The home itself was a large circular structure with only a few windows and a conical roof that met in a point and extended down, overlapping the walls of the structure by a few feet. The doorway was large and open. I didn’t see anyone outside and didn’t hear anything inside. The guys lashed the horses to trees.
I walked around the side of the house to look around back for anyone who might be home. This was supposedly the home of Faric’s friends. I wondered how friendly they would actually be. My eyes roamed the garden in back of the house. A large calloused hand clasped over my mouth, another around my stomach. “Stay still, girl. What are you doing here?” A loud bass voice grumbled into my ear. I shook from head to toe, and had I not relieved myself recently, I would have pissed myself. He loosened his grip around my mouth, and I squeaked, “Faric. I’m here with Faric. He and Riven are tying the horses.” He spun me around, and I took in his massive frame. My eyes were even with the upper stomach of a gargantuan man.
Probably in his early thirties, he was muscular yet somewhat chubby. It was a strange combination on such a behemoth. My eyes traveled upward, and I saw a fuzzy red beard and matching scalp, ornery denim eyes, and face dotted with so many freckles they seemed to melt together in places. His cheeks pulled up, revealing a somewhat yellow but friendly smile. “Well, why didn’t ya say so, girly? Come on.” He took off around front and hugged Faric, lifting his feet off the ground and then patted Riven on the shoulder. All were smiling and laughing. I was still shaken a bit but was relieved at such a warm reception.
The mountain of a man yelled, “Ruth! Get out here, woman!” A plump woman, a few inches shorter than me, stepped out of the house. Her apron was covered in flour and pieces of her dark chocolate curly hair fell into her face. She blew them away. She dusted her hands in the air, making a cloud of white surround her.
Then she coughed and laughed and coughed again. “Blasted flour. Get it all over me when I cook.” She ran over to hug Faric and Riven, sharing some of her flour with them too. Then she looked at me, grabbed me by the shoulders, and said, “Well, look at you. You are lovely. What’s your name, dear?”
“Solara, ma’am,” I responded.
“Oh please. Don’t call me ma’am. Makes me feel old. I’m only thirty-two! Call me Ruth. My husband is Jacob. Welcome to our home, sweetie.”
She stood next to me as the men laughed and talked about recent hunts. “So which brother are you with, dear?” She winked one of her dark brown eyes at me.
“Oh neither. They’re just helping me travel.” I said, looking at the trio.
“Right.” She laughed.
“Jacob!” she yelled. “Help them get settled. I’ll see to Solara.”
She motioned for me to follow her into the house as the guys continued their conversation as if she’d never spoken. Stepping into their home, I was overwhelmed by the fragrance of orange and vanilla as it wafted through the air. There were wooden rockers in front of a small fireplace to the side of the room and a table and four chairs near a side window. We walked through the main living area toward the back rooms separated by walls and darkness.
She motioned toward the left to a smaller room. “That’s where the basin is and our clothes. There’s actually a guest bed under there somewhere!” She laughed. “This is mine and Jacob’s bedroom,” she said, motioning to the right. “Come on, and I’ll find you something clean to wear. I know I’m bigger than you, but I’m lethal with a needle. I can make anything fit!” She giggled. She went into the basin room and began to shuffle through dresses that were piled on the bed. “This should work. It’s one of my small ones. I’m showing, so it definitely doesn’t fit now and may never again.” She chuckled.
“You’re pregnant?” I asked.
“Oh yes, dear. Here,” she said, grabbing my hand and placing it on her belly. It was round and hard. I had never felt a pregnant belly before. I laughed. “Wow! Congratulations!”
She giggled. Her laugh was infectious. The dark wisps framing her round tan face shook with her laughter. Her dark eyes sparkled. She was truly beautiful and unique and kind. I really liked her already.
“Let me make a few alterations for the summer.” She went to work, cutting the dress’s length, removing the sleeves and quickly smocking the back, ensuring a fit across my chest and back. I’d seen Annette sew a few times, but it was nothing like what Ruth had crafted. Ruth’s hands moved fluidly and fast. It was fascinating to watch, and I was entranced. When she was happy with her job, she inspected it and said, “Okay, change, and I’ll wash your dress and have it back to ya this evening. You can go down to the beach and explore, and I’ll finish cleaning up and meet you down there.”
“I can help you, and then we can both go down to the beach together if you want,” I offered with a smile.
“Great! Let’s clean, and then you can change. I have a swimsuit that you can wear in case you don’t want to wear your underthings in the ocean.” She giggled. We set about cleaning the flurry of flour over her table and floor among other things.
“I don’t know, Ruth,” I admitted, staring at the small teal bathing suit. “I think I’d be more covered in my corset.”
She laughed and said, “It ties and will cover all of your important bits. Besides, you won’t have to run around in wet undies tonight! Put it on. I have one as well, but it will cover my growing tummy. Not a pretty sight, trust me.” She left to put her swimsuit on as well, leaving me with the tiny teal fabric held together on strings to try to figure out on my own. Finally having the small swimsuit on, I looked down and huffed. Two triangles covered my breasts, held up by strings that tied around my neck and back. Two larger pieces of fabric covered my backside and girl side and tied at my hips. I made sure I had knotted the strings well. I didn’t want anything coming untied in front of the guys.
I stepped out and saw Ruth in a black swimsuit. Its bottom was the same as mine, and the top was similar with an exception of an addition of fabric over her belly. Her bump stuck out so sweetly. She threw a towel to me and grabbed on for herself and motioned for me to follow her. Here goes nothing. Literally. This bathing suit might as well be nothing.
We made our way down a sandy trail to the shore about one hundred feet away. I noticed four men in the water and two women exiting the waves, returning to shore. “Who are they?” I asked Ruth.
“Our friends and neighbors. They live down the beach about half a mile. They’re brothers and sisters. Their parents died a few years back, and they live in their old home.”
“Oh. That’s horrible. Sorry.” I said, just glad I hadn’t asked them myself.
“No worries. You’d have found out soon enough anyway. Probably better that it came from me. That is Athena and Aniya. Their brother is Rafe. He is exceptionally ornery, so be prepared. He’s a walking male hormone. Aniya is quiet and sweet. Athena, not so much. Oh, and she’s sweet on Riven. Very sweet on him. If you are here with him, you’re in for some trouble, girl.” She looked back at me to judge my response.
“I’m not. Like I said, they’re just helping me travel. I promise. Actually, I was recently married in the kingdom.”
“Why did you leave?” she asked, slowing her pace as we were swiftly approaching the women as they sunned on a blanket.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t pry.” She looked away sheepishly.
“No. I’ll tell you but later. It’s complicated,” I said, touching her forearm in reassurance.
She smiled brightly and said, “Well, let’s go then.” As we approached, I noticed that Athena and Aniya wore similar swimsuits. Athena’s raspberry suit covered somewhat more than mine, but she was very well-endowed. Her black hair hung wet to the middle of her back as she lay on her stomach propped on her elbows. Aniya had dark hair that curled tightly even though wet. Her suit was dark blue and though not as well-endowed as Athena, she still had more than I could boast. Her suit had more fabric than either of ours, and she had pulled on a short linen skirt over her bottom in an effort to cover up.
I wished I had one to cover up with as well.
Both had similar honey-brown eyes. They were shaped much the same—long and lean with few curves. I was jealous. I hated my curves. Ruth made the introductions, and Aniya was very sweet and smiled as she shook my hand. Athena all but scowled at me and dug her fingernails in my hand as she pulled me close. She whispered her first threat, “Riven is mine, so don’t get any ideas, sweetheart.” She smiled fake but beautiful as she released her talons and backed away.
I didn’t even acknowledge Athena’s jealous remark. She wasn’t worth it. After years of dealing with Aria, I wasn’t about to let some new crazy chick walk all over me though. The guys yelled for us to join them in the water. Following Ruth’s lead, we spread our towels on the sand next to one another, putting some distance between us and the sisters. I wasn’t sure if any distance would be far enough away from Athena and her scowling expression. Ruth draped her arm through mine and pulled me toward the water. It glistened in the hot sunshine and was clear turquoise perfection.
The water lapped my toes, warm and inviting. I could feel the grains of sand underfoot. “Come on,” taunted the guys, splashing water toward us.
The waves were gentle and rolled over our legs gently. I was worried about Ruth. She was pregnant, and I didn’t want to see her hurt by too rough a wave. “Are you sure you should be out here, Ruth?” She just laughed and kept pulling me out. Faric and Riven were chasing each other around in the neck-high swells. Jacob was speaking with Rafe to our right. Rafe was tall and slim yet muscular too. His hair fell to his eyes at their longest point and appeared to be somewhat curly like Aniya’s as well.
He shared his sisters’ honey-brown eye color although his were clearer and maybe a bit lighter in color. His face was long, and his smile was as striking as his sisters. Also like them, he was very tan, belonging with the sun and sand.
“Hey, Solara!” He waved. “The guys have been talking about you. Are your ears burning?” He smiled, extending his hand.
“No. I can’t imagine what they would have to say about me though,” I admitted, accepting his handshake and looking over toward Riven and Faric.
“Nothing that isn’t absolutely true,” he smirked, dragging his hand through his wet hair as he looked me up and down, taking in as much as the sea didn’t obscure. I could feel myself blushing. Ruth splashed him and pushed him backward into a wave. “Stop it, Rafe. You’ll scare the poor girl with your nonsense.”
He clutched his chest and dramatically fell back as if he’d taken a blow to the heart. Jacob seized the opportunity and dunked his head underwater. He rose back up, spitting seawater out of his mouth and rubbed his eyes clear as well.
I stood up straight and rigid when I heard her. “Yeah, Rafe. Leave her alone.” Athena sauntered through the water toward us.
I didn’t even know it was possible to saunter when your legs were submerged. Aniya followed a few steps behind and rolled her eyes at Athena’s interruption. I stifled a giggle. At least her sister annoyed her too. I wasn’t alone. Athena swam past us and draped her arm around Riven’s shoulder and smirked at me. Rafe spoke up, “Man, she must think you’re a threat, Lara.” He splashed at me.
“Yeah. Next, she’ll pee a circle around him.” I splashed him back, and everyone broke out laughing. Everyone but Athena, that is. She scowled at me through gritted teeth and slinked her arms around Riven’s stomach, putting her head on his shoulder. He refused to look at me.
After getting dressed, I walked barefoot down the path toward the beach where a bonfire had been built and was raging angrily into the night sky. The wind had picked up since our time on the beach today and blew in gusts, throwing my hair into my face and mouth. As I approached the others, I heard Athena’s shrill voice through the darkness. “I mean, she is so weird. Did you see her eyes? They’re purple. And what’s up with the massive tattoo on her back? I’ve never even seen a woman with a tattoo.”
“I think she’s hot. Her eyes are cool, and I think women should seriously consider the tattoo thing because it’s sexy as all get out!” said Rafe.
As I stepped into the light of the fire, everyone hushed. I wore the dress Ruth had so expertly altered for me earlier today. It was black and hit just above the knee. Its neckline in the front and back was square but delicate, and the smocking held the fabric to my body in the right places as Ruth had predicted. Rafe let out a whistle. Faric laughed, and Riven stared at me. Athena scowled as usual while her sister smiled sweetly. Ruth and Jacob motioned me over to join them, which I did. I needed to find a way to see if Faric had devised a plan for our departure. If not, I planned to leave tonight after everyone had fallen asleep. I couldn’t waste any more time here. Certainly my loved ones would pay the price for my delay.
Faric’s eyes met mine several times, but I didn’t know him well enough to know what he was thinking, or if he had in fact made arrangements to leave. Riven seemed to zero in on the looks between Faric and myself and looked obviously displeased by our speechless displays. Athena didn’t appear to enjoy the fact that Riven had been watching us instead of paying attention to her. Jacob and Ruth cuddled up underneath a blanket, and he rubbed her belly sweetly. They were the first to leave a couple of hours past dark. Ruth said she was tired from the day spent in the sun and wanted to rest.
“Why don’t we play a little game,” suggested Athena, one brow quirked, and her mouth pulled up in a prissy smile. “Come on over and sit with us, Solara.” It wasn’t like I was far away, but I got up and moved closer, sitting beside Rafe and Aniya. Rafe got up and dusted the sand off of his shorts and said he would be back in a few minutes. He returned with a bottle of what I assumed was liquor of some sort. Great. A drinking game. My stomach churned remembering what had transpired the last time I drank. Maylon and a teenage boy ended up dead, and I ended up running for my life.
“Truth or dare is the game,” said Athena. “I’ll go first.” Crap. Really. Truth or Dare, what are we like thirteen? “Rafe, truth or dare?” she asked.
Rafe pursed his lips and cocked his head in deep thought.
“Dare of course.”
“Okay. I dare you to run out into the water and go under fully clothed.” He groaned but stood up and ran as fast as he could into the waves and splashed down into them and then jogged back, his clothes dripping feverishly clung to his body. He took a swig from the bottle.
“My turn,” said Rafe, looking around. “Aniya, truth or dare?”
She looked up and winced and said, “Truth.”
Rafe shook his head but said, “Is it true that you are also in love with Riven?” Rafe plastered a huge smile in Athena’s direction. She shot daggers back at him with her glare.
“Uh,” she said, looking over at her sister, “No!” She laughed. “I am not madly in love with Riven!” She grabbed the bottle from Rafe and drank.
Aniya looked around and then looked at me. Oh no. Then she grinned and said, “Riven.”
Thank goodness. Riven chose dare, and Aniya dared him to kiss Athena. Athena sidled up to him and leaned in. I cringed. I hated her, but it wasn’t because she liked Riven, right? I mean, he could be with whomever he wanted to be. I shouldn’t care. Riven tilted his head and then pecked her lips and backed away smiling. Athena pushed his chest and said, “That was pathetic, Riven.” He laughed and took the bottle and drank.
I thought about staying but needed to get some rest if I was going to make my great escape, so I stood up and dusted off the back of my legs and dress and turned to leave. “Solara,” said Riven. “Truth or dare?”
“Oh, I’m gonna head back to Jacob and Ruth’s and turn in for the night.” I turned to leave. There was no way I was going to play games with them. I didn’t want them to know anything about me, and I wasn’t about to run clothed into the water or kiss anyone here. They groaned and laughed and someone threw a seashell at me. Rafe yelled for me to come back. I ignored them and walked into the darkness. Once into the vegetation, a hand caught my elbow. I a
lmost screamed but saw it was Faric’s, and he put a finger over his lips indicating that I should be quiet. I shoved him and whispered, “You scared me to death!”
He laughed. His dark pink lips glowed in the moonlight. “The quickest way will be by boat, but we would need to wait a day or so. There is a storm rolling in tonight. The currents will be unpredictable.” I agreed knowing that I would set off on my own anyway. I needed to return to Altair. He wouldn’t let Wes, Lil, or Annette go unless I did, and if I showed up with Faric or Riven, he’d likely kill Faric for not returning me sooner and would definitely kill Riven for taking me in the first place. Not to mention their strained relationship from the introduction, balcony, and reveal. He was probably itching to exact revenge on Riven. Faric looked at me uneasily and said good night and turned to go back to the bonfire.
I quickly ran to Jacob’s and grabbed a lit candle and started packing. I grabbed some food, my dress and a cloak, which I intended to return when I could. The nights could get so cold, and if a storm was rolling in, I would be soaked without one. I grabbed my things and started out toward the horses, praying no one heard me when I made my escape.
I untangled the reigns of the horse, earning a small neigh and a sad look from his eyes. But before I could climb up, someone grabbed my arm. I almost screamed. Great. “You followed me!” I whispered angrily. “Just go back to the bonfire, Faric, and leave me alone!”
He smiled at me and cocked his head to the side. “Not going to happen, princess.”
“Why not? Just go. This is my problem,” I said through gritted teeth. I tried to shake his grip from my arm without success. “Let me go. And don’t call me princess.”
Pariah (The New Covenant Series) Page 18
