Page 19 of The Gentleness of Rage

“If there’s shit you don’t like, put it to one side, and Slate will arrange for someone to collect it to take to a homeless shelter,” he said.

They exchanged head tilts, and the younger two men left.

“They’re English?”

“Yes. Jared and Christian. They’re prospects for the club and Phoe’s kids from England,” Slate responded as he walked upstairs, and I followed him.

“Pick which room you want,” Slate ordered.

I briefly checked the bedrooms before picking the larger one at the front. Slate dumped my bags on the floor and glanced at the bed.

“Needs bedding,” he muttered.

“I’ll get some,” I replied. Hell, I didn’t really care. Just looking at the bed, I could see it was obviously new and, therefore, hopefully, comfortable. Better than the lumpy, dirty thing I’d been sleeping on.

Slate dug into his pocket and pulled a wad of cash out. “These are your tips and money for working the evening shift. Plus, wages from the strip club.”

I winced.

Slate barrelled on, “Will you be okay going shopping on your own? I’ll be back later, as I’ve some work to finish.”

“Slate, I can’t drive the car,” I blurted, coming to a sudden realisation.

“You don’t drive?” Slate asked.

“Yes, but I’ve got no insurance!”

“Jaelynn, I’ve put you on mine. As I’m the primary driver, and it’s my policy, anyone searching for your name in the system won’t be alerted,” Slate said.

“But you don’t have my details!” I exclaimed.

“Jaelynn, you have a lousy fake ID. I’ve got somebody smartening that up to pass muster, but I used the information off that and added you.” Slate shrugged.

“Shit, you found my ID?” I gasped.

“Be grateful I did. Whoever sold you that did a crappy job. Anyone could spot that as a forgery. As said, I’ve got someone making you one that will pass a rigorous check,” Slate replied.

Although I was lost for words at Slate’s highhandedness, I also knew he was right. I’d paid a thousand bucks for that, and it had been crap.

“Just say thank you, Jaelynn,” Slate ordered with a grin.

In disbelief, I shook my head.

To my further surprise, Slate stepped forward, his eyes searching my face. Slowly, so I could pull free if I wished to, Slate moved closer and kissed my cheek. Then he ran a finger down where he had kissed me and held my gaze.

“I’ll come back tonight, dinner wouldn’t go amiss,” he said softly and brushed my lips before striding off out the house.

“What just happened?” I murmured.

???

I put my few belongings away in a closet and scoffed at how ridiculous they looked there. After that, I explored the upstairs and discovered a further level where the attic had been converted into two rooms. One appeared to be a study with an enormous picture window, and the second was empty. A half bath was also on this floor. The bedroom I’d picked had an adjoining bathroom, and there was a family one further down the landing.

Downstairs boasted a utility space, which held a washer and dryer, a kitchen with basic equipment, and a large living room. There was a half bath, a dining area, and a snug. While enjoying the home, I was a little sad. No way would I be able to afford the rent here when I’d finished house-sitting.

I walked out through two French doors and surveyed the garden. My eyes widened at the beautiful surroundings. The garden was huge, with a decked area that I stood on that led down to a grassy space with a barbeque off to one side. I spotted a circular area in paved stones with a fire pit and benches around it. There were large trees and shrubs, making the garden completely enclosed.

To my delight, there was even a pool. I loved swimming.

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