Rough 'n' Tough by Lily Harlem

Author:Lily Harlem [Harlem, Lily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lily Harlem
Published: 2017-08-08T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

“Let’s get outta here,” Harper said, stepping back and winding his fingers with hers. “Just keep it quiet, okay.”

“Because you know my father would flip if he caught us.”

“More than flip, after seeing him earlier I think he’d kick the bucket.”

“You might be right. But he’s on a programme to lose some weight and bring his blood pressure down.” And upsetting that regimen was the last thing she wanted. She loved him. His health was a priority for the whole family right now.

She followed Harper from the shadows and across the gravel path, trying to make as little sound as possible. Once on the lawn running parallel to the drive, Harper slung his arm over her shoulder and ambled along as though he owned the place and her.

“You shouldn’t have come here tonight, you know that,” she said, enjoying having his body moving in time with hers as they walked.

“I do lots of things I ain’t supposed to do.” He plucked a roll up from his pocket and lit it, ducking his head as he did so.

A waft of smoke skittered past her and she breathed it in. A year ago she’d given up tobacco, and now had to be content with second hand smoke. Far from being something she hated, it was always a pleasant hit of forbidden nicotine.

“Are we walking all the way?” she asked. “To the site.”

“Nah, I parked up the road. Didn’t think a princess like you would enjoy a mile hike.”

“I’m not a princess, and I’m perfectly capable of walking.”

“Yeah, I know.” He squeezed her shoulder. “I’ve seen your damn fine legs.” He chuckled.

“I’m glad you approve.”

“Approval is important to you?”

“I guess.” She paused. “Isn’t it to everyone?”

“Can’t say I’m fussed what people think of me. Just as well, usually I’m scum of the earth, no better than a rodent. It’s the way it is for my folk. One look at me and my ink, people clock my accent, and that’s it, I’m worthless. Should be thrown in jail and key thrown away.”

“I don’t think you’re worthless, far from it.”

“Then you’re the exception.”

A white van came into view, parked alongside a row of trees still heavy with rain.

“Your carriage awaits,” he said.

A sudden shot of nerves went through her. What the hell was she doing? Going off in the dark with this gypsy, this guy she hardly knew, except he could handle himself and wasn’t above breaking the law.

Hesitating, she watched as he opened the passenger door.

He nodded for her to climb in.

She didn’t.

He frowned. “What’s up?”

“I…” She couldn’t form the words, didn’t know how to make sense of the nerves in her belly.

“For fuck’s sake. You carry on with a bastard like Cedric yet you won’t get in a van with me?”

“It’s not like that.” She swallowed and looked at the seat. A tobacco tin sat on it alongside a bottle of Coke.

“So what’s it like?” He flicked his cigarette to the left and blew out a shot of smoke. “Nah, don’t tell me, you’re seeing what everyone sees.

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