Page 48 of Hidden By the Convicts
She slid her hand through his arm and walked out the door with him. While they lived in the middle of the jungle, with dense foliage and tall trees all around them, having her on his arm made him feel like he was one of the wealthiest men in the universe.
When he peered down at her, she tilted her head up and graced him with an easy-going smile.
Yes, indeed, he was very wealthy.
* * *
TEAGEN
Teagen glanced up at Gavin,who was a head taller than her. Heck, they all were tall compared to her. But she didn’t mind. Gavin, in particular, came across as a large teddy bear. Strong, sweet, patient, and one of the most handsome men she’d ever laid eyes on.
Even knowing this venture outdoors might further enrage Bowen, she had no reservations about confronting him. She couldn’t help but wonder if that was because she knew Bowen vented through his shouting and would never hurt her, or because Gavin was at her side while Harlis continued patrolling the area. Maybe it was all three.
She had yet to figure out Gavin. When he did speak to her, which was infrequent at best, he seemed so sweet and caring, but in between, he maintained an emotional and physical distance from her.
“You never answered my questions earlier,” she said, careful to keep her voice low. Even with Harlis patrolling the area, a high-pitched female voice would stand out to any guards in the area.
“Which question?”
“It was inferred. I mentioned that you barely talk to me.”
“I’m not trying to be rude. I guess I just figured we have nothing in common.”
“We won’t know that unless we talk. I’m guessing you’re from Argus considering that tune you sang.Sunsets For Now?
“Sunsets Forever.”
“Yeah, that’s it. It’s been a while since I’ve heard it.”
“I don’t know many songs, but that’s one I remember quite well. My mom used to sing it around the house when I was little. I haven’t thought of it since she died, a year before I was sent here.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. It’s nice to have good memories though. Do you have anyone still on Argus? A family of your own? Where did you work? How do you like to relax?”
“That’s a lot of questions,” he said with a smile that lifted her spirits.
“They’ve been piling up for several weeks now. There’s not a lot to do during the day when you guys are working, so my mind wanders a lot. And after sneaking out to work on the harvesters, I don’t think Bowen will let me return to the greenhouse to work with you.”
“That would be a shame. I enjoy your company.”
“You do?” she said, surprised. “See, I’m already learning about you.”
He laughed. “Fine, I’ll answer your questions. One at a time.”
“Good.” She felt like she’d been given access to something really important. “Let’s start with an easy one. Where do you always disappear to when you’re not on a shift?”
“You noticed that, huh? That I kind of walk away in the middle of things. Like when you were with Harlis in the greenhouse or once we got Bowen cleaned up and put him in bed.”
“What happened with Harlis in the greenhouse wasn’t something I was expecting, and I’m kind of glad you gave us privacy.”
“Kind of?”
“Having a guy do that to me was new, and I was nervous, but later when I was with Bowen, I realized I don’t mind being watched. If the right guy is watching, it’s exciting. Hot.”
“I, ah, wouldn’t know. I’ve only been with one woman, and we weren’t part of a unit yet. She had her eye on two others, though. Ultimately, she dumped me. Said I was boring. My job was boring, my clothes, even my eyes.”
“Your eyes? How can a person’s eyes be boring?”
He shrugged. “I’d been with her for three years. I thought I knew her better, but I guess I’m short-sighted when it comes to knowing what a woman wants.
