Page 14 of Forsaken Secrets

My body ached to lash out, but now was not the time. Not yet.

We'd repay our debt within the next year, and then we'd be free. Until then, she held our lives in her venomous little claws, and I had to keep myself under control.

So I just curtseyed as prettily as I could at her back and said, "Yes, my lady," before turning and walking towards the back of the store.

Gods, that woman made me angry!

"Kaiya," A low voice whispered from the back room, making me jump. Mr. Harlsted stepped out of the shadows, a sad smile on his lips, as he passed me my pack. I didn't even realize I'd left it at the front.

Smiling gratefully, I slipped it over my shoulders and turned to go, but he held out a hand to stop me. "You should have everything on your shopping list in there, but let me know if I missed anything."

I tried to object, but he stopped me with a sharp look. "Don't worry. I took it out of the amount before giving her the total. I couldn't just sit by and watch her ruin all your hard work. Besides, I doubt she'll even notice."

Grateful, I smiled at him. "Can you send me a receipt for how much you gave her? Knowing her, she'll take that money, then claim we haven't paid a dime."

His gaze hardened, but he nodded, and I gave him a quick hug before stepping out into the alley behind the shop.

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