Page 3 of Hiding with a Mountain Man

Mitch stood up and extended his hand across the desk. "It's a wise decision Brooke. Let me show you the apartment. It's not luxury, but you'll be comfortable."

I placed my hand in his, and it was engulfed by strength and warmth. As we walked through the quiet halls of Blaze Security, each step bolstered my resolve.

The apartment was modest but well-appointed. A small kitchenette greeted us as we entered, opening up into a living area that promised comfort and solitude. A large window offered views of the Montana skyline, mountains standing guard in the distance.

"It's not much," Mitch said as he watched me take in my new surroundings, "but it's secure."

I turned to him with a grateful smile. "It's perfect."

He nodded once, then stepped toward the door. "I'll leave you to settle in. If you need anything?—"

"Wait," I interrupted him before he could finish. "Would you... could we have dinner together tonight? I don't mean to impose - it's just been so long since I've had a meal with someone... kind."

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, an almost imperceptible smile that seemed to reach his blue eyes. "I'd like that."

Three

Blaze

I wipe the sweat from my brow, the Montana sun beating down relentlessly. Brooke's haunting words replay in my mind - the threats, the mental abuse, the fear clouding her eyes. A knot forms in my gut as I realize the severity of her situation. There's too much I don't know.

I need backup. And I need help doing a bit of research on one Vincent Richards.

Dillon and Jett arrive within the hour, their boots stomping the dirt off on the front door mat. We exchange familiar nods before getting down to business.

"We've got a situation," I begin, recounting Brooke's plight. "It may be minor but I won't run the risk that it could end up being a big deal. Her ex is bad news. Wealthy prick with a nasty temper from what she told me. We need to get her out clean and make sure she's never a target again."

Jett's jaw tightens. "You know we've got your six, bro. What're you thinking?"

"Safe house for starters. Somewhere off grid until we can neutralize the threat permanently." I pause, mulling over contingencies. "We may need to get aggressive if he doesn't back down."

Dillon arches a brow. "You seem awfully riled up about this one, Blaze. Don't tell me you've gone soft on the little lady already."

I shoot him a look. "Can it, D. She's been through hell - any decent person would want to help. I'm assuming you're decent enough for the task."

"Sure, sure." A sly grin spreads. "But I saw the way you looked at her when she got here. Gotta admit, she's a cute little thing under all those tears."

Jett chuckles, adding fuel to the fire. "Our fearless leader's finally playing white knight for a damsel in distress, huh?"

"You two are real comedians," I growl. "How about showing a little professionalism for once? Are you gonna help me keep this woman safe or just sit around cracking jokes?"

The banter ceases as they sense my rising temper. Dillon's expression sobers. "You know we're locked and loaded, man. Just busting your balls a bit."

"Well don't," I snap. "This is serious business. Her life could be on the line here."

An uncomfortable silence falls between us, thick as the summer heat. I take a breath, regaining my composure.

"I'm not asking you to abandon your regular work. But I need to know you'll have my back if things get hairy with this potentially psycho ex of hers."

They share a look, a silent conversation passing between the two men I'd trusted with my life more times than I could count. Finally, Jett gives a resolute nod.

"You got it, brother. We'll handle this clown, no matter what it takes."

Relief floods through me as my guys get on board, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. But before we can solidify a plan, Brooke appears in the doorway, her eyes wide and face pale.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop," she says, voice trembling. "But I heard raised voices and I just... I can't let you all fight because of me. Maybe it's better if I just go."

She turns to leave but I'm on my feet in an instant, crossing the room to catch her arm. "Brooke, wait. You're not going anywhere."

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