The Three by Meghan O'Brien Read Free Book Online

voice drew Anna’s attention to her face and her tender hazel eyes. “He’s…been through a lot. He’s cautious. Please believe that Kael just doesn’t want to see any of us hurt.”
    “I’m sorry.” Anna exhaled steadily. “I don’t mean to be difficult. I just have a hard time with being ordered around like that.”
    “I understand—believe me, I do. I used to get frustrated sometimes, too, but now…I know Kael. I know where he’s coming from. He just wants to protect us from the bad things in this world.”
    “Well, it’s a bit late for me. I know all about the bad things the world has to offer.”
    Elin’s eyes flashed with pain. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry that nobody was there to help protect you when you needed it, but please…let us help protect you now.” She placed her hand on Anna’s arm. “And you can help protect us.”
    Elin’s warm gaze melted away the last of her anger, and Anna said, “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m oversensitive.” I just hate having a man telling me what to do all the time. It feels a little too much like home.
    Kael poked his head out the front door and gestured to them. “Ladies, are you ready to shop?”
    “You said the magic words.” Elin jumped away from the wall and went to him, rising up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek as she walked through the smashed door.

    Anna followed, hissing sharply when she took her first step. Her limp was still pronounced, though Elin had carefully wrapped her ankle the night before. The kick she’d received at the lake left her gritting her teeth in pain after only half a day of walking.
    “How’s the ankle?” Kael asked.
    “Fine. No sweat.”
    Kael held her stare for a moment before turning to walk back into the store. “We’ll set up camp once we get far enough outside of town.”
    “I said it’s fine. Look, I don’t want to be the dead weight who slows you two down. I can keep up. I promise.”
    “Anna.” Kael paused and rubbed his palm over his shaven head. “I know that you and I are still…adjusting to this situation. I don’t want you to feel like I have a problem with you or like I’m questioning your abilities. I just have a certain way that I like to do things, and being careful is very important to me. For all of us. If you don’t let your ankle heal properly, you’ll be at a disadvantage if something unexpected happens.”
    Anna released a frustrated breath. “I know, but—”
    “But nothing. I only walked us as far as I did today so that we could get some supplies. If we hadn’t needed them, I’d have insisted you rest for at least a day.” Before Anna could respond, he continued, “Listen, you’re with us now. That means you’re going to have to put up with me and my moods. It means I care about you and how you’re doing. I know that Elin is better at this stuff than I am. Please don’t take anything I say or do personally. I’m not the bad guy, I swear.”
    Anna couldn’t suppress a smile at that. Once again, Kael had reached out and smoothed over her hurt and anger, and despite his brusque manner, she heard the truth of his words. He’s not the bad guy. Elin wouldn’t be with a bad guy.
    “I’m sorry. You’re right,” she said. “I guess you’re going to have to put up with my moods, and me, too. I just have an aversion to feeling like someone is telling me what to do.” She wrinkled her nose in distaste.
    “Bad memories.”
    Kael gave her a humorless smile. “I understand.”
    “Hey, Anna!” Elin’s excited voice came from somewhere inside the store. “This place still has a few sleeping bags. Come check it out.”
    Anna ducked her head in a quick nod to Kael, then followed the sound of Elin’s voice. Gazing around, she noted that the shelves were still relatively full of random sporting goods items, everything covered with a thick layer of dust. This was one of the more untouched stores she’d seen. It wasn’t unusual for a place like this to be well picked