As Arianta limped towards the house, the sound of Katherine’s old truck as it cracked through the pebbled drive rolled louder. Dread washed over Arianta when she saw Katherine's figure approaching her instead of heading towards the house. The displeased expression etched onto Katherine’s face only heightened the anxiety that came with her disapproval.
Arianta immediately went on the defensive. “Look, before you say anything–”
Katherine's eyes darted towards Arianta's knee, and she cut her off, “And this is why I insist that you stay in the house unless you're with me. Are you alright? Let me take a look.”
Taken aback by Katherine's sudden caring demeanor, she had anticipated being scolded for wandering off, but it seemed that Katherine was genuinely concerned. She wondered if Katherine already knew about her unauthorized visit to the barn because of some voyueristic need for dominance.
Katherine dropped to her knees and examined the wound closely. “You may need stitches. Let's get you back to the house. Come on.”
Assisted by her strong, muscular frame, Arianta limped back to the house with her arm draped over Katherine’s shoulder. Despite the pain in her leg, Arianta felt compelled to confess. “I went into the barn even though you explicitly told me not to.”
“I’m already aware,” Katherine responded in a stern tone.
“You’re not angry?” she questioned, surprised by Katherine’s calm demeanor as they approached the porch.
“Oh, I’m beyond furious. You could have been seriously hurt,” Katherine replied.
While Katherine’s emotions were controlled as they entered the house and made their way to her bedroom, Breana’s were not. Outraged, she hollered, “Trespasser!”
“Let’s not be rude,” Katherine intervened. “Grab my first aid kit and meet me in the guest room.”
As Breana rushed off, Arianta leaned into Katherine and apologized. “I’m sorry. Breana doesn’t seem to like me very much.”
“Breana doesn’t like anyone. She’s been here for a while and is very useful. As long as I give her what she wants, she’s a loyal and faithful companion. She’s just looking out for us.”
Inside the bedroom, she lowered Arianta onto the bed's edge. Breana followed them in and handed the first aid kit to Katherine. But when Breana loomed too close, Katherine waved her away. “Give us some privacy and close the door on your way out.”
THE REST OF THIS POST IS AVAILABLE FOR USERS WHO HAVE PAID FOR BACKROOM ACCESS. IF YOU'D LIKE TO CONTINUE, PLEASE VISIT OUR REGISTRATION PAGE TO RECEIVE YOUR TICKET TO PARADISE.