Page 19 of Cage

Meticulous grounds, perfectly green grass in every yard. As we round the bend, another large, two-story farmhouse comes into view; only it’s not like the others. I’ve never seen a farmhouse quite like this. The other houses are dwarfed in comparison. I can’t be sure by looking at it, but it’s probably twice the size of my father’s mansion. Kind of odd to have it in the middle of a compound like this. Not that there’s anything wrong with the other homes. They’ve been built with beautiful craftsmanship, however, they’re on a different level than the big one.

“What is this place?”

My gaze darts around the area, taking in everything. It’s like all the homes are built with the backs all facing in, so it’s one huge circle with a playground and pool in the middle. In the center of it all is a garden with several benches and a stone fountain. It reminds me of a park my mom used to take me to when I was a kid. I smile, my heart squeezing at the memory.

“This is where we live.” Cage points toward the homes. “The big house is where we spend most of our time. It holds our offices. Then, we each have our own individual places. We call this compound The Ranch. We own over a hundred acres all around. There are multiple lines of security surrounding the entire property. No one gets in or out of here without triggering a dozen alarms and setting off traps.”

My mouth hangs open as I take it all in because this was absolutely not what I was expecting. I’m not sure how they had the ability to build something like this in the middle of the freaking Oregon forest.

“This is amazing,” I murmur. “I can barely breathe. It’s so beautiful.”

Even though I’m looking out the window, I can feel his gaze on me. “It’s our home, and for now, it’s yours too, firefly.”

Those damn butterflies, or maybe they are fireflies, erupt in my tummy again. Why do I like it when he calls me that? I can’t remember anyone ever calling me a cute nickname.

“I guess being kidnapped by a bodyguard has its perks.” I blush and dip my head. Whoops. Didn’t mean to say that out loud.

Cage chuckles. “Didn’t kidnap you, firefly.”

He can call it what he wants. I call it kidnapping. Although staring out at this beautiful landscape, I might not mind it so much.

Koda dropped Cage and me off in front of his house, which isn’t as impressive as the larger one but still nothing to blink an eye at. Every one of the homes here is built farmhouse style with wrap-around porches and shutters framing all the windows. I’ve never seen such a beautiful setting. My father’s mansion is gorgeous, of course, but it’s snooty and pretentious, just like the five Corvettes in his garage. It’s clear The Ranch was built with tons of money. Each home is full of character, though.

As soon as Koda drives off, the two of us stare at each other awkwardly.

“Come on. I’ll show you your room.” He reaches out and takes my bag from me, then slings it over his muscular shoulder. I feel like such a shrimp compared to him. No wonder he could toss me around like I weigh nothing.

So hot.

Cringing, I scrunch my nose. Cage Black is not hot. I mean, he is, but not to me. Nope. Definitely not.

As soon as we step inside, a blanket of warmth fills me, and the smell of burning firewood lingers in the air.

“One of my brothers came by and lit a fire for us. It can still get chilly up here this time of year.”

I nod, following him through the house and taking everything in. There isn’t a lot of décor. The walls are painted a soft beige color that gives a calming feel to the place.

There’s an awkward tension hanging between us, and I’m not sure what to make of it. Is it because we’re alone again? Or is it because I’m in his home? I’m not even sure if it’s sexual or just good ol’ tension because of the situation.

“Sorry to be intruding on your space,” I mumble. “I’ll try not to be a burden.”

Because that’s what I’ve always been. A burden to my father. To my teachers. And now to Cage. The other people I don’t really care about, yet for some reason, I don’t like the thought of being a pain in the ass for Cage.

Without warning, he hooks a finger under my chin, lifting it so I’m forced to look up into his nearly black eyes. A small scar on his forehead catches my attention, and I want to ask about it. Did he get it as a boy while playing? Or is it job-related?

“Hey,” he says softly. “You’re not intruding. I want you to be comfortable here and make this place your home. There’s a pool, a playground, and a sandbox in the back, and there’s a movie theater and library in the main house. The rule is that I know where you are at all times. Understand me?”

When he talks like that and gets all stern and serious, it does things to me that I’m not sure I want to think too deeply about. Like why my panties are soaked.

“Yes,” I murmur. “Why do you have a playground? Do you guys have kids?”

Cage rubs his thumb over my chin as he stares down at me, a small smile at the corners of his lips. “No kids, firefly.”

Then he takes a step back and pulls his hand away, taking all his warmth with him. Gosh, the man smells yummy. Manly. We both need to shower, but the scent of his cologne still lingers.

“Come, I’ll show you your room, then take you to the main house for introductions and rules.”

What is it with this guy and rules? Is he a control freak? It seems like it. Then again, I guess most bodyguards want to be in control at all times. He said this is not his normal job. I don’t actually understand what he does, but it sounds dangerous and maybe even illegal.

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