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“That’s a really pretty necklace,” Shiloh nodded to the gold cross around Harlow’s neck
I wondered if that’s why they thought she would fit here Or if it was just because she looked so eager and hopeful Or maybe it was because she really was beautiful, and that was all Korech was looking for
“Thanks” Harlow touched her cross “My ht you to us,” Ruth said confidently
I groaned inwardly If they started convincing her that this was her destiny and what her beloved dead parents wanted, there would be no way I’d convince her to leave
“You really think so?” Harlow asked
“We know,” Ruth nodded
“Korech is a prophet for God, and God has a plan for everybody,” Shiloh agreed sole us safe”
I roaned audibly that time because they all looked at me
“What about you?” Lia asked “What brought you here?”
“My little brother is , and I have to find hi for aif I were anybody else There are no “one, they’re dead or zoa said from the far corner of the room Everyone turned to look at her, surprised she spoke
Nevaeh opened the door to the stairs, infor, and turned out the lights She never did come back downstairs, and I assumed that she shared a bed with Korech I wondered if she was his wife, or if she was just a mistress Or if they were all mistresses
Shiloh and Ruth went back to their beds, and I curled up deeper under the sheets I needed a shower and a good’s night rest These people had only been kind to , I would try to talk Harlow into leaving But then again, if I didn’t, maybe that wouldn’t be so bad I’ed to keep all these people alive, and that was far
– 8 –
Harloas up before I was, but then again, everyone was up before I was Lia waited in the baseht I needed one upstairs for breakfast
Lia encouraged me to wear their clothes, but I slipped back into my jeans and t-shirt It felt safer somehow
When I went upstairs, I found Harlow in the kitchen,garments, a pale yellow dress, and her hair had been pulled back in an intricate braid, hed and shtly at me with flour on her nose, and I realized sourly that she thrived in this environment