Page 11 of Cowboy's Sinful Bargain

It was safer.

"Come on, we need to go talk to Monty."

I cringed when Jos grabbed me by the arm and started pulling me up the steps. Fear curled up in my gut and started knotting. I quickly ran over the ways I could keep from being punished, but I didn't see any.

I'd been disrespectful. I'd asked questions when I knew it was forbidden. I'd obviously missed something that had happened when we were in Monty's office. I just didn't know what.

My heart beat painfully in my chest as Jos led me into the house and back toward my father's office. The closer we got, the more trepidation knotted in my gut. My steps slowed before we reached the door.

Jos stopped and turned to look down at me. His brow furrowed as if he was thinking hard. "Miko?"

"Yes?" I whispered, afraid to speak louder, but more afraid not to answer.

Jos gave a tug on my arm. I doubt he understood his true strength. I stumbled forward, right into his chest. Heat blossomed in my face as I tried to step back, but an arm around my waist kept me pressed up against him.

"There's no reason to be scared." Jos's voice rumbled even when he spoke in a low tone. "I won't let anyone hurt you. I'll protect you."

Yes, but who would protect me from him?

"It's gonna be okay, Miko. We just need to go talk with Monty."

I nodded, but I didn't believe a word of what Jos said. I just didn't see a way out of walking into my father's office.

Jos knocked on the door and then opened it up. His hand pressed firmly against the base of my back as he escorted me inside. I prayed he couldn't feel the small shiver of dread that rippled through me. I'd learned very early in life to never show anyone my fear. That simply led to more punishment.

"Monty, we need to talk," Jos said as he shut the door behind us.

I almost whimpered.

"Miko doesn't have a clue about what happened today," Jos continued. "He doesn't even realize he's here to stay."

"What in the blue blazes are you talking about, boy?"

Holy crap, that man was loud.

"He just asked me if this was where he was going to be living."

I swallowed past the lump building in my throat when both men turned to look at me. It took all of my self control not to take a step back.

"Is this true, Mitsuaki?" Monty asked.

God, what would work to keep me from having my head handed to me? "I mean no disrespect."

Monty frowned.

"Miko," Jos asked carefully, "the papers you signed today, do you know what you were signing?"

I glanced between the two men. My apprehension grew as I slowly shook my head. "I was told to sign." That's how it always went. "It is not my place to ask questions."

Jos's jaw clenched. "You just signed because you were told to?"

I took a slow measured step back. "Yes."

"Why would you do that?"

Was this a test?

"Jesus, Miko," Jos snapped. "You never sign anything without reading it first."

---