Page 47 of Thorns Laced In Blood

The garden and the playroom were my two favourite places. I loved Saul’s house not because it was beautiful but because every single room held memories of us in them. After that night, he had taken to fucking me where ever he found me. It made my cooking lessons difficult and unsanitary. However, it might have had something to do with my new wardrobe and my teasing.

I fluffed up his pillow and moved Bear to my side. He never said anything but the way he looked at him sometimes I feared for Bear’s stuffing. I frowned as I stroked Bear’s belly all the murderous looks were when I was affectionate with Bear.

Who would hate Bear when he wore the cutest red sweater?

I smiled when I heard his footsteps on the stairs. We usually came up together, but he said he wanted to double-check the house's security system. As he opened the door, I realised he was a flawless liar. He carried a large tray toward the bed, but I squirmed in embarrassment when he reached me.

“I take it you don't want me to sing you happy birthday?” he said with a cocked eyebrow.

“God, no. Please do not sing it,” I said, already feeling overwhelmed.

“Maeve, it’s a cupcake with a candle in it. How much more low-key can I get?” he exclaimed, setting the tray on the nightstand.

“I know. I’m not used to the attention,” I said, smiling awkwardly at him but stifling a groan when I saw the love-heart-wrapped presents.

“So you can violate my credit cards as much as you want, but I can't do this?” he asked, scratching his head in confusion.

“You make a valid point, sir. I love the internet,” I said, thinking of the clothes, shoes, and books that I’d bought. I might have a problem.

I lifted the cupcake, looking at the flickering flame flutter.

“Thank you,” I said before closing my eyes to make my wish.

His hand rested on my thigh, and I reached out to him until he held my hand. I wished for him to be with me on every birthday I had.

I blew on the cupcake. My favourite. Chocolate, fresh vanilla cream and strawberries.

“Happy Birthday, Maeve,” he said as I opened my eyes to his expectant green ones.

Before I could say anything, he handed me a present and put the cake on the tray. I thought it was a book, but when I ripped open the white and red paper, I saw a framed picture of me, my dad, and Bear. It was taken in the hospital when Bear was new and when I was innocent. I touched my Dad’s face through the glass as hints of memories sneaked back.

“Why did she do it? What did I do? How can a mother—” I asked, stopping before my tears fell. She didn't get to spoil our time.

“Addiction, selfishness or some people are simply evil,” he said softly.

“I would eat out of rubbish bins and work harder before I sold children,” I snapped at him angrily.

He took the photo frame out of my hand to place it on the tray before he pulled me onto his lap. I swung my legs around to dangle them between his and held onto him. My anchor. His arms closed around me, and he rocked his leg.

“You always know how to calm me down before I burst,” I sighed.

“Usually, I just stick my dick inside you,” he said, his words rumbling in his chest, but he made me smile.

“I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing,” I said, knowing he would continue to eliminate the men who prayed on vulnerable women and children.

“Uh, part of your gift is some good news,” he said, and I sat up at the hesitance in his voice. “We found another girl.”

My mouth fell open, and I gasped.

“Alive?” I asked, wincing when I remembered the girl’s dead eyes.

“Alive. She is being looked after, and I've heard that recovery is going well.”

“God, it never occurred to me that the evil bastard would get another girl. Do you know her name?”

He pushed my hair back, glancing at my scar before kissing my forehead.

“Daisy,” he said, and I beamed at him.

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