Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

Days turned to weeks as I slowly adjusted to the way of life on Heathens Hollow with Erik. Each day that passed was another day Erik and I grew closer. He was a good man, a hard worker like my father had been, but he was not the same monster. I had grown to trust him—the man who had stolen me but now provided a sanctuary.

We lived an isolated life. No visitors came, nor did we visit anyone. I didn't mind the solitary life with Erik. In fact, I believed it made us grow closer. We talked into the hours of the night about our pasts and hopes for the future. Erik was the first person in my life who listened to me when I spoke. He seemed to care. And when I told the dark stories of my childhood, Erik would wipe my tears as he held me tightly. He would promise that I would never feel such abuse again. He promised me that he would protect me forever.

I had grown to love Erik, and I believed he had grown to love me.

We didn't say the words. No one ever had said those words to me, so I wasn't expecting to hear them. But I noticed how he watched me, with a different look in his eyes. He held me differently. He kissed me differently, and he even fucked me differently. Maybe it was because he was getting used to my daily presence, but something deep inside told me that he loved me.

I was so deep in thought, reflecting on the past couple of weeks, that I hadn't noticed Erik walk up behind me as I washed the last of the dishes.

"You seem a million miles away," he said, taking the dish from my hand and placing it down. He spun me around to face him. "What is my good girl thinking so hard about?"

God, I loved when he called me that.

I smiled, enjoying his smell, his appearance, his everything. "Lost in thought, I suppose. Thinking of the last couple of weeks."

"And?"

"And what?"

"What do you think of the last couple of weeks? Are you happy?"

"I am." And I was. I was telling the truth.

Erik's eyes lit up as he leaned in to lightly kiss my lips. "Good. I know it's been tough, and it's been lean around here, but I appreciate your upbeat spirit. It gives me hope that we'll make this place a profitable farm. I think by the next harvest, we'll have enough to store and go to the main part of Heathens Hollow and sell at the farmer's market. I should be able to start in a day or two."

"That's wonderful," I said as I cuddled into his body, needing his warmth against my naked skin. I couldn't get enough of this man. "Will I be able to go to the market with you?"

Erik wrapped his arms around me, holding me firmly against his massive chest. "I don't know if it's wise yet. I'm pretty sure people are still looking for you."

I nodded, not wanting to push my luck.

As he released me from his embrace and took me by the hand, a loud knock at the door made me jump and nearly squeal. We had never had any visitors, and certainly not at night.

Erik stiffened, his jaw tightened. "Go to the bedroom."

I quickly did as he asked. Who could possibly be at the door? Was it a member of Poseidon Enterprises? Someone from the Godwin family? Could Marx have told someone where to find me? My heart thumped hard as I stood near the door, hoping to hear who it was.

"What are you doing here?" Erik's deep, husky voice was unmistakable.

"Now is that the way to welcome your brother?" I instantly recognized Pasco, and a shiver raced through me. What was he doing here?

"Whatever you're here for, you can forget it. I told you, I'm done."

"I know what you say, and I also know the reality."

It might not have been the wisest thing for me to do, but I reached for a quilt and wrapped it around my body as I padded barefoot into the main room. Both men turned to face me the instant the door closed behind me, announcing my presence.

"Ah, so you decided to keep her after all," Pasco said with a devilish smile.

Erik motioned for me to come to him, and I slowly made my way to his side as he sat down at the kitchen table. Pasco followed him and also took a seat, his lecherous eyes never leaving my body.

"You may have got the better deal when it comes to women, brother," Pasco said as he leaned back in the chair and stretched. "Rue was fun while it lasted, but she didn't stick around."

"Keep your eyes off her," Erik roared as he slammed his fist on the table. I moved my chair closer against his thigh, desperate for his protection and security.

Pasco raised his hands. "Calm down. Calm down. I'm not interested in her, but I am interested in getting some fucking money. I need more, and by the looks of your place, I would say you do, too."

"Pasco, I'm losing patience. Why are you here?"

"There's a boat with a large gun shipment coming through the Sound about forty miles from here. They're scheduled to be passing through tomorrow morning."

"I'm not hijacking any more boats. I told you this."

"Yes, but this boat is different. It's a large shipment full of enough guns to set us up pretty. Big money this time. Think what we could do with a shipment like that."

"Have you lost your mind? Don't you think the Godwins will be expecting this shipment, and after having us steal their last one will have massive security?"

"My intel tells me they are trying to enter undetected, so they are keeping it low-key. It's going to be an easy steal. Simple." Pasco looked so smug and full of himself as he crossed his legs at the ankles and laced his fingers behind his head. "I've got it all worked out."

"The Godwins are going to kill you. For all we know, this could be a death trap."

"Come on, brother, when have we ever been afraid of a job? No risk, no reward."

"No."

"No, what?"

"Count me out. I'm done."

Pasco glanced at me then back at Erik. "You sound like Shay. He won't go on the job because he was fool enough to get his bitch pregnant, and he won't leave her side. Fucking dumbass."

"Then I guess you're on your own for this one."

"So you would rather starve?" Pasco asked. "Is that truly providing? How many nights have you both gone to bed hungry? How many more nights are in store? I'm giving you the opportunity to change all that. One more job, and you could have all the money you need. You know I'm right."

Erik sat in silence—an eerie silence that caused my stomach to tighten.

Pasco must have sensed his brother weakening. "You moved to Heathens Hollow to make a new life. With some more money, you could have it. Don't you feel that you and your"—Pasco glanced at me again—"new gal deserve the chance? Otherwise, your dream of living off the land is over."

Erik looked at me with sadness in his eyes. Not breaking his stare, he said, "Meet me outside, Pasco. I'll be out in a minute."

"I knew you were a smart man," Pasco said as he rose and went to the door. "I'll get your bike ready."

When the door shut, I grabbed a hold of Erik's arm. "Please don't go. Please!"

Erik stood and lifted me to standing as well. "One more job. That's it."

"You already said that. Please, it's not worth it. What happens if you get caught? Or killed by the Godwins?"

Erik took hold of my shoulders and stared at me directly in the eyes. "Nothing is going to happen to me. I'll be back by tomorrow night."

"And what if you aren't?" Panic built inside of me. I didn't want to lose him. "What will happen if you don't return?"

"I will. Trust in that."

"How can I trust? You said crime was behind you. Those were your words. Now you're willing to risk everything for?—"

"For us!" Erik snapped. "My brother is right. We won't survive the winter unless something is done." He headed over to a chest and began to pull out weapons. "I'm going. This conversation is over."

"If you do this, then you're not the man I've grown to love. You're a good man, Erik. You're a better man than your brother. You're not a criminal."

He paused, frozen by my words.

"Erik—"

Without another word, Erik resumed gathering his weapons then went out the door. I couldn't stand there and not see him leave, so I positioned myself at the doorway and watched as he and Pasco hopped on their bikes.

He never once looked back at me.