Bonds That Tie Us

Twenty-three

~Eric~

"What are we doing here?" Adam asks me as we crouch in the wilderness.

"Setting a trap." I peer out, into the trail that leads through the forest.

"For what?" Adam looks startled.

"You'll see...any minute now..." I mutter.

We'd arrived at my Step Fathers countryside Estate yesterday, and we were utterly alone.

No staff, no company.

So I had told Adam not to unpack, because I planned for us to stay elsewhere for our stay.

The boy had looked confused, but didn't question me as he left Kelly in the house with our bags, before I dragged him out here.

And a few minutes after waiting outside the trail that led to the Darrows Estate, the sound of hooves was heard.

"Alright, this is it, Adam. Smile like you mean it, and act natural." I say, as two riders come into view.

Adam does as I ask, and we both walk out onto the trail.

"Kierson?" A voice calls, approaching us.

I turn, brows raised in fake surprise.

"Lord Hawthorn? And Sir Owen." I say, stunned as Liana's Father and Sir Owen reach us, on horseback. "What are the odds of seeing you both out here?"

"Quite slim, I'd say. Close to none, actually." Owens glare is vicious.

I grin as Adam bows his head at the two gentlemen, "Good morning Sirs."

"And who is this?" Lord Hawthorn raises a brow, pleasantly surprised to see the boy.

"This is Adam, I'm taking care of him for a few days. His father and I are good friends." I lie and I can see Adams already tense smile, falter slightly.

I had told him to smile like he meant it- not like he was being held captive against his will.

"Who is the boys Father?" Owen asks, suspiciously, frowning at Adam.

"You won't know him." I wave his question off dismissively. "But I'm still curious, what brings you here, my Lord?"

Liana's Father pats his black mares neck, assessing us thoughtfully.

"We've been invited to stay at the Darrow Estate this week." He explains, oblivious to Owens distaste for me.

"How truly gracious of you, Sir Owen." I place a hand on Adams shoulder. "The two of us are staying at my late Step Father's own Estates not far from here. We were on a morning walk." I say smoothly, ignoring Owen as he grows tense.

"You're staying here alone?" Liana's Father asks and I nod. "Why not come join us? You wouldn't mind, would you Owen?" He turns to the red faced man to his left.

"Actually, I wo-"

"-really?" I ask, stunned, cutting Owen's refusal off short. "That would be a very kind gesture, Sir Owen."

Adam seems to finally clock on to my plan, as he nods eagerly.

"Thank you Sir! We'd love to join you in your home." He beams up at the men.

There. The trap was snapped shut and Owen was stuck.

His lip curled slightly, "How could I ever refuse?" He mutters.

And just like that, we were a step closer to getting this trip done with.

I explain to them both that Adam and I would grab our things and head straight for Darrows Estate.