There with You (Adair Family 2)

Just remembering that morning still made me furious and sick to my stomach.

I’d leaned against the dirty tile wall and hugged my body, trying to hold in the sobs that wanted to break free.

I’d never hated anyone before.

Not until Austin.

I hadn’t known a person could so entirely derail a life. That their harassment could take over everything. Shape your decisions. That was when I’d decided enough was enough. I returned to Boston. I thought he was out of my life.

Then he came back.

Scotland and Robyn were a fresh start, though. I left that shit behind in Boston.

I stumbled into the swank adjoining bathroom (all marble tile and fancy fixtures), and then slowly returned to the bedroom. The view outside distracted me from dark thoughts of the past.

“Holy...” I walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the sea. Yesterday had been a bright, sunny day. The morning was a little gray, a mist hanging over the water. But it took nothing away from its beauty. If I were a painter, I’d sit at that window all day putting color to canvas.

Unfortunately, my painting phase had lasted exactly three days before I realized I had zero talent and I was trying to force the interest.

Movement outside caught my attention, and I saw my sister in her workout gear walking toward the house from the west. Perhaps from the beach? It wouldn’t surprise me if she’d been up at dawn running along the seafront. Probably because of me. Robyn was a runner because it helped her center her thoughts.

Thinking of my strong sister, I glanced back at the phone on the bed.

When she was fifteen, a date sexually assaulted Robyn.

She didn’t let him win. Didn’t let him make her feel weak. Instead, she empowered herself.

Robyn trained in mixed martial arts.

I’d never been interested in sports. I liked yoga and Pilates, but that was as far as I’d ever taken enforced physical activity. To be honest, I’d rather be running around, staying active in a natural, day-to-day manner.

However, eight months ago I’d begun to understand Robyn’s need to be able to defend herself.

* * *

“Morning,” I called gaily as I strolled into the kitchen.

I’d showered and dressed, hoping to catch my sister and her fiancé before they left the house.

Thankfully, they were both sitting at the island sipping coffee.

“Morning.” Robyn moved to slip off a stool. “Let me get you a coffee.”

“I can do that.” I waved her away as I maneuvered around the fancy kitchen. “I thought you might train me in MMA.”

The silence at my back made me turn around.

Robyn gaped over the brim of her coffee mug while Lachlan watched her closely.

“What?” I asked a little defensively, afraid she was already suspicious about my motives.

“You want to learn MMA?”

“Yeah.” I shrugged like it was no big deal.

“You hate martial arts. And sports in general.”

“Well,” I said, leaning against the counter, “I thought it would be a nice thing for us to do together, to spend time together.”

“That’s the only reason?” My big sister frowned, her expression concerned.

I veered just close enough to the truth that it would stall the questions. “While I was in Asia, I got cornered by this guy. If it hadn’t been for this other guy showing up, I’d hate to think what might have happened. And then seeing you reminded me you’re a badass. Just got me thinking that I should learn to defend myself.”

Robyn was already making her way to me. “Are you okay? Are you sure it wasn’t worse than what you’re saying?”

I reached for her, squeezing her hand while I smiled. “You’re such a worrier. It was just as I said.”

She studied me. “Something is off. I can tell.”

I released her hand. “Things are just weird between us, that’s all. I’m trying to move us past it. I thought spending time together would help.”

Suddenly, a coolness entered Robyn’s eyes, and she crossed her arms. “How long are you planning to stay?”

“As long as I’m legally allowed, I guess.” I glanced at Lachlan. “If that’s okay?”

He looked at Robyn. “As long as it’s okay with your sister, it’s okay with me.”

Before Robyn could respond, I hurried to say, “I’m going to get a job while I’m here, find somewhere to rent, so I’m not in your hair and, like, mooching off you and your boyfriend.”

“Fiancé.” She scowled. “And you wouldn’t be mooching. I want you here.” Where I can keep an eye on you, she didn’t say.

“Then I’ll pay rent. Once I find a job. Know where I might get one?” I queried. I wouldn’t lie, I was kind of hoping Lachlan might offer up a server gig at the estate. Or anything, really.

Instead, he said, “I’ll ask around the village.”

Did he really not have an available position?

Or did he not want me working at his elite estate?