Beyond the Pine (19 page)

Riley

I know there’s truth in his words, truth I’ve not even admitted to myself about this place. However, everything is happening so fast, I can barely wrap my head around it.

Asher and Tobias, on the other hand, are wasting no time in putting together a plan of escape.

“Do you have somewhere you can take her?” Tobias asks, turning to Asher.

“Yes,” he nods. “I can keep her safe, I just need help finding a way out of this place.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll find a way to get you to the other side of the tree line unseen, but you need to take her somewhere safe, Asher,” he replies. “My father…” he starts, shaking his head and finding my teary eyes, still staring back at him in shock. “There was a time when I thought he was good, a time when I thought he meant it when he said he cared for his flock, wanted us all to be safe, happy… That part of him is gone, Riley. I’m not sure what happened, but somewhere along the line, he lost his light. He’s not my father anymore. He’s a monster. He’s a monster and he’ll stop at nothing to ensure his word is final. I’m not sure what he’d do to you, to your baby, but I am sure of one thing and it’s that none of you are safe here.”

His words hit me like a hammer, the weight of them knocking the wind from my chest.

Looking over to Asher, I find Sara standing behind him, looking over at me, sadness marring her soft features.

Looking to her, I memorize her face, trying my best to sear her image into my mind as I realize leaving the farm will mean leaving her behind… maybe forever.

We’ve been through so much together. I’ve spent every day of her life with her, the thought of leaving her behind, it tears at my heart in ways I never thought anything could.

Seeming to read my thoughts, she stares right back at me just as hard before she releases a heavy breath that wavers with emotion.

“What about Sara, her mother, the boys?” I manage. “I can’t leave them behind. They’re the only family I have left, Asher. The Reverend will know I haven’t left without telling Sara something. I have to make sure they’ll be safe.”

“I won’t let anything happen to any of them,” Tobias promises, his voice low but firm. “I love Sara. If need be, I’ll protect her with my life.”

Slowly, I watch her nod, her eyes still glistening with tears as she bends in front of me, holding my gaze.

“Your safety, your happiness… that’s all I’ve ever wanted for you, my sweet sister,” she says quietly, giving me the best smile she can manage as she takes my hands in hers. “If you love him, if you want the same happiness I’ve always prayed for you to find, you have to go, Riley. If you’re okay, then I promise that I will be, too.”

Asher

I’d hoped we’d be able to sneak off through the forest, but unfortunately, that wasn’t an option. I’d known there were men securing the perimeter of the farm, but according the Tobias, the Reverend had ensured even more men be put in place, making a simple but well-timed escape an impossibility.

Fortunately, with his knowledge of the land and my vibrant criminal history, we were able to put together a plan that would help me get her to safety.

After Riley’s stay in the infirmary, healing up from the aftermath of the Reverend’s abuse, he’d been called to help in the chapel. With a run to town coming up in a few weeks’ time, he’s agreed to add my name to the list of those making the trip.

Convinced he can keep his father distracted the morning of the run, we plan to sneak Riley into Tobias’ truck, hiding her until it’s time to leave. Before our absence is even noticed, we’ll already be gone.

We just have to keep our secret a little while longer.

Once I calmed her, the events of the day leave Riley so exhausted, she’s barely able to keep her eyes open. We still have to be careful, ensure no one finds me hiding back here with her, but with the rain still beating down over us, it’s not so hard to manage.

Tobias leaves as soon as Riley is fast asleep and Sara excuses herself, moving to check on the rest of the patients, leaving us alone.

I stretch out over her narrow, worn cot, knowing there’s not nearly enough room but refusing to move away from her even an inch. I wrap my arms around her, her small, fragile frame sinking into mine as she nestles deeper into my chest.

The sound of the rain beating down on the roof combined with her low, even breath on my skin quickly pulls me under its spell. Despite the harsh tinge of antiseptic and herbs that have been placed over her skin, I can still smell her sweet scent as it lulls me in that much further.

I’m stuck in my head, thinking about everything that’s happened, everything to come.

It isn’t long before my eyes flutter shut, my last waking memory the sound of her gentle sigh, bringing with it hazy visions and a dream filled sleep.

Flashes of her ivory skin, her full lips smiling up at me fill my mind and I can’t stop the feeling of calm that radiates through my chest as I dream of her tasting the one thing we’ve both always craved…

Freedom.

Riley

After hiding away in the infirmary for a week, I’m deemed healthy enough to return to my duties. Truth be told, I’d been able to go home three days in, but knowing of my fear and the secret we’d all been keeping, Sara kept me close to her for as long as she could.

Although I thought I’d be happy to return to my home, begin preparations for our escape, the time within those walls were the hardest.

Since the Reverend had become suspicious of us, he was watching that much closer, so any time alone with him was out of the question. We’d hoped getting word from his son would be enough to deter him, but unfortunately, we’d been wrong.

For the next month, we’d have to be even more secretive.

Each night, Sara would come to change my dressings, bringing messages from Asher that he’d left with her at the infirmary. More often than not, his words would make her blush, the scarlet of her cheeks making me smile wide as I imagined her expression when he spoke the words.

As the days dwindled down, a strange combination of excitement and terror moved through me. The thought of being with Asher forever? It was the most exhilarating feeling I’d ever experienced in my life. Terror, because in order to obtain it, the plan would have to go perfectly.

I avoided the Reverend at all costs, however working side by side with him, there was no way for me to avoid him altogether. I kept my head down, tending to my duties despite his harsh, disbelieving gaze as it burnt across my skin. Luckily, the need to get everything done in time for the trip into town was becoming more and more urgent, so his words were limited.

My second Sunday back to church, I made my way inside, my stomach flipping with an aversion to seemingly everything as I struggle to recover from the day before, my worst case of morning sickness so far. I was already on edge and the waves of nausea I’d been feeling weren’t helping one bit.

Luckily, my discomfort isn’t noticed as I make my way to my usual spot beside Sara and her family. I sit beside her, taking her proffered hand and taking great comfort as she squeezes mine between us on the pew.

“Good morning,” she says, giving me a warm smile. “How are you feeling?”

“A little better, thank you,” I offer, listening closely when she leans in.

“You don’t look quite as green today,” she whispers, making me chuckle weakly.

“Thank you,” I manage, looking around us for a moment, my eyes meeting Asher’s from his spot across the aisle, two rows back. He gives me a subtle wink, making my cheeks heat slightly before I’m forced to return my gaze to hers. “I slept later than I intended and was afraid I’d have to sneak in, but it seems I’m not the one who’s late,” I muse. “Do you know why service hasn’t started yet? Is there some kind of delay?”

“I’m not sure,” she shrugs. “The Reverend didn’t make an announcement and I haven’t seen Tobias yet, either. I was starting to get worried about you.”

“I’m okay,” I say low, squeezing her hand once more. “I just hope Tobias is, as well.”

Asher

The sight of her making her way into the chapel just before service is due to begin puts my troubled mind at ease instantaneously.

It only takes a moment for her to give me her eyes, but it seems like forever. When she finally does, though, the gentle heat of her cheeks makes it worth the wait.

Unfortunately, it does nothing to curb my thirst for her.

I hadn’t been close to her since she left the infirmary. I’d thought having her right next door, knowing I’d be able to watch her, ensure her safety, would make me feel better.

It had, but I never realized how much harder that would make it to stay away.

Every morning, I watched her leaving, the wind whipping her dark hair against her face, gripping my sanity.

Each afternoon, I saw her return, the light sheen of sweat covering her alabaster skin taunting me.

I’d been with more women than most, but none of them had affected me with the same force as Riley.

I coveted her ruthlessly.

Each blush of her cheeks filled me with the promise of the most divine gluttonous trespass. Every second with her a sweet, delicious sin I would gladly face eternal damnation for.

The sound of the Reverend’s voice breaking through the gentle stir of the congregation pulls me from my perverse thoughts, likely saving my soul. I reluctantly pull my eyes from her, directing my gaze to the pulpit.

“Good morning, Brothers and Sisters,” he begins, nodding toward us with a small smile. “I apologize for my tardiness. As you know, my dear wife Rachel hasn’t been well and it’s with great regret that I inform all of you, our family, that she’s taken a rough turn this morning.”

His words bring audible gasps from those surrounding me, each of them turning to find the Reverend’s son, Tobias, who has just made his way to Riley.

He nods his thanks to those around him, a solemn smile of acknowledgement as he bends and whispers something quietly to her. Their private exchange has her moving to stand, slowly following him to the front pew where they’d been the day their engagement had been announced.

His eyes catch mine as he turns to settle beside her, a subtle nod in my direction promising me her safety as the nervous buzz continues to fill my chest.

“Like so many events in our history, we’re reminded today that each time a door closes, our Lord opens a window, beckoning His light into our weary hearts,” the Reverend begins.

“Amen.”

The word echoes around me, the members hanging on every movement coming from the pulpit.

“So it is with great joy that I announce the source of that light today,” he bellows, looking out over the members. “While we’d planned for my son Tobias and his betrothed, Riley Chapman, to take their vows in the spring,” he continues, facing them. “I’m sure you can understand in light of recent events, there’s a sense of urgency, not only within this house, but my own. That being said, the celebration of their vows will not be postponed, but instead expedited so that Tobias’ mother may witness this blessed day.”

Light sounds of approval move through the chapel, many of them leaning forward to congratulate them, blocking my view of her eyes as anxiety stirs within my chest.

“A week from Saturday, these children of God will be joined in holy matrimony,” the Reverend continues, his thick Southern voice bellowing out over the room, his cold eyes finding mine as his wide beam shifts into a wicked smirk. “Come Hell or high water, His will,
my will
, be done.”

Asher

By the time I’m able to make it to her undetected in the safety of the infirmary hours later, she’s bordering on hysterics.

I clear the space between her usual spot on her cot from my place outside the door in three wide strides.

“Asher,” she gasps, her breathing erratic as she fights the urge to hyperventilate. “Asher, what are we going to do? We just lost two weeks. The trucks, the run, our whole plan is completely ruined. How are we going to… ?”

“Shh,” I whisper, smoothing my palms over her face, holding her eyes as I brush my thumb over her lips. “Hush, baby. It’s okay. I’m gonna figure something out.”

“There’s nothing to figure out,” she argues, her tears finally spilling over as she releases the low sob she’s been holding in her chest. “This was our only way out, Asher. The Reverend will keep watching our every move, there’s no way…”

“Riley, stop it,” I cut her off, the soft authority in my voice enough to halt her panic, if only for a moment. “Baby, I will die before I let anything happen to you, to our child,” I vow, every ounce of my willpower going into the words. “If you never believe another thing I say, you believe that, alright?”

“Okay,” she whimpers, nodding her head quickly as she holds my eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m just so scared, Asher.”

“Shh…” I whisper, pressing my lips to hers, still holding her gaze. “You’ve got nothing to fear, sugar. He’s never gonna lay another finger on you, Riley. I swear to God he’ll never fuckin’ touch you again, okay?”

“Okay,” she cries, her tears still streaming, but her breathing coming back to normal.

“You trust me, baby?”

“Yes,” she says immediately.

“Then trust that I’ll do anything to keep you safe,” I whisper, gently pressing my lips to hers once more, still smoothing my hands over her porcelain skin. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Asher,” she sniffs, gently leaning into my palm as she rests her soft hand over mine. “I love you, too.”

“I’ve been missin’ you, sugar,” I admit against her lips, my voice husky as I take her in.

“I’ve missed you, too,” she breathes, the sight of her cheeks reddening turning my lips upward for the first time all day.

Despite everything that’s just happened, despite the fact that we’re facing even more trials than before, her smile in return still meets her eyes, melts my insides.

A few moments pass, both of us locked in a silent emotional exchange.

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Sara whispers, pulling our eyes to hers as she quietly reminds us of her presence. “I need to check on the other patients, make sure there isn’t anyone… lingering,” she says low, directing her eyes to Riley. “I’ll keep watch, check in on you in a little bit if you think you’ll be alright.”

“Thank you,” she replies quietly, giving her a subtle nod before watching her go.

Riley’s eyes linger on the door Sara’s just gone through, the turn of her head leaving her neck exposed to me.

I know it’s selfish.

She’d just been crying her eyes out, a complete fucking mess. I’m a strong man, but selfish or not, I’m still a man.

My need to taste her is insatiable.

Bending forward, I run my lips up her neck, a soft quiver her response as her eyelids grow heavy with desire.

My tongue darts out against her jaw, teasing her as my name escapes her lips in a whisper.

“I’m not sure we should here…” she pants, her green eyes fluttering.

“We haven’t been alone in days, sugar,” I argue, my hands leaving her waist and moving below the hem of her skirt. “I need to be inside you, Riley. I need to claim what’s mine, taste your skin.”

My words light her skin on fire, the light whimper leaving her chest as I tease her lips with my tongue nearly enough to end me right there.

“Don’t deny me what’s mine, sugar,” I husk, holding her eyes as I suck her bottom lip.

The final piece of her resolve falls at our feet as she parts her lips, granting me entry.

I take it, kissing her deep, pulling another whimper from her as I hike her skirt, pooling it around her waist.

I slip my fingers beneath her cotton panties, tugging them gently down her legs before gripping her behind her knees, pulling her to the edge of the cot.

“Hold on, baby,” I whisper, waiting for her to position her hands at her sides, gripping the edge of the frame. “Lean back and keep quiet.”

With a silent nod, I kiss her soft before bending to taste her. She’s so wet, so sweet, I can’t contain the low growl that leaves my chest. The vibration sends a wave through us both, her hand moving to silence her moan making me squeeze her hips harder, pull her legs over my shoulders.

“Asher,” she breathes, my name leaving her lips in almost silent pants as she quickly falls apart beneath me. “Asher please…”

“Hmm…” I hum against her, swiping my tongue up her center in one long, torturous stroke before raising slightly, meeting her eyes. “I love it when you beg, baby,” I chuckle darkly, her cheeks blazing for a moment before I tug at her knees once more, this time the movement putting her flat on her back, stretched out before me. “Don’t worry, sugar,” I pant, standing over her as I unbuckle my belt, holding her eyes. “I’m gonna take care of you.”

Before she can muster a response, I free myself and lower my body over hers, pushing into her deep, stealing her breath.

“Shh,” I whisper against her lips before swallowing her gasp of pleasure.

With a deep kiss, I give her a moment to adjust before I begin to rock into her, one fist tangled into her hair, keeping her in place.

She’s dripping with need, silently begging for release and everything inside me intends on giving it to her as many times as I can.

Not only had it been days since I felt her lips on mine, more than a week since I’d been inside her, I had no idea when I’d be with her again like this.

I’d never admit it to her, but I have no idea how I’ll get us out of this fucking place.

Truth be told, as I take her lips, swallow her pleasure, savor in her clenching around my cock, I only know one thing for certain.

There’s not a fucking thing I’m not willing to risk if it means saving her.

Riley

As I will my breaths to steady, I lie comfortably beneath him, savoring in the feel of his weight over me as he traces my skin with his soft, full lips. His scruff grazes my neck, sending goosebumps across my skin and I shudder, the action pulling a low, deep chuckle from his broad chest that reverberates through me. I’m still frightened, terrified really, but his soft touch soothes my weary soul, making it hard for me to doubt anything but him…
us
.

We lie wrapped in each other for a moment, collecting ourselves before he slowly rises, gently pulling me up with him. As his large, masculine frame moves with intent behind me, I silently wonder what our life will be like once we’re free of this place, no longer made to hide in the shadows.

Since he arrived here on the farm, I’d spent my days, my nights, my every moment imagining a life with Asher. I’d romanticized it in an uncountable number of ways. However, now that it’s staring me right in the face, I’ve no idea what that kind of future actually looks like.

I’m still lost in my thoughts as he presses his front to my back, the heat from his skin threatening my sanity once more as his hot breath dances over my skin. He bends behind me, gently replacing my panties as he tenderly presses his lips to the back of my thigh, releasing a sigh as he fixes my dress and stands.

As he reaches around me, he massages my breast over the cotton fabric of my dress, using his free hand to grip my hair, pulling my head back against his chest.

“Kiss me good, baby,” he orders gently, bending and slipping his tongue inside to taste my kiss.

There’s a desperation there that somehow confuses me, but makes perfect sense all at once.

I have no idea what our future holds, but as I surrender to his will, I know one thing for certain.

There’s no turning back for me now.

My heart, my entire being, belongs to Asher.