Page 20 of Hero

The fleeting sense of comfort sparked by my sweet girl’s declaration of Thunderpeak ashomeis swiftly engulfed by abruptly coiling discomfort in my gut.

The last thing I expect is for Mason to ring my phone as I head to my truck.

“Hi, Silas,” he says. “I thought you’d like to know that Delilah is inThunderbrook’s Bistrowith her ex-boyfriend and she doesn’t look too happy.”

“Figured,” I say through gritted teeth. I know Harvey’s a spineless jerk, but I bristle with fury at the way he spoke to her yesterday. “Harper drove her to town.”

“What are you playing at, Peaches?” he mumbles to himself. “I tell you, that girl is something else. She’s meant to be taking it easy with the baby on the way, not getting in the middle of drama. I’m going over there now. I’ll make sure Delilah is safe till you get there.”

“Aren’t you working?” I ask.

“My family comes first,” he growls. “And that includes you and Delilah.”

“Thanks, man.”

I feel the urge to tell him about the whole fake boyfriend facade. How I knew she was the one from the very start, but tried damn hard to push her away because I didn’t think she could ever be happy sharing a life with me. Especially since she learned about my spotty past. I want to explain that not only did she not reject me, but her light pierced the shadowed part of me and bathed it in warm light.

Instead, I end the call and fire up the engine, point my truck towards town, and slam my foot on the accelerator.

The final stretch into Thunderbrook feels fraught with tension, I scowl at the too-bright morning sun knowing full-well that I’m rolling into town with dark and violent things on my mind.

I won’t let them take her.

If I were in my right mind, I’d realize that nothing or no one could break our bond, even though we’ve only gotten to know each other over such a short period of time.

But then again, nothing aboutusand the soul-deep connection I feel with her screams rational or predictable. I got totally blindsided by Delilah. What if something equally as irrational takes her away from me?

I pull up to the diner’s parking lot and spot her through the window sitting across from Harvey. I take a measured breath and try to ease the tension from my shoulders, but I’m still hopped up on adrenaline, fear and anger.

She doesn’t need you charging in like a raging bull.My girl looks calm and composed. I smile as relief washes through me because I know she’s good. A lot has changed since we met and my girl is a fighter. I have nothing to worry about. I’ll give her space and let her handle it.

He touches her and she pulls away.

Fuck.

I’m a blend of adrenaline and endorphins, barreling for the diner and cursing like a madman.

Don’t kill him, maybe break a few bones in his hand— No, idiot! Me acting like a jealous caveman is the last thing she needs. Just sidle inside and pray she doesn’t notice you. Even though your ass is as big as a grizzly bear.

It’s the first time I actually despise my size, because I want to be close in case the little shitstain tries to make a move a second time, but I don’t want to be seen. If he keeps his hand to himself and accepts that she’s done with him, I won’t have to step in.

As I step into the diner to the chime of the bell, I immediately spot Mason with Harper tucked under his arm in the booth before Delilah’s. He gives me a firm nod and wags a finger at Harper and murmurs. She murmurs something back and they have a brief bickering exchange.

Too cute. But I’m too on edge to smile. They come over.

“He’s behaving himself for now,” Mason says.

“Thanks,” I say. “I’ll take it from here.”

“Are you going to behave?” Mason asks.

“That depends on him,” I say, bluntly.

Mason groans. “Look, I’ve got your back. Just try to keep your cool.” He claps my shoulder and Harper gives my hand an encouraging squeeze. They sit at the front of the diner while I slip into the booth.

“You don’t own me, Harvey. I don’t care what kind of story my family feeds you. I am not your property and I’m not theirs.”

That’s it, you tell him.

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