Page 20 of Haven
“There you are.” Gemma smiled, looking from her to Kile, then frowned. “Are we interrupting something?”
“No,” Sadie answered quickly, a little too quickly. Kile wanted to growl; yes, you did but remained silent. “I just came in to clean up the mess.”
“Oh, I should have told you that I have women who do that,” Gemma replied, looking around. “Did you meet Beth Ann?”
“I did, and she was very nice,” Sadie answered with a huge smile. “They were all nice.”
Kile frowned, knowing that the mated females had been friendly, but the unmated not so much. He saw the looks she and Lily had been getting, and it pissed him off.
“Well, you and Lily were a hit.” Gemma boasted proudly. “So much so I had to have Eric stop the line of the men ready to go for a fifth plate. I found two puking and then saw them back in line.”
“I don’t think it was all about the food.” Eric frowned, glancing at Kile, who nodded in agreement. “Which will be handled shortly. Alex said that a few of the men were very disrespectful to Lily. Did any of them say anything to you that made you uncomfortable, Sadie?”
Kile watched her hesitate as she looked away from Eric to the floor. “No, not really.”
“What did the man who I stepped between you and him say to you?” Kile asked, knowing whatever it was had wiped the smile from her face.
Again, she hesitated, not looking at any of them. “Nothing really.” Sadie finally said, folding and unfolding her arms over her chest. “Listen, it wasn’t a big deal. Beth Ann said he says it to all the women.”
“Who?” Gemma frowned, glancing at Eric and then Kile.
“Dan,” Kile answered, not taking his eyes off Sadie. “And it is a big deal because I saw the look on your face, which is why I stepped in. Out of respect for you I didn’t cause a scene, but I want to know what was said that upset you. We do not condone disrespect of the women here.”
“No, we do not.” Gemma agreed and gave Sadie an encouraging nod. “What did he say to you, Sadie, though I think I know.”
“He said I was his,” Sadie replied, then sighed. “Like I said, Beth Ann mentioned that he says that to all the women, butafter dealing with the Colton situation, it brought back things I’d rather forget. I’m probably too sensitive right now, and it bothered me a little. Listen, I don’t want to cause trouble here for Lily. She loves it here, and I don’t want to jeopardize her chance of happiness.”
“He said that to you?” Eric growled, his eyes narrowed as he stared down at his mate.
“I set him straight. He knows who I belong to.” Gemma patted his arm and then turned back to Sadie.
“Why in the fuck didn’t you tell me this?” Eric snarled, his fist clenching. Kile had a feeling Dan may be getting his ass handed to him today, and if not by Eric, but by him. Anger boiled in his chest as he looked at Sadie, watching Eric with wide eyes.
“Ah, because I didn’t want a bloodbath the day everyone arrived,” Gemma said, then turned back to Sadie. “If he bothers you again, just let me know.”
“He won’t be bothering her again,” Kile informed them, a growl in his own voice.
“You’ll get used to all the growling,” Gemma whispered to Sadie, but Kile and Eric heard her. “Now, the real reason I was looking for you is because I want to offer you a job. It doesn’t pay much, but I will offer you a small cabin as soon as possible so you will have a place to stay other than a tent—also a paycheck. We offer breakfast and dinner. I will hire someone you can train for the days you want off.”
“Oh, I, ah—” Sadie began, and Kile knew she was struggling to answer. “I don’t mind helping out. As for the job, I’m honored you asked me, but I’m still unsure what I am doing. I haven’t really had a chance to talk to Lily.”
“Think about it,” Gemma said with a smile. “And yes, if you can help while you are here, I would greatly appreciate it.”
“I’ll do more than help out.” Sadie grinned, and Kile wanted to see her keep that grin on her face every day. She was lovely when she smiled. “I promised Beth Ann and the other women who were here that I would teach them how to cook.”
Gemma clapped her hands together. “That would be amazing. Thank you so much for doing that.”
“Lily and I can help anyone who wants to learn,” Sadie said with a shrug as if it wasn’t that big of a deal. “My mother taught Lily and me how to cook, so I think I can do the same. Not as good as my mother, of course, but close enough.”
“She must have been a special lady.” Gemma clasped Sadie’s hand. “She would be very proud of you and Lily.”
“Thank you, and yes, she was an amazing woman.” Sadie nodded, and Kile could feel the emotion overcome her. It was odd to feel someone else’s emotion, but that is precisely what was happening.
“So I can count on you for a little while. At least until I find someone to take your place if you decide not to take the job?” Gemma put her hands together as if in prayer.
“Sadie smiled with a nod. “Of course.” She replied, then frowned. “But on one condition.”
“Anything,” Gemma said quickly.