Page 29 of Brax

“I-I guess that would be alright,” she said quietly.

“We could have your family come in for you,” he said, looking away. “Perhaps your mother or father, a sibling.”

“Oh. I don’t know who my parents were, and I don’t think I have any siblings.”

“Yes, yes,” he nodded. “That’s right. You were an orphan, just like many of our poor young girls here.”

“Yes. I guess I was,” she nodded. “Alright. I’ll do it.”

Present day…

“You fool. You idiot!” she yelled to herself. “He took it all from you without any worry of what he was doing to you. You should have seen it.”

Opening her banking, she realized that there was enough to get her through for a few months, but after that, she’d need to find a job. The problem was, if she didn’t find the clone, there wouldn’t be an ‘after that.’ There would only be an end.

“Okay, Ines. Find a job.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“Hey? Are you okay?” asked Brax, coming up behind Stephanie in the kitchen. She was staring out the window at the incessant rain.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m actually pretty good. It all makes sense now. I mean, it makes sense why someone would be after me. She needs me, and I’m not sure I can refuse to help her.”

“I get that. You’re here partly because of her,” he nodded. She turned in his arms, smiling up at him.

“Thank you for saying that, for understanding,” she said, kissing him.

“I’m not always good at this stuff, but I get it right on occasion,” he laughed.

“You’re better than you think,” she smiled. “Brax? When will it be time? For you and me?”

“It will be time when you tell me you’re ready and not before. I will not push you in this. I know we’ve both been with other people, but I love you too much to risk this relationship for sex.”

“Is that what it will be? Sex?”

“No. No, absolutely not. It will be love. I will make love to you, and you will make love to me. I will be the last man you will ever be with. Tell me when you’re ready for that.”

“I’m ready for that.”

“Wait. What?” he asked with surprise.

“I’m ready, Brax. I’ve been ready for a while, but wanted to make sure my head was right. Mama Irene and Claudette have helped me so much. Them and those damn gardens,” she laughed. “I can’t believe flowers, plants, and trees somehow make your head clear, your heart to beat correctly, and your body strong.”

“Stranger things have happened here,” smiled Brax, kissing her softly. “We’ll be expected at dinner.”

“I know,” she nodded. “I think I can wait until after dinner to make love to you.”

With a large umbrella between them, they made their way toward the cafeteria, following the stone paths to avoid the mud and puddles of water. Alvin seemed happy with the water lying in the middle of the large pathway lined with live oaks.

Ahead of them, they could see Victoria and Hayes arguing.

“Oh, no.”

“Trouble in paradise,” frowned Brax. “Looks like they need to be separated.”

“I’ll take her.” Stephanie walked closer to the couple. “Hi. I’ve been looking for you. Will you walk with me to the cafeteria, Victoria? I need to ask you some questions.”

“Uh, yeah. Sure. I don’t have all the translations done yet,” she said, wiping her tears. Brax waited until they walked off and then looked at Hayes.

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