Chapter 701:
“That’s nonsense,” the woman said flatly. “Now, please get out of the kitchen. Dinner will be ready soon.”
When the meal was served, the table was filled with homemade dishes. The woman grabbed a small stool and sat off to the side, unable to join the main table. Her eyes followed Rylie, who sat in the place of honor, lit up by the attention of the men around her as they eagerly toasted her. The woman jabbed at her own plate, her fork striking hard against the dish.
Why did city people always act like they were better? Did this one really think she could save those women here? What a fool. She had no idea how close she was to her own downfall.
Outside, the rain grew heavier, the sound of falling rocks rumbling in the distance.
Abram didn’t look the least bit concerned. “Heavy rain brings landslides all the time. It’s nothing serious. The police know about the risk. They’ll send firefighters to clear the roads by morning. Tonight though, there’s no way out — the roads aren’t safe. I have two guest rooms. Not fancy like a hotel, but you’re welcome to stay.”
“Miss Owen, you will have to make do,” Terrell added with a warm smile that matched Abram’s.
Rylie had been waiting to see what game they were playing, so she nodded. “Alright. We’ll stay the night. Thank you.”
“Since you’re staying, relax,” Abram said. “We’re just country folk. No one here would harm you, Miss Owen.” He raised his glass toward Brad. “Come on, have a drink.”
Brad glanced at Rylie first. “I’ll need Miss Owen’s permission.”
Rylie gave a small smile. “Sure, since we can’t leave, have a good meal and rest well here tonight.”
With her approval, Brad joined them, though Terrell and Abram hardly drank. Instead, they kept refilling Brad’s cup.
Even though he tried to refuse, he eventually gave in and drank until he was stumbling, barely able to stand.
The table was a mess when Abram called out, “Honey, come clean this up!” Terrell grabbed Brad by the arm to steady him and turned to Rylie. “Let him stay in my room. It wouldn’t be right to leave you two alone.”
“I’m fine,” Brad slurred, reaching toward Rylie. “I have to stay with Miss Owen. It’s my job.”
His strength shocked them both — neither Terrell nor Abram could restrain him. He staggered toward Rylie, stopping just in front of her, bracing himself against the wall with both hands.
His dark eyes were hazy. “Miss Owen, I drank too much.”
Rylie slid an arm around his waist, guided his hand to her shoulder, and said in a calm, steady voice, “We’ll share a room. Thank you for the hospitality, but we’ll rest now.”
Terrell and Abram exchanged a glance, silently understanding.
Once the door shut, Abram muttered under his breath, “No bodyguard acts like that. Looks like Miss Owen has something going with him.”
The woman returned from the kitchen with a scoff. “Who wouldn’t, with a man built like that?”
Terrell cautioned, “He is not to be underestimated. That bodyguard has both size and strength. If we face him while he’s clear-headed, we will have no chance. Make sure the sedative mist is ready in the room.”
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