Just Keep Sweet (The Compound Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

such as this—just to assert their power, just to let the other wives know who was really in charge.
    “No, um . . .” She dug a hand into her deep pocket. “My husband sent me.”
    The air in Aspen’s lungs deflated.
    Clarence sent her . . . stay calm, Aspen. Whatever you do, stay calm.
    Aspen knew how to appear impervious. She kept her shoulders back, her forehead high. “Oh?”
    “I know. I was just as surprised as you are. He barely speaks to me these days.” She laughed nervously then paused, bit her lip, and tilted her forehead down, looking at Aspen with conflicted eyes. Aspen said nothing in response, although she knew there had to be a reason he sent Holly, rather than someone in his good graces. There was always a reason when it came to Clarence Black. Always.
    Holly cleared her throat and pulled a cell phone from her pocket. “Anyway, he asked me to give this to you.”
    My phone!
    Holly placed it in Aspen’s open palm. Aspen, again, coached herself not to show any evidence of excitement, even though pure elation swept through every inch of her tiny body.
    Holly shrugged. “He said you left it at the temple.”
    Aspen cleared her throat and nodded. “Yes, indeed, I did . . . at services, I believe. It must have fallen from my pocket. Silly me.”
    Relief crossed Holly’s pale face. “Oh, well, that’s good . . . that he found it.”
    “It is. Please give him my thanks.”
    And tell him he’ll burn for all eternity.
    “Of course.” She closed her eyes tight, shaking her head briskly. “I almost forgot. He sent this for you, as well.”
    From her other pocket, Holly retrieved a small envelope and handed it to Aspen. Aspen’s heart pounded beneath her thick cotton dress, and suddenly the heat of the sun scorched her neck, the Arizona air dried the back of her throat. A note from Clarence . . . her instincts took over, insisting she glance back at the boys, even though she could hear their blithe giggles and squeals. She thanked Holly, pressing her hand against the gate as an unspoken message for her visitor to take her leave.
    Leave me be so I can read. I will not do it in front of you, no matter how long you might stand in my presence.
    Holly sighed as she glanced at Aspen’s body language. “Well, I should be going.”
    “Yes, thank you for dropping by and returning my phone. I’d better take it inside and charge it.”
    “Oh, it’s fully charged.”
    Aspen tipped her head to the side, surprised. She’d left her phone at the temple more than a month prior.
    Stupid woman, he’s used it. He’s checked your search history, your phone logs . . . everything.
    Keeping her composure, she offered a polite smile. “Well, that was thoughtful of the prophet.”
    “Thoughtful?” Holly asked with a sardonic laugh. “You and I both know better than that.”
    Aspen swallowed hard, narrowing her eyes at her visitor, but she refused to respond. She ignored Holly’s words, despite her building desire for solidarity with one single person on the compound. How she longed to stop being an island within herself. She stared at Holly for a brief moment, then closed the gate and turned away. She caught a glimpse of Holly shaking her head in the background.
    I don’t know if I can trust you, Holly. Forgive me.
    Aspen placed the phone and envelope into her pocket with trembling fingers. Within seconds, she’d scooped up both boys, ushering them inside. Once they were happily wrestling in the common area under the watchful eye of her sister wife Sarah, Aspen quickened her steps to reach the sanctuary of her bedroom.
    When she opened the door, however, she found Ruthie slumped over her desk and digging through her belongings. Her personal, private things. So intent on her deviant behavior, her eldest daughter didn’t even notice her presence. Aspen cleared her throat and Ruthie jumped, placing a hand over her heart.
    “You scared me, Mama.”
    “What on earth are you doing?” Aspen demanded, crossing the