Page 40 of Unexpected Heroine

False.

“No doy, babe.”

Grinning, he just shakes his head at me and grabs a few glasses from the cupboard.

That type of quip usually earns me extra spankings during fun time.

Not sure we’ll be having any of those for a long while. Guess that means I have a free sass pass.

And that’s how you look on the bright side. Papa would be so proud.

After serving us, James pours himself a tea, then immediately spits it into the sink because it’s too sweet for him. Lame. Ultimately, he gets himself water instead.

The three of us engage in amiable conversation like we typically would.

Everything is just . . . normal.

Eventually, though, the conversation dries up. I suspect Freya wants to ask me about what happened. She deserves to know. But that doesn’t mean I want to talk about it.

Avoiding it, however, feels disingenuous to our friendship.

The vibe grows stilted. I sense it’s up to me to break the silence.

Grab them chesticles and woman up, Lettie Holt.

“Welp, Freya, I’m sure you’ve got questions for me. No sense beatin’ all ‘round the bush. Let ‘er rip.”

“Don’t be silly, girl. I didn’t come over here to make you relive it.”

The relief shooting through me is nearly tangible.

Freya takes my hand, squeezing it gently. “How about you unpack the clothes I brought so you can make sure I didn’t forget anything? If you need something else, I’ll bring it tomorrow.”

My eyes dart down the hall, and a shiver runs down my spine at the thought of walking down there alone. It’s just a bedroom. I should be able to go in there on my own.

But there’s no way.

Dodge rammit. I’m gonna end up embarrassing myself in front of Freya by asking James to accompany me.

After being perceived as weak for most of my life, I don’t want another person to view me that way, regardless of the circumstances.

James must recognize my indecision for what it is—cowardice. Without prompting, he grabs the duffel bag. “I’ll carry it for you, sugar.”

Wordlessly and with a lump in my throat, I watch him ease around the table. Before he leaves the kitchen, he throws a wink over his shoulder at me.

Tears fill my eyes again.

He knows I’ll feel more comfortable if he’s in there.

Freya puts her hand on top of mine. “I’ll help you.” She must sense something off with my reaction.

Nodding, I let her pull me from the table, and we follow James down the hall.

Once we’re inside the bedroom, James sets my bag on the bed and unzips it.

I wave him off. “No worries. I’ll handle it. Why don’t you go relax?”

He tries to hide his shocked reaction, but I see it in the twinkle of his widening eyes. “I’ll go grab your drinks. Be right back.”

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