“Miss,” an elderly woman chirps. “Breakfast will be served soon. The name’s Ethel if you need anything.”
I groan and roll toward the voice. Light streams in from where she peeks in through the open bedroom door. Last night, when I’d turned off all the lights, I’d gotten spooked at how dark everything was.
No windows.
I stayed in a house with no windows and lived.
“Oh,” I rasp out. “I’ll be down in a minute.”
She nods before disappearing. Quickly, I climb out of bed and turn on the lights. My backpack has been unpacked, which leaves me with a slight unease. But once I open the first drawer of the dresser in the room, I’m thankful to discover all of my things tucked neatly inside.
Who unpacked this and when?
A shiver ripples through me. Despite having a fireplace going, this house itself gives me the chills. I snag some of my usual clothes but opt for a new hoodie Tyler bought me. My heart rate speeds up in anticipation of seeing him this morning. Last night, he sort of creeped me out a bit but then nothing happened. I keep waiting for something bad, but it never comes.
Yet.
I shake away that thought as I take a quick shower. My hair gets twisted into a messy, wet bun and I pull on the hood to keep me warm until I can dry it. I forgo makeup although a part of me wonders if I should stop and make myself up for Tyler.
At that thought, I roll my eyes. He’s much older and way out of my league. I’m simply a guest. I don’t know all the reasons why yet, but sex seems so far down on the list, I’m not sure if it’s on the list at all.
I exit the room and try to remember the way back to the living room. The house is massive and spooky. Shadows loom everywhere. I pull the phone Tyler gave me from my pocket and check the time. Eight-sixteen in the morning. A house should not be this dark at eight-sixteen in the morning.
I’m still staring down at my new phone when a panel of the wall swings open. I shriek in surprise when a person flies from the wall—a flash of black and deep, roughly mumbled words and wide shoulders. A masculine scent permeates in his wake long after he disappears in the shadows.
It’s then I hear Tyler’s voice, chipper and happy.
I follow the sound until I locate a dining room. On the far end, Tyler sits with a spread of breakfast plates out before him. He clutches a mug of steaming coffee tightly in his hand as he stares across the table. I follow his attention to the same man who blew past me moments ago. Where Tyler is relaxed and grinning, the other man’s shoulders are rigid. He wears a sleeveless hoodie, and he too has a hood on his head like me. It immediately makes me smile.
“Hi, Tyler,” I greet with a wave.
His attention snaps to mine and he beams. Brown eyes—like melted chocolate—gleam with adoration. I can’t help but feel taller and stronger under his gaze. “Good morning, Casey.”
“Casey-Casey,” a deep voice grits out, almost robotically.
I try to catch the man’s stare, but he’s hidden behind his hoodie and his head is bowed as he cuts his waffle in precise squares.
“Torin,” Tyler says slowly, his voice slightly strained. “This is Casey. She’s going to be staying with us for a bit.”
“Casey-Casey,” Torin repeats, irritation in his tone.
I hold my hand out to him. “It’s just Casey.”
“Casey-Casey.” His arms aren’t overly bulky, but he’s muscular as if he works out. The muscles in his forearms tighten and flex as he continues cutting his waffle.
I shoot Tyler a questioning stare. His nod is slight and his eyes plead with me to understand. I suppose I do understand. There’s something wrong with Torin. What? I’m not sure.
“Nice to meet you,” I say to Torin as I lower my hand.
“Casey-Casey.”
Okay then.
“Ethel is bringing your breakfast out,” Tyler tells me, the warmth in his voice genuine.
It’s not every day you have someone who seems happy to see you. I don’t understand Tyler at all, but I do realize he’s thankful for my presence.
I pull out my chair between them and sit. Tyler starts telling me about Torin’s horses, but I tune him out as I steal a glance at his brother. His head is still bowed and his lips move as he says things under his breath. If I’m not mistaken, he’s saying my name over and over again. It makes me nervous.
And, well, when I get nervous, I fidget.
I pick up the fork and absently tap on the table’s surface. My eyes are glued to Torin as I try and sneak a peek at him.
“Casey-Casey.”
Taptaptaptaptaptaptap.
“His horse Thunder is a bit of an asshole,” Tyler says, laughing. “Lightning is the sweetheart.”
“Casey-Casey.”
Taptaptaptaptaptaptap.
“Black and white. As different as night and day.”
“Casey-Casey.”
Taptaptaptaptaptaptap.
“But they look out for each other. Although in the beginning, they did not get along.”
“Casey-Casey.”
Taptaptaptaptaptaptap.
My gaze is fixated on Torin’s mouth. His full lips are a healthy shade of pink and his face is slightly scruffy as though he hasn’t shaved in a few days. Despite the dusting of hair there, I can tell his jaw is sharp and angular. I wish I could see his eyes.
“Lightning took a fall. We thought she broke her leg, but it was just a small tear in her ligament. It took some therapy, but she healed miraculously. Thunder was always her nemesis until she got hurt. It was during those times that he comforted her and protected her. Nobody could get near Lightning without him going nuts.”
“Casey-Casey.”
Taptaptaptaptaptaptap.
Ethel sets down a heaping plate of food in front of me. I stop my tapping long enough to inhale the delicious scent. A happy groan escapes me. My attention is stolen from Torin as my mouth waters over the food before me.
“CASEY-CASEY!”
Torin’s sudden roar—loud and ferocious—causes me to cry out in surprise. I jerk my head his way and my eyes lock with his intense brown ones. I remember him. Two weeks ago, at the clinic, I saw him outside the door. He stole my penny.
“Torin,” Tyler says, his voice calm. “Sit down and finish your waffle.”
“Nooooo,” Torin yells as he shoves his plate as hard as he can. The plate careens across the table and clangs against Tyler’s plate.
I stare at Torin, frozen in place, as panic spikes through me.
“Please,” Tyler begs, his voice choked with emotion.
Torin charges around the table and slams his fist on one of the paneled walls. It pops open, an entrance to the passageway. He slips in and shuts it behind him. And then, silence.
I swallow and flick my gaze over to Tyler. His dark brows are furled together and his shoulders are hunched.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers.
I glance over at the wall. “Is he hiding in there?”
“He’s already halfway across the house by now.”
“What’s wrong with him?”
He jerks his head up, regarding me with a fierce stare. “Nothing, Casey. Nothing is wrong with him.”
I purse my lips together and focus on cutting up my waffle. Thousands of thoughts run rampant through my head. I say none of them.
“He has some labels the doctors gave him,” he admits with a sigh. “But with Torin, you can’t label him. He’s different, but he’s so damn smart. My brother may not know how to articulate his feelings, but I know he feels every bit as much as you or me.”
I take a bite of my waffle. So much better than anything Guy ever cooked up. Once I swallow, I speak. “I don’t think he likes me.”
Tyler meets my stare and gives me a crooked boyish grin. “He likes you.” He runs his palm over the back of his neck and regards me as if I’m some all-knowing oracle. “He looks at you, Casey. He fucking looks at you.”
Breakfast was enjoyable. I learned I like the sound of Tyler’s voice. He has a calm way about him that comforts me. I laughed at his dorky jokes and teared up when he talked about his parents.
But still…something’s off.
“I thought we could get out of the house and I could walk you along the property. Show you the horses and the lake. Take you to the abandoned mine in the side of the mountain. Enjoy the fresh air. Ethel will pack us lunch. What do you say?”
We’ve long since retired to the living room after breakfast. The fire is lit and despite the darkness of the room, it cocoons me in its warmth and safety. Most days, I’m on edge. Planning and plotting for my future. Wondering about who will try to fuck me over when I’m not looking. But today—today I’m at peace. It’s a strange sensation.
“I’d love to,” I say with a smile.
Tyler stands from the sofa and offers me his hand. I take it, loving the thrill of his touch as it zings through me, and let him pull me up. I’m greedy for his affection and nearly pout when he releases me.
“Dress warm. I’ll get some things ready,” he instructs. “I’ll get Torin too.”
My smile falls at the thought of Torin coming with us. He makes me nervous with his yelling and antisocial behavior. “Okay,” I say, stifling a sigh.
His eyes light up. “Really?” The hope scratching just below the surface has guilt surging through me. I don’t know Torin and yet I’ve already decided I don’t like him. And Tyler seems to be waiting for my approval. Sometimes I’m such a bitch.
Beaming at him, I nod. “Really.”
I’m suddenly yanked into his arms and crushed in his embrace. He smells delicious—like syrup and masculine soap. I want to offer we stay and cuddle instead.
“Thank you,” he murmurs against the top of my head before kissing my hair.
My body smashed against his is so intimate. I hug him back and relax against his firm chest. Could my future be that lucky? Could someone like me end up with someone like Tyler Kline? Before I can ponder those questions, he releases me.
“Ten minutes and we’ll head out.”
He strides away, a bounce in his step, leaving me alone in the living room. I’m still staring after him when a shiver ripples down my spine.
Eyes.
Someone is watching me.
I jerk my gaze over to the paneled wall and squint at the flash of color between one of the cracks there. My heart rate spikes.
“Torin,” I croak out. My nerve endings are alive and jolt with electricity.
Creak.
“Casey-Casey.” The words are whispered and then the creaking sound moves along the length of the living room until I’m left in silence again.
I shiver and all but run back the way I know to my bedroom. Once inside, I take a deep breath and revel in the fact that the room smells just like Tyler. I dig around in the drawers, searching for clothing to layer up with, when something shiny catches my eye.
“What the…” I murmur as I toss the clothes onto the end of the bed.
I pick up a penny from my pillow. Someone placed it right in the center. It’s shiny—the shiniest penny I’ve ever seen. A smile tugs at my lips. Something tells me it was Torin. Maybe he’s not so bad after all. I shove the penny in my pocket and try to work out exactly who Torin is. I vow right then that I’ll do my best to get to know him. If anything, that’s what Tyler wants. And strangely enough, I want to make Tyler happy.
Someone whistles the moment I step out the front door. The sun is bright today, but the air is brisk. I have a sweatshirt on under my hoodie and I’m still cold. I’m rethinking my decision to do this with Tyler when I catch him staring at me.
Holy crap.
He’s beautiful.
His smile is brighter than the sun above him and he appears more youthful than normal with a black beanie pulled over his head to his eyebrows. The black hoodie he’s wearing shows off his sculpted body a lot better than his suits do. But what has me drooling is the way he’s straddling a four-wheeler in a pair of dark jeans and black boots. He looks yummy.
“Come on, sweetheart, we have ground to cover. We’re burning daylight.”
I laugh but make my way over to him, no longer caring about the temperature. The thought of sitting on the four-wheeler with him has my body warming several degrees. “Where’s Torin?” I ask once I sit on the ATV behind him. His hard back is warm and I press my chest to it.
“He’s taking Thunder for a ride. I’m sure we’ll see him around.” He starts the engine and although it’s loud, I can still hear Tyler over it. “Hold on tight.”
I squeeze my arms around his torso and when he chuckles, it sends shivers of delight running through me. I’ve never been with a man like this. Hell, I’ve never even kissed one. A few boys have tried, but I’m not into kissing frogs. Perhaps Tyler is the prince I always held out for.
We fly across the yard at a speed that has my hair whipping all around me. I’m thankful I had the foresight to quickly dry my hair and put a beanie on so I wouldn’t freeze to death. It’s cold as hell but right now I don’t even care because Tyler is warm and happy—two sensations I never get enough of.
“Those are the stables. Maybe Torin can teach you to ride one of the horses,” Tyler says as we fly past it. He looks inside the open barn door and then guns the four-wheeler. “Oh, no you don’t.”
I jerk my head over my shoulder in time to see Torin burst from the stables on a midnight black horse. He’s changed into a hoodie with sleeves but the hood remains on his head. His features are pinched tight and his jaw clenched as he bears down, clearly dead set on beating his brother. I’m able to catch Torin’s stare for a brief moment before he sails past us and disappears over a hill.
“That fucker,” Tyler groans, but his voice betrays him. He’s happy. So damn happy.
I’m happy too.
I throw my head back and look up at the sky, enjoying the sting of the cold air as we ride across the property. If I weren’t here, I’d be at “home” with Guy as he bitched about daytime talk shows. I’d be bored and lonely. Right now, I’m anything but.
Once we crest the hill, I’m in awe at the sight. A giant lake for as far as my eye can see stretches out before us. It’s beautiful and I wonder if they swim in it when it’s warm. We ride for quite some time. I soak in the sights and the smells. All along the way, Tyler gives me tidbits of information here and there, like my own personal tour guide. Torin is long gone, but it doesn’t matter. I have Tyler. Eventually when we come to a mountainside, he slows. Then he shuts off the four-wheeler when he comes to a stop. He climbs off and offers me his gloved hand. His smile is broad and his cheeks have turned rosy pink from the wind. God, he’s so cute.
When I reach for him, his smile fades. “Your hands. Fuck.”
I look down at them. They’re bright red and hurt, but it was either that or not hold on to him. Holding on to him was the highlight of the trip. I let out a gasp when he grabs both hands and brings them to his mouth. His hot breath tickles and sends currents of desire swimming through me.
“I didn’t realize you didn’t have gloves on,” he grumbles. “I’m so sorry.”
I gaze at him and wish he’d kiss my hands. Princes kiss the hands of their princesses, right? Instead of kissing them, he pulls his own gloves off and begins putting them on my hands. I try not to shake each time our fingers brush against one another. Once he’s put them on, he regards me with a sheepish smile.
“I’m sorry. I’m new to all this.”
I frown. “All what?”
Guilt flashes in his eyes and he clenches his jaw. “Nothing. Come on, I want to show you the abandoned mine.”
I climb off the vehicle and my legs wobble. He laughs at me when I stumble. I’m about to flip him off, but then he’s holding my hand again. It’s like he can’t help but touch me. And quite frankly, I like it when he does.
“Years ago, they mined here, but then part of it collapsed and it was shut down.”
“Diamonds?” I question, eagerness in my tone.
He laughs. “Coal.”
“Boring,” I scoff.
He stops at the mouth of the cave and reaches out to touch the rock. “Boring is what made us our fortune.”
“Coal?”
“Oil.” He flashes me an impish grin. “We have more rigs all over the US than you can count.”
A rich prince, I see.
But fairy tales always have a villain.
My stomach clenches. Maybe my fairy tale can be boring. Like my prince’s oil rigs.
“Neat,” I lie.
His laughter echoes into the cave. “You shouldn’t lie, sweetheart. It’s really damn obvious.”
I playfully punch him in his stomach and I fear I might have broken a finger or two because holy hell does he have abs of steel. He pulls away from me to escape my punching and slips deeper into the cave. It’s drafty and much colder than outside. It makes me uneasy. No way in hell am I going in there.
“Come on, scaredy cat,” he teases.
I can no longer see him as the shadows have stolen him.
“Pass,” I call out.
“Suit yourself,” he replies, but it’s more distant.
I strain my eyes, looking after him in the darkness until I get antsy. With an annoyed huff, I walk back into the warm rays of the sun. The wind whistles around me, but the sun caresses my face. I close my eyes and tilt my head up.
Casey-Casey.
I pop my eyes open and swivel around in the search of what sounded like my name whispered in the wind. I don’t see anyone, but I feel as though they can see me.
“Casey-Casey.”
Okay, this time I did hear my name.
“Torin?”
Wind howling. Leaves rustling. Birds chirping.
I pass by the four-wheeler and stop when I see a penny sitting on the seat cushion. A smile tugs at my lips. In the sunlight, it’s even shinier than the last penny.
“Torin?” I call out. “Is this from you?”
Silence.
“Well, thank you,” I mutter mostly to myself. “I love pennies.”
Thoughts of pennies have me thinking of my birth mother. I hate the way my heart clenches and trembles whenever I try to imagine what she looks like. Did she love me? Did she regret leaving me in that manger? Did she want more for me than she could ever give?
Her letter said so.
Most days, I’m not sure I can believe it.
I’m lost in my thoughts when leaves crunch nearby. I dart my gaze to the sound and lock eyes with Torin. He frightens me because he’s so intense. I’ve yet to see him smile or show any sort of emotion. Mostly, he’s irritated all the time. From far away, it’s clear to see he’s no doubt a handsome guy. Tall, well over six feet. Broad shoulders that would be perfect for playing football if he had a little bit more weight on him. He’s lean and muscular. Like a runner. And right now, he’s poised to run far, far away. The muscles in his neck are taut and his jaw ticks. His nostrils flare with each breath he takes.
He’s beautiful.
Two princes. One castle.
I’ve died and gone to princess heaven.
There’s a villain, though. I just haven’t discovered him yet.
“Hey, Casey, check this out,” Tyler calls from the cave.
Torin takes off in a sprint. I watch in awe at his speed as he darts through the trees to his horse. With the grace and agility of a panther, he pounces on the horse. With fluid movements, he pulls himself up on the animal and tears off through the woods in a matter of seconds.
Well then.
A warm body comes up behind me, blocking the wind. I can’t help but lean toward him when he nears. In an affectionate move, Tyler hugs me from behind. I relax in his grip and try not to overthink this strange world I’ve stepped into. I’m not naïve enough that I think all this comes without a cost. I just wish I knew what that cost was.
“Ready for lunch?” Hot breath tickles my hair, causing me to shiver.
Turning in Tyler’s arms, I look up at him and search his handsome face for clues. “What’s the catch, Ty?”
His brows pinch together and I swear he looks as though he might cry. It slices my heart right open. I barely know Tyler, but I feel close to him. Two souls who need the other in some way. He reaches up and gently brushes my hair from my face.
“You’re the catch, sweetheart.”