“Bee?” she asks, shocked into place as her father and I sit across from one another and wait.
“Do as I say.” His voice is stern and it only takes him giving her a look before she disappears.
I know Bee was just around the corner, so I can’t imagine what is taking so long.
“As you heard, our oldest, Melina, is getting married. I’ve already talked to the man she’s promised to about having a firm hand with her. She’s too strong-willed right now, but if he sets his rules early she’ll fall in line.”
I nod, but internally I want to scream. I would never raise a hand to a woman, let alone someone as sweet and delicate as Bee.
“Now Bee is a different one altogether,” he says, looking at me and then toward the door the women walked out of. “I don’t really know what to do about her. She’s not as pretty as her sister, and she’s got more weight on her, too. But she’s a good cook and cleans well.”
My ears are ringing, but all I can do is focus on why I’m here and how I’m going to get her out of here.
“She’s never really needed any sort of training, but I think she’d be willing to do whatever it was her husband asked of her,” he says as she leans in and gives me a smirk. “Some days I think about how much I’d like a young woman who was so eager to please.”
I clench my fists at my side and just as I open my mouth to say something, the women come in. Her mom and her sister are first, but I’ve only got eyes for Bee. Her hair is up in a bun and her eyes are on the floor, and it’s taking everything in me to not rush to her and pull her into my arms.
“Turn around, Bee, let him get a good look,” her father says, and I have to bite my tongue so hard I taste blood.
She does as he asks and I see she’s bundled up in several bulky sweaters and a long jean skirt. She’s got on oversized clunky shoes that make noise when she turns, but even as homely as they’ve dressed her, she’s still the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
“It’s a pleasure to see you, Bee,” I say as I step forward.
“Pleasure,” she says and does a little curtsey but still won’t look at me.
I turn to face her father and smile. “Quite the beauty,” I say, and he swells with pride. “How about I take her for a drive?”
He looks to Bee and then his wife. He opens his mouth and I know he’s going to say no, so I intercept.
“Chaperoned, of course,” I offer, and he nods in approval. “That is, if your oldest wouldn’t mind coming along?”
“Absolutely,” Melina pipes up and grabs her sister’s hand. “We’ll get our coats.”
I notice that Melina is in a nice dress with pretty shoes and her coat is colorful. Bee’s is the same thick black wool one she had on last night, but I don’t care what clothes she has on. I need to get her out of here.
“Not past dark,” her father says, and I nod and shake his hand.
“Of course,” I agree, then open the front door and the girls silently step outside.
Chapter Seven
Bee
My heart pounds as we walk towards Ragnar’s car. He looks as handsome as I remember, but today he’s dressed like he’s going to church or, like my sister said, an FBI man. I don’t know how I know, but I can tell he doesn’t enjoy what he’s wearing. The suit looks good on him, but I like what he wore last night. He seemed more like himself then, but who am I to comment on clothes? I take whatever fits me and sometimes that still doesn’t matter. Now I’m wishing I had something pretty to wear for tonight that felt more like me.
I keep waiting for my parents to change their minds, but when I look back at them they’re both smiling broadly as Ragnar opens the passenger side door for me. Melina tries to step in front of me to get in, but Ragnar shoots her a look over my shoulder that even has me going still at the warning in his eyes. She grabs the rear car door and gets inside, mumbling something under her breath that I don’t catch.
“In you go, little Bee.”
Ragnar motions for me to get inside the car and I have to graze by him to do it. My breasts brush against his chest and I let out a small gasp at the connection. I barely touch him, but it’s enough and he enjoys my reaction.
I take my seat as he shuts the door behind me and I wait for Melina to say something. When she doesn’t I peek over my shoulder to see she’s too busy watching Ragnar make his way around the car and get into the driver’s seat.