Page 48 of Shelter (The Wanderers 4)

“I almost feel bad,” Braylon added without quite enough force behind his words to be completely believable.

Haley reached for him and threaded their fingers together. “It’s totally understandable for you to feel sad about leaving your family, Bray. Don’t act like it doesn’t bother you. It should. No one expects you to walk away as if it doesn’t matter.”

Assessing that Riggs was on her other side, she reached for him next. “That goes for you, too. Not only did you walk away from your own father, but Bray’s family is like a second family to you.”

Riggs stroked her cheek. “Thank you, honey,” he said softly.

“And Storm…” She leaned up on her hip and reached over the top of Riggs to find him, needing to touch each of them. “I know you’ll miss your dad.”

He grabbed her hand and brought it to his chest, saying nothing.

“We’ve all suffered loss. We’re all starting over without our parents. But we’re doing it together, and I know we can build a new future. A better one.”

Rush slid his hand to her shin. “You’re right. The world isn’t a fair place anymore, but you have to make the most of what you’ve got. Every day is a blessing.” He drew in a breath. “I’ve never asked a rather important question. What happens if a member of your world tries to escape and gets caught? I know it isn’t going to change anything. You’re obviously committed, and we’re moving forward, but it would help if I knew what we were facing.”

Haley was curious too.

Bray responded. “To be honest, it doesn’t happen often. I suspect the underground is used to helping servants and other workers escape. They aren’t free to do what they please.”

“People like Marian,” Rush stated.

“Yes,” Storm agreed, “and me. I’ve heard of people like us from surrounding estates disappearing. It’s usually rather hush-hush. Rarely have I heard of one of them being caught.”

Haley nodded to herself. “Which means Marian’s underground must be pretty successful.”

“Yes,” Bray agreed. “As for the aristocracy, to be honest, my parents are probably more likely to ignore my disappearance than Storm’s. Servants would be tracked down and punished. Family is another story. We’ll be considered a disappointment and an embarrassment when they figure out we’re missing. They won’t be as inclined to look for us. They might send out a discreet search party at first, hoping to bring us back before anyone finds out. But then there would be a trust issue.”

Riggs joined next. “I heard through the grapevine that a man in his early twenties from an estate close to ours disappeared a few years ago. I got the impression no one bothered to look for him. I’ve prayed that was the case ever since because the alternative makes me shudder.”

Haley winced. She could read between the lines. The alternative would be that they did find him and made him disappear permanently as punishment.

“Well,” Rush stated in a more upbeat tone. “No one is going to find us, so we won’t need to worry about that.”

Haley sure hoped he was right.

Rush continued, “We can do this. We’ve already come so far.” As he spoke, his voice grew closer, and she realized he was crawling up her body. His hands came down between her and Bray on one side, her and Riggs on the other.

She reached out to touch him just as his head lowered to her belly. He kissed her stomach reverently as she threaded her hands in his hair, choking up with emotion.

“You are a blessing. This baby is a blessing. The fact that we’re all together making our way to safety is a blessing.” He turned his head and set his cheek on her belly. “Thank you for accepting me, for taking me with you. All of you. I mean it.”

“We can’t do this without you,” Bray murmured. “You’re the one who knows where we’re going,” he teased.

“You can,” Rush responded. “You could have left me behind and made your way to safety without me. I’m humbled that you’ve trusted me.”

Haley grabbed his shoulders and pulled on him. “Come here.”

He crawled farther up her body, hovering over her. “Every part of me is screaming to kiss you, Haley. Is that what you want?”

“Yes,” she managed. “And more.” Her face heated at the admission, and she was grateful none of them could see her embarrassment. It was easier to be brave in the dark.

Rush’s elbows came down alongside her head, and he lowered his face to hers, kissing the corner of her mouth first before nibbling around her lips.

Her breath hitched. He was so gentle. So caring.

She reached out toward Braylon, glad when he slid his hand up her arm and leaned in to kiss her neck. “It’s okay, baby. I understand.”

She turned her head toward him. “Bray?” It worried her that he might not like everyone else touching her, kissing her, loving her. He hadn’t shown a single moment of jealousy toward Riggs or Storm, but what about Rush?

---