I end the call and a surge of anger sweeps through me, contorting my expression into a mask of frustration. Mike and Nate, sensing the shift in my demeanor, exchange concerned glances before approaching me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and empathy.
“What’s wrong, Cain?” Mike asks, his voice laced with genuine concern.
With a heavy sigh, I recount the details of the conversation with Paul, my tone tinged with frustration and anger. I spare no detail, venting my frustrations.
Mike slams his hand down on the ATV. The metallic clang reverberates through the air, punctuating his words with a raw intensity. His anger is palpable.
“What the fuck, Cain?” Mike’s voice rang out, filled with frustration and disbelief.
“Listen,” I interject, my voice cutting through the tension like a knife. “Tessie is safe here. That’s all that matters.”
My words hang in the air, heavy with the weight of our shared determination to protect and defend our own. At that moment, as emotions ran high and tempers flared, one thing remained clear: we would do whatever it took to ensure Tessie’s safety and security, even if it meant confronting our demons.
As the tension simmers and the gravity of the situation sinks in, I turn to Mike and Nate with steely determination in my eyes. “Don’t mention anything to her. Just act normal,” I instruct firmly, my voice carrying a sense of urgency.
Mike and Nate exchange solemn nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. We share a silent agreement, a pact to shield Tessie from the harsh realities lurking beyond the sanctuary of our haven. In that moment, our commitment to her safety burned brighter than ever, fueling our resolve to keep her blissfully unaware of the dangers that threatened to intrude upon her world.
“We won’t let anything happen to her,” Nate affirms.
“I won’t stop until I know she is safe,” I declare, my words ringing with conviction. With that solemn vow, I steeled myself for the battle ahead, prepared to unleash hell upon anyone who dared threaten Tessie.
Tessie approaches us. Glancing at Mike and Nate, I silently remind them to maintain composure and act as if everything is perfectly normal. They nod in understanding.
“Hello, princess,” I greet Tessie with a warm smile, my voice laced with affection as she drew near.
“Hi,” she replies, returning my smile with a hint of curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Nan will be joining us for a bit tonight. However, she is going to bed early.”
“That’s nice she is joining, but it’s also good that she will be leaving early,” Mike chimes in, a mischievous smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “Because we have something planned…”
Tessie’s curiosity piques at Mike’s suggestive tone, her brow furrowing slightly as she looks at him with intrigue and amusement.
Mike casually traces his finger across the sleek body of the ATV, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Wanna go for a ride?” he teases Tessie with a playful smirk, his voice tinged with excitement.
Tessie’s gaze drifts to the ATV. “I haven’t been on one of these in years. Sure, why not?” she replies with a grin, her adventurous spirit reigniting.
With a swift movement, Mike mounts the ATV, exuding a sense of anticipation. Tessie follows suit, hopping onto the back with an eagerness that matches his own.
Amidst the preparations, Mavis’ voice rings out from across the garden, a mix of concern and
motherly instinct. “Make sure she wears a helmet!” she shouts, her maternal worry evident even from a distance.
Responding to Mavis’ call, Nate springs into action, darting into the nearby barn with urgency. Moments later, he emerges clutching a helmet, which he promptly hands to Tessie with a reassuring smile.
With a shared nod and a thumbs-up to Mavis, Nate and I mount each of our own ATVs. We all rev the engines and set off into the dense forest.
We trail behind Mike and Tessie and I can’t help but marvel at the forest scene unfolding before me. Tessie’s arms are securely wrapped around Mike’s waist, her fingers gripping tight as we navigate the rugged terrain with practiced ease. The ATV surges forward, kicking up dust as we chase after them, the wind whipping through our hair.
With determination, I match Mike’s speed, the exhilaration of the chase coursing through my veins. The engine roars beneath us, propelling us forward with each twist and turn of the dirt path. Beside me, Nate expertly maneuvers the ATV, his focus unwavering as we push ourselves to keep pace.
Amidst the adrenaline rush, Tessie’s laughter rings out, and her infectious giggles filling the air. I can’t help but smile.
We continue along the winding trail. Tessie’s body bounces gently with each bump and dip in the terrain.
Tessie leans close to Mike, her voice barely audible over the engine’s roar. She points excitedly towards something in the distance, her eyes alight with anticipation. Following her cue, Mike veers sharply to the right, the ATV navigating the rugged terrain effortlessly, with Nate and me hot on their heels.
As we make our way around the final bend, the breathtaking sight that greets us takes my breath away. Nestled amidst the dense foliage, a pristine lake sparkles in the dappled sunlight with a small waterfall cascading gently into its crystal-clear depths. It is a hidden gem, a natural wonder tucked away from the world’s prying eyes.
Wordlessly, Tessie lifts her helmet from her head and places it carefully on the ATV, a silent invitation to embrace the serenity of this secluded oasis. With a shared sense of awe, we dismount from our ATVs.
“Wow, this is incredible,” Nate breathes, his voice tinged with wonder as he surveyed the picturesque scene before us. We stand in silence for a moment, each of us lost in our thoughts as we absorb the tranquil beauty surrounding us.
Then, without a word, Tessie sheds her clothing, her movements fluid and unhurried. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise as I watch her strip down naked, her infectious grin daring us to join her in the cool embrace of the water.
“You’re going in?” I ask incredulously, my gaze flickering between Tessie and the guys.
“Absolutely,” she replies with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Are you joining?”
I glance at Nate and Mike, a silent understanding passing between us. With a shrug of my shoulders and a shared grin, we follow Tessie’s lead, stripping off our own clothes.
With anticipation and trepidation, we stand at the water’s edge, the cool breeze sending shivers down our spines.
Tessie takes the first bold step, her bare feet sinking into the soft mud at the water’s edge as she wades in up to her waist. Nate follows suit, his expression a mixture of determination and disbelief as he braces himself for the shock of the cool water.
“Shit, it’s freezing!” Nate exclaims.
Mike, ever the daredevil, wastes no time joining them, his laughter ringing out as he plunges headfirst into the water. “It’s not that bad. Come on, Cain,” he calls out, his words laced with a playful taunt.
Feeling the pressure to join them, I take a hesitant step forward, the cool water lapping at my ankles with a merciless chill that sends a shiver down my spine. Mike’s playful splash jolts me out of my hesitation, the cold droplets splattering against my skin.
