“You know why I left your room.”
“I get it. You didn’t want anyone to know about us.’
“Nope, I didn’t want to listen to your God-awful snoring.”
He moaned and swatted her bottom lightly. “You little minx. You snore too.” He was glad they could move away from some of the stress even if only for a few minutes.
She shrugged and the neckline of the shirt she wore slipped a few inches, exposing the strap of her red bra. He felt a stirring behind his zipper and cursed himself. Since when did a glimpse at an undergarment cause a reaction in his balls?
She pressed her hand against his chest. “I should let you get some sleep.”
For a man who was as sleepy as he was, he didn’t allow slumber to take hold until he heard the soft, gentle snores from Novah telling him that she’d fallen asleep. He stared at her, taking in the delicate lines of her face, the soft blanket of her hair as it splayed over the cushion, and the sweet whimpers that drifted up in her throat as if she were dreaming. Inhaling her scent, he absorbed it into his soul. Lifting a finger he brushed her chin, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. You’ll always be safe with me.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“ARE YOU SURE?”
“They’re clothes, Novah. Not the key to my deepest, darkest secrets. I even gave Pao some to give to Lindsay.” Hannah laughed as she took out a gauzy green dress from her closet. “This will bring out the color of your eyes.”
Novah didn’t care what she wore because she was still reeling from waking up earlier, alone on the couch after she’d slept there with Egan. Thankfully, she’d found a note next to her from him, “I’m with Pao. Be back soon.” She touched the delicate material of the dress and smiled. “Sure.”
Hannah shoved the dress into Novah’s chest. “Try it on.”
She couldn’t help but feel a connection with Hannah. She was kind and it showed in the glow of her face. Taking the offering, Novah went into the adjoining bathroom. Taking off her T-shirt and jeans that were wrinkled, she pulled the dress over her head, dropping the soft material around her curves. The soft and lightweight fabric was even prettier on.
“Thank you for letting me borrow something,” she said as she stepped out of the bathroom
“No problem.” Hannah placed a stack of clothes and a pair of boots on the vanity. “These are yours.”
“Hannah, I can’t take your clothes.” Did the other woman know something Novah didn’t? She was hoping she and Egan would be leaving the farm sometime today.
“Sharing is caring around these parts. I have enough clothes that I won’t miss them.” Hannah waved a hand through the air. “I think I heard the men downstairs. Should we join them?”
“Yes.” Novah was anxious to speak to Lindsay.
They made their way downstairs and Novah met Egan’s gaze across the space of the living room. She knew what she saw in his eyes and it triggered something amazingly warm in the center of her body, but her logic still put up a fight.
Pao was sitting on one of the chairs, his scowl back into place. Lindsay, who was huddled in the corner of the couch, looked lost. A colorful blanket was wrapped around her shoulders, and she sat with her gaze down, but her chin had a stubborn tilt. There was strength in the woman no doubt.
“Good morning, Lindsay,” Novah said in greeting.
A glimpse of a smile swept over Lindsay, but her eyes remained troubled and cool.
“How did you sleep?”
Flicking her gaze on Pao then back to Novah, Lindsay said, “I managed a few hours. I had hoped that this was all a nightmare and when I woke up, I would be back home.”
“I have a pot of coffee on,” Hannah chimed in. “Why don’t I grab it, because it looks like we could all use a pick me up.”
“Thank you, Novah, for helping me. I-I don’t know where I’d be now.” Tears came to Lindsay’s eyes, but she blinked and they were gone.
Novah cast a quick glance over at Egan. She sensed that he was brooding this morning. Had something transpired that Novah was missing?
Hannah swept back in like the rays of sunshine carrying a tray. Once she placed it on the coffee table, she turned to Lindsay. “We haven’t had the pleasure. I’m Hannah, Pao’s sister.”
“This is your place, right?”
“It’s our family’s place. While you’re here I want you to feel at home. The fresh air and sunshine have been known to help many folks.” Hannah darted her gaze to Egan.
Lindsay pushed the blanket off her shoulders and stared down at her clasped hands in her lap. “I’d like to go home.” When no one responded, she lifted her gaze, looking at each of them expectantly. “But it’s starting to sink in that going home isn’t an option.”
Novah looked to Egan for an answer but he remained quiet, pensive.
Pao said, “Lindsay, we need to hear all the details of why you were in last night’s situation.”
She threaded her fingers through her hair that looked much healthier now that it was brushed. She was quite pretty, minus the bruises on her cheek and the dark circles under her eyes. “I can’t remember everything.”
“Look, we—” Pao started but Novah motioned for him to wait.
“How about your relationship with Mr. Langley?” Novah verbalized the question they must have all been thinking.
Her face flushed. She hesitated, shifting on the cushion. “You all must think I’m horrible.”
“Why would we think you’re horrible? You were kidnapped, drugged and brought to Lake Jade. That’s hardly your
