. Don’t let her push you around if she should try. Stand up for yourself, and she’ll back off. I had to do the same many years ago when I started dating your father.”
“What general direction is hers in so I can stay far out of her way?”
“Hmm.” She shakes her head. “You’re our main priority. Don’t worry for a minute about being in her way, you go wherever you desire. The world is at your fingertips, and we’ll do whatever we can to make sure your happiness is at the forefront. We want you to succeed and live a fulfilled life.”
“I appreciate it. Thank you for your understanding and kindness about it all.”
She waves me off. “Of course, my beauty. Besides, your aunt is usually in the lower level, underneath the house. There’s the garage and another level as well. Your father had a lab amongst other rooms built down there when he designed this house. I don’t know what she fills her days in within the dreary space, but it certainly involves her wearing a lot of black.” She ends it with a soft melodic laugh.
It’s contagious, and I find myself giggling along with her. “Underground lair, noted. I’ll stick to above ground.” Hopefully, it’s enough not to have any more run-ins with the wretched woman. You wouldn’t think she’d act so rudely by looking at her. She’s quite stunning in her own Medusa sort of way.
She smiles widely, her hand gently patting my cheek. She stands, gliding toward another door tucked in the corner of the room. She opens the door, and a light immediately flips on automatically. It’ll take me some time to get used to the feature and so much space, no doubt. “This is your closet. I had the staff run out today and pick up some satin and silk pajamas. There are nightgowns, shorts, pants, robes, slippers, and anything else your heart could desire tonight. We’ll go shopping soon, perhaps take a trip to Paris and make a weekend of it. I love their selections every time we visit. So much variety to choose from you don’t find here.”
I smile with a quick nod. The thought of jetting to another country is exciting but also kind of terrifying since I’ve just met her after being gone most of my life. I’d probably feel comfortable if a certain broody biker were with us, and don’t get me started about having everything my heart desires tonight. If my mother knew I wanted the biker in my bed, naked, she’d probably pass out. While I’m thinking about health, I remember what Hunter told me about when he found me. Probably best to ask my mother as she’d be the one to know about my medical history. “Oh, um, am I allergic to anything?”
“Hmm. Foods or bugs or something else?”
“Anything you’re aware of, especially plants.”
She frowns for a second before her face lights with an answer, and she holds a finger up. “Yes, as a matter of a fact, you are. Iodine, betadine, and poison sumac. Poison sumac is found in swamps, wetlands, pinewoods, and hardwood forests. It has multiple forms growing as a shrub or small tree that can get as tall as twenty-five feet or so. It looks completely harmless, but it can be deadly to you. I’ll show you pictures tomorrow, so you’re well aware of what it is. I’ll also make sure it’s destroyed from any of our properties. I won’t have you touching it accidentally.”
“Thank you. I appreciate everything,” I say again, but I feel like I can’t tell her enough.
“I know you do, my sweet girl. Not a girl anymore, though, I suppose.” She sniffles, getting emotional. “You’re such an amazing woman already, I can hardly wait to get to know you. Now, get some rest. We have lots of catching up to do. Sleep as long as you need to. You’re safe here in a house full of people who love you.”
“Good night, please tell my father for me.”
“I will. I apologize on his behalf. He’s much more emotional today than he has been in quite a long time. He needs to gain his bearings. After a few days, he’ll be around more and most likely peppering you with questions. He’ll want to know absolutely everything about you. Your father has always adored you with everything he is.” She leaves me with the parting thought, closing the bedroom door behind her.
As soon as I’m alone, I head for the closet, lose the constrictive evening gown for a soft night dress in pale blue. It reminds me of my old dress. It may have been tattered and torn, but it was mine. I move to the massive windows at the far side of the room and discover a door leading outside to a balcony. I open them all, breathing in the cool night air deeply.
Rather than sleep in the lavish bed, I grab the blankets and place them next to the windows and door. Laying down, I curl up on my side to stare out into the darkness. I find the stars, the same dim lights I’ve watched many nights while falling asleep. This time, I don’t wonder what’s out there past our tiny hut, but rather, if Hunter is gazing at them as well.