John scowled. “I…don’t understand.”
“She was the daughter of the people who bought me. Their name was Mclary. I don’t know where their farm is. I don’t know how much they paid for me or what my surname was before I was just Ren. Della was theirs. She was born the night after my finger was cut off for stealing food, and somehow, when I finally got the guts to run away, she was in the backpack I’d prepared with meagre supplies. I didn’t mean to steal her. In fact, I tried to leave her with a family because I knew I would be no good as a parental figure. But…I went back for her. I took her with me, and I’ve kept it a secret ever since.”
I stepped back, withdrawing myself from their world. “I know what you must think of me, but I never meant for this to happen. I don’t know why she kissed me, and I definitely didn’t condone it. She’ll be disciplined, and I’ll ensure she has better rules because I think it’s time I left. She needs parents, like you, not a kid who doesn’t know what he’s doing. I’m not telling you this to excuse what happened. I’m as disgusted as you are. But I am telling you the truth, so you know how real I am when I say I’m sorry. You have enough information to ruin my life. I’m sure I’m wanted by the police. Della’s been missing for twelve years…if her parents even care she’s gone. Who knows? They might’ve been arrested for buying kids for all I know. But what I do know is, I love Della. I’ve loved her since I stole her. But that’s all it is. I’ve never touched her. I’ve never kissed her inappropriately. I’ve never thought of her in any way apart from family. She might not be my sister, but I love her as one. And under no circumstances will I allow her to forget that, ever again.”
Silence fell, heavier but friendlier than before.
Cassie was the first one to speak. “The brand on your hip. The one you said they put there. It has MC before the number…for Mclary, right?”
I gritted my teeth, cursing that permanent reminder. “Yes.”
“And you swear on your life you’ve never done anything else? Never been tempted? Never gone too far in that one bedroom in the barn?” Her eyes blazed with distrust. “That kiss was the first and the last?”
I thudded a fist over my heart. “I promise on my life.”
A thick pause settled around us, cushioning the night.
“I believe you,” Patricia finally murmured. “I hear the honesty in what you’re saying.”
I nodded gratefully. “I’m sorry.”
She shook her head kindly. “Nothing to be sorry for. She’s young. Just like the day I caught her and Liam naked, she’s merely exploring her sexuality and confused on where desire fit in.”
I swallowed hard, refusing to let the word desire anywhere near the thought of Della.
John stepped forward, his face weary and wrinkled. “I think you better go. It’s late. We’ll all get some rest and deal with this in the morning.”
“I can’t sleep in that bedroom, sir.” My voice thickened with urgency. “I…I can’t stay here. I need to leave. That’s why I’m here. I need you to take care of Della. I’ll find another job. I’ll pay for her upkeep. But—” I glanced at Cassie’s whose eyes glassed with tears. “I don’t think it’s fair for me to continue trying to be her role model when I’m obviously failing.”
“You can’t go,” Cassie whispered. “That’s just stupid.”
“I…I don’t think I have a choice,” I whispered back, wishing I could offer sympathy but sensing that to touch her now would be the worst mistake of my life. I’d always known something deeper lurked beneath Cassie’s sweet affection and fierce tumbles in the hay. She pretended it was just casual sex between us, but occasionally, I’d catch that look in her eyes. The one she was giving me now. The look that petrified me because Della gave me the same look, only innocent.
It was love.
And love had hurt me enough.
“I’m sorry.” I rolled my shoulders. “To all of you.”
Patricia joined John, taking a few steps closer. “Don’t be silly, Ren. We love you and Della. We want both of you to stay. Move your things into the hay loft if it will make it easier. We’ll arrange for one of the stables to be converted into an extra bedroom. Now that Della knows kissing you is not permitted, things will go back to normal…you’ll see. No one needs to leave.” Her voice softened. “And besides, who will help John in the fields? You’ve been the best help we could have ever asked for. You’re family, not just an employee, and we won’t hear of this nonsense about you leaving.”