Page 25 of Manacled Hearts

I nod, glancing in the mirror one final time, before I walk out to find Maya in the living room, twirling in her new dress.

“She chose it herself,” Katya says, “I suggested some leggings and a blouse, but she saw the dress and I think I stopped existing for her after that.”

I smirk, knowing full well that girl adores dresses. As girly as possible, too. She’s not that fussed about colors, although she seems to love this dusty-pink. This one is casual, long enough to cover her knees and slightly pinched at the waist. When I shift my gaze lower, I realize Katya bought us matching Converse, and Maya is wearing hers, too. This might be the cutest thing.

She’s adorable.

“Come on, little girl, let’s go.” I grab her hand and follow Brinn and Katya out the door.

* * *

When Katya mentioned woods, this stunning house was not what I expected to find in the middle of it. Dark wood and enormous windows blend seamlessly between the trees of the forest. But that’s not what’s been making me gawk like an idiot—it’s the people. The atmosphere.

“Welcome! Come in, come in.” A stunning woman with wild, red curls waves us inside.

The enticing smells of grilled meat and something deliciously sweet make my mouth water, but the laughter from the background distracts me. This house is alive.

“Hello!” my sister says with a teeth-showing grin, but she doesn’t leave my hold.

“Hi! You must be Maya,” the redhead says. “I’m Morrigan. You can call me Morri.”

“Hello, Morri!” My sister waves with enthusiasm, a great big smile on her face.

She switches her attention to me, and her red-lipped smile and striking green eyes pull me in. “And you must be Evelyn.”

Christ, she’s gorgeous.

“I am. Hi. Thank you for inviting us.”

“Well, I heard the trip to Genaro’s went well, so I thought we could take it a step further.”

“It did. His ice cream was delicious,” I say with a smile.

Morrigan shakes her head and pats her full hips. “And utterly addictive.”

“Good,” a deep voice sounds behind her as a tall, broad man approaches, wrapping her in his arms. “I should ask him for a daily supply.”

He gives her a sweet, yet suggestive smile before turning his attention to Maya and me.

“Hi Evelyn. Maya.” He nods at us, but that smile is already gone. “I see you met my wife.”

He’s not rude, though. It’s like his smiles are only reserved for her.

I know him—he’s Vincent, the owner of this house. He helped rescue us, Maya specifically. When Maddox returned the next day to ask me some questions about the warehouse, Vincent came too, and I was instantly apprehensive. The man looked cut from stone. Stern and hard with his pitch-black eyes.

“Thank you for inviting us,” I tell him.

“No need to thank me.”

I doubt that. We’re in their home. Their actual home. I really don’t think any outsiders ever step foot in here, and I’m definitely one.

We’re led into the open space kitchen and living area, and there’s a view to die for at the back of the house. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a cozy deck, and the forest surrounds the whole thing. It’s so beautiful, I want to scream. If it weren’t for the people sitting on the outdoor sofas and chairs, talking and laughing, there would probably be no sound out there beyond the rustling of leaves and bird song.

“Hello there!” A sweet voice pulls my attention to the kitchen, and an older woman with an apron dusted with flower, comes toward us. “Come in, come in. Food will be ready in a bit, the boys are grilling out there too, but come get a drink. I’m Mamaw June.”

Okay, this is getting more surreal by the second. “Hi, nice to meet you.” I stumble over those words as my brain struggles to compute what I’m seeing. “This is Maya, and I’m Evelyn.”

“I heard, yes. I’m so happy to finally meet you both.” She grabs my hand in hers, her warm smile bringing a uniquely warm sensation. What is that?

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