Page 36 of Indecent Villain

“I couldn’t sleep.” I shrug. The coffee machine sits, waiting to be used, so I smile at Marie. “Is there a thermos?”

“In the cupboard above the machine.”

“Thanks.”

I find a lovely green one. It reminds me of the Grinch. I place a pod into the machine and get it going. While I wait, I head to the pantry. Marie watches me from under her lashes as she kneads dough on a floured surface. The moment I step inside, my eyes zero in on a box of oatmeal and chocolate bites on a shelf. They’re my favorite, which I haven’t had in forever. I peel the lid back and remove two, shoving them into my pockets.

“Today is going to be a good day, Marie.”

She laughs. “If you say so.”

“I do.” I put another pod into the machine because it’s a large thermos.

“Are you going somewhere?” Marie asks, waving toward the machine.

“I’m going outside for a walk. I love this kind of weather.” I smile. “Is everything all right with you with Martha no longer being here?”

Marie frowns at first, but then a shy smiles spreads across her face. “It’s nice not having to run around at her command. I managed just fine yesterday with the evening meal too. Edgar took me shopping, so the fridge, freezer, and pantry are well stocked.”

“I’m glad.”

When the coffee machine finishes, I add some milk to the thermos, give it a stir, and top it off with the lid.

“I’ll be down by the lake if anyone asks,” I inform her.

“Shouldn’t you wait for Jock?”

“I’ll be fine.” I smile and head out of the kitchen door.

As soon as the door closes behind me, I inhale the fresh scent of morning dew. I take a moment to enjoy the quiet. There is no sound other than the occasional rustle of branches when they get caught up in a strong breeze.

My thick sweatshirt keeps most of the chill from reaching my body, and I just stand there, enjoying the momentary freedom. I step away from the house and stroll along the gravel driveway that circles it. Then I follow the stepping stones my mom insisted on placing here, which lead to the edge of the forest. I look up, trying to see the top of the tall trees, and wonder just how high they are. Moving under the cover of them, I slowly make my way along the footpath that leads to the lake as I sip my coffee.

Overhead, a large bird calls out—more than likely a crow, as there are many around here. Occasionally, I see smaller birds feeding from the feeder I helped my father build. As I near the lake, I hear the gentle lapping of the water and the soft creaking of the trees. My shoes crunch along the gravel shoreline. I set down my thermos and dig through the large storage box for a chair. I drag out a minty green Adirondack chair and set it up.

I settle into the seat with my drink in hand, staring out across the lake and up at the large glass house. The windows are black, and you can’t see inside, which I have tried to do in the past. I often wondered who lived there, and now I know it was Tiberius. I used to wonder why my father was never bothered that the owner of that house could easily see ours.

Sighing, I shift my gaze further north, noticing how the sun reflects beautifully on the water. A tear trickles down my cheek as fond memories pop into my head. Jude Elliott might not have been my biological father, but he was my dad. He loved me and treated me as his own. I never felt anything less from him.

I freeze at the sound of footsteps approaching. Jock? Tiberius? No, it can’t be them. The sound isn’t coming from the direction of the house but from the end of the fire road, about a ten-minute walk away. My heart starts to pound, and blood rushes to my head. I need to move—and quickly.

I gasp and jump from the chair at the sound of a snicker behind me. I turn and come face to face with two men I’ve never seen before.

“Who are you?”

“We just want a little chat, princess.”

I narrow my eyes at the asshole who called me princess. “That isn’t my name,” I hiss.

My feet slowly move toward the jetty, which is visible from the house. Unfortunately, I can’t be seen from my current position.

“This is private property.” I swallow hard as I try to keep my gaze on the two men. It’s difficult to do so when they split up in an attempt to cut off my escape.

“Our boss wants a report about you. I figured as you’re out here alone, you could come back with us. Best report he’d ever get.”

I notice the frown on the man to my left.

“Murray, I don’t think he wants us to kidnap the girl.”

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