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

tale called Cinderella. Back then, Holly never imagined how much her own life would mirror that of the story. Only, there was no fairy godmother to rescue her, no fancy ball to attend, and certainly no prince to rescue her from her role in the family. She was a realist who knew her place. But other than time spent cuddled with her two children, her daydreams were her only respite from her inferior existence in the house of the prophet. Sometimes she dreamed she lived outside their compound, away from the clutches of Clarence Black, with just herself and her two children. She’d watch television, listen to music, maybe even visit a bar, meet a man, maybe even fall in love . . .
    Wake up, you silly woman. Your husband is here, and he’s here for a reason.
    “I have a job for you, Holly.” Condescension dripped from his voice whenever he lowered himself to actually address her. Normally, he had his first wife do his bidding, so Holly knew this was important, special, since he wanted to give the instructions himself.
    “Yes, sir.” She set the iron down and turned the switch to off. One last billow of steam was released from the blazing metal and Holly wiped the damp heat from her forehead.
    I’ll do anything to leave this wretched room.
    “You’re familiar with Paul’s wife Aspen.”
    It wasn’t a question, and a shot of adrenaline zoomed through Holly’s abdomen. Did he know of her discussion with Aspen months prior, outside the temple? It wouldn’t surprise her if he did . . . he knew everything. Always.
    “Yes, sir.” She nodded, swallowing hard.
    “I need you to deliver something.” He reached into his pocket and retrieved an iPhone, the newest model. Several of Clarence’s wives were gifted this newest bit of technology while Holly was given one of their old flip phones. When Holly asked Janine if she could be given one like the others, Janine sneered and reminded her she was lucky to have a phone at all. And that conversation came to a screeching halt.
    Clarence placed the phone on the table before him. He then reached into his pocket once again and pulled an envelope from his starched khaki trousers. The very trousers she spent hours ironing every week. “And see that she gets this as well.”
    “I will.”
    Clarence raised one wicked eyebrow, the hollows of his cheeks were expanding, and despite his never-ending appetite for sweets, he was thinner than the last time she’d spoken to him. Most of the other men on the compound seemed to grow large, distended bellies, but not Clarence Black. No, he remained thin despite his insatiable sweet tooth.
    “You must deliver these directly to Aspen, do you understand? Don’t leave it with one of the other useless wives.”
    “Not even your brother?”
    Clarence sneered, “Especially not him. That fool would lose his head if it wasn’t attached. No, only Aspen, do you understand?”
    “Yes, sir. I understand.”
    And so, she’d done what was expected of her. She delivered the phone she secretly coveted. Noting that it was fully charged, she explored the various applications that her device didn’t have. A camera? E-mail?
    Part of her wanted to keep the phone . . . secretly, telling no one. Aspen would believe her phone was never found, and the prophet would think she’d delivered it as promised. Then she remembered that moment she spent with Aspen months before, and how she wished her no ill will or harm. She knew Aspen deserved to have the phone.
    And so she delivered it. In true form, she managed to say too much, insinuating the worst about her husband. The Aspen she conversed with at the temple had an edge, and opinions waiting to be expressed. But this Aspen was different—closed off, quiet, distrustful.
    Has Clarence tainted her view of me? Is that why he sent me? To let me know I am unequivocally and irrevocably alone?
    That thought made her shiver.
    Clarence’s fork pierced the cherry cheesecake as he sat at the grand dining room table only he