Page 85 of Billionaire Lumberjack's Bride

“And they let you leave?”

It’s the obvious question, and when I consider what I went through to get away, a sardonic laugh slips from my lips.

“Fuck no. They knew they fucked up, that I wasn’t going to accept what had been happening anymore. They tried to keep me there, with guards at my door. And that night, I left with almost nothing. Climbed down the trellis outside my window and walked to the bus station. I had no idea where I was headed. Just away.”

She runs her fingers through my beard, the corners of her mouth turning up into an almost smile. “To this mountain.”

I nod, remembering how terrified I was getting off that bus, walking into Jensen’s, asking for somewhere to stay. “I grew up out here. Learning how to live like this through trial and error and the generosity of a few good souls like Travis and his wife down the mountain and Jensen in town. They taught me how to swing an axe and so much more. And I prayed no one would ever find me…”

“But someone did…”

I nod. “Ronald. Likely through property records. I registered this land under my mother’s maiden name—not exactly the most brilliant plan to hide my identity.”

Lyla shifts onto my lap, resting her head against my chest, curling into me like it’s the most natural place for her to be. “What does he want you to do?”

“Take down my uncle. Get him removed from Bolton Steel and hopefully arrested for everything he’s done.”

She tilts her head to look up at me. “How do I fit in?”

Fuck if I know…

When Ronald suggested this cockamamie mail-order bride plan, it was supposed to be a simple business arrangement with a woman who needed some cash. It was never supposed to involve feelings. And it sure as hell wasn’t supposed to be a woman who deserves far better than this cabin on this remote mountain occupied by a broken asshole like me.

“We had a plan, but it didn’t involve Uncle Marty ever finding out where we were or threatening you. Now, it’s too dangerous to go through with it…”

ChapterThirteen

SILAS

Ithrow another log onto the fire and watch the flames catch it and climb higher, but the blast of warmth can’t help against the icy chill that’s settled over the dark night.

What happened today changes everything.

If I hadn’t come home when I did…

Panic wells inside me, and I grasp the mantle and tighten my fingers around it, letting my head drop low and eyes drift closed.

I know what Marty would’ve done to her, how he would’ve hurt her even worse than he already did.

If I had stayed in town only a few minutes longer…

My gut twists, and I try to shake those possibilities out of my mind before I drive myself insane.

He’s ready for us now.

Completely prepared.

He may not have known the trust was still valid, but once he saw that ring on her finger, he had to at least suspect what we were planning.

I’ll be walking into a trap set by a man who gets off on making people suffer—especially me.

The tangled web he’s woven over the years threatens to strangle me, and I step away from the fire, shoving my hair back from my face.

Lyla shifts restlessly in a tense sleep, her brow furrowing and eyes darting behind her closed lids.

Of course, she’s having nightmares.

How could she not after what just happened, after what I told her?

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