The Carmichael Sunshine

Chapter 9

I didn't see Connor much again at the cabin. Frank and Patrick were hardly around. I was basically free to roam around the place like it was my own.

I watched television.

I hung out with Maggie. Even though she hardly said two words to me.

Connor would pass through the house with one of his men, sometimes more. He'd glance at me. I'd attempt a smile, and he'd look away. That was the extent of our interactions. I was okay with that.

Several more days went by and I was taking a bubble bath in the master suite, which was now mine apparently, when there was a knock at the bathroom door. Well. A makeshift bubble bath. It was as good as I could get with just men's soap available.

"Yes?" I called.

"Get dressed," Connor's voice said. "Meet me outside in two minutes."

O-kay.

Hurriedly, I scattered out of the tub and quickly dried off, throwing on my uniform of men's shorts (it was warming up), a v-neck and tube socks.

My hair was still dripping wet when I went outside.

Connor stood with a cigarette in between his fingers. There was some commotion as men loaded into black SUVs. I watched with fascination as Connor stared longingly at the cigarette.

"You quit?" I asked.

He blinked, as if remembering I was there. "Yeah."

He cleared his throat, taking in my appearance.

"Sorry, I thought this was urgent so I didn't dry very well." I crossed my arms over my very apparent nipples.

"We're going back to the manor," he said simply.

I looked at the cabin, almost sadly.

I'd weirdly miss it.

Oh, my god. I needed some serious therapy.

"Oh," I said sadly.

Connor smirked slightly, "You gonna miss it out here?"

"Well," I shrugged, "the great outdoors, and all..."

He chuckled lightly. I smiled at the sound.

"So you're safe now?" I asked hopefully.

Connor narrowed his eyes at me, "Rule number one, never feel safe."

"Got it," I nodded.

"But for all intents and purposes. Yes. Safer. The threat was...handled," he finished, looking at me purposefully.

I swallowed, "My cousin?"

"Still at large," he muttered, bounding down the front steps towards a big black Audi. I ran after him.

"Have you heard from him about...you know, what my future holds?"

He opened the passenger door, "Get in."

I looked at the door, then at him. "Now?"

"Now or never."

I climbed into the passenger seat.

Connor went around to the driver's side.