Page 37 of Mountain Hero

“Yes?”

Taking both her hands in mine, I tell her gently, “I love that you made dinner. But I don’t want you to feel like you have to. I don’t expect it. I’m fine with delivery or cooking together or having you relax while I make something for you.”

“I know you don’t.” Her smile slides into something more serious. “And I know you’re worried about what I told you. About Thomas. But it’s not the same. Not even close. I’m doing this because I want to. I know if I don’t do it one night, you won’t be angry. You won’t yell?—”

“Never.” My voice goes gruff. “I would never yell at you. Or hurt you. Or do anything to scare you. I hope you know that.”

“I do.” Winter lets go of my hands and wraps her arms around me, resting her head on my chest. As I return the embrace, she continues, “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t trust you, Enzo. And I know it hasn’t been that long, but?—”

A trilling noise cuts her off, and she glances over at the now-vibrating phone on the counter. It’s the new one I gave her after discovering Thomas stole hers. I wanted to buy her a new one—between everything my uncle left me and all the salary and hazard pay I saved in the Army, I’m more than comfortable—but she put her foot down so I ended up reactivating one of my old ones instead.

There’s a tension in her body before she sees the name on the screen. Considering the last call she got was from Patrick, telling her they still haven’t captured Thomas, I can understand her trepidation.

But then she pulls away and reaches for the phone, her voice pitching up cheerfully. “It’s Aunt Linette. She mentioned something about a day trip to Telluride. I bet she wants to tell me all about it.”

“Okay. I’ll go take a shower, check some things around the house. Give you some time to talk privately.”

“It’s fine,” Winter replies, smiling. “I’ve been telling her all about you. Since she’s calling when you’re home, I bet she’ll want to say hi.”

Even though my stomach does a tiny flip—am I seriously nervous about talking to Winter’s aunt?—I nod at her. “Okay.”

But only seconds after Winter says hello, her smile disappears. All the color fades from her cheeks, and her shoulders stiffen. “Aunt Linette. Are you… No. I’m okay. But?—”

Winter goes quiet, and all I can hear is a faint voice on the other end of her phone. The longer her aunt talks, the paler Winter gets, and her teeth dig into her lower lip.

“Aunt Linette. God. I’m so sorry.” As her voice starts to wobble, I move closer to her. One hand is trembling on the counter, and I cover it with mine. “I had no idea… I’m so?—”

Now that I’m standing right next to Winter, I can hear her aunt saying faintly, “I’m not worried about myself. I’m worried about you.”

“But your house.” This time, Winter’s voice cracks. “This is all my fault. I’m so sorry. I’ll figure out a way to fix this—” Another crack. “Just… stay there. I’ll…”

Shit. This sounds bad. And while I normally wouldn’t interrupt her conversation, this time it seems necessary.

“Winter,” I say quietly, “can you tell me what happened?”

She glances at me, and there are tears in her eyes. The fear and despair I haven’t seen in days is back again. With a little nod, she says to her aunt, “I’m going to tell Enzo. Maybe… I think he could help.”

Aunt Linette replies, “Of course, sweetie.” And she sounds just as nice as Winter has described her. “Can he hear me right now?”

I nod at Winter, and she says, “Yes.”

“Okay, then.” The older woman takes on a no-nonsense tone. “I’m fine here. Wendy and I are at our lovely hotel with plenty of security. Tell your Enzo about everything and call me back.” She pauses. “And Winter. This is not your fault. I don’t want to hear you say that again.”

But I can tell Winter isn’t convinced. After she ends the call with her aunt, she puts the phone down and just stares at it, her chin wobbling.

“Hun.” I take her shoulders and turn her towards me. “Can you tell me what happened?”

Winter looks up at me, so sad and scared and vulnerable; I’m struck by this crazy desire to take her to a deserted island where no one can hurt her.

Or call some of my old Army buddies who aren’t too particular about keeping things legal. Like Rafe, who works as a bounty hunter in Texas and could probably be persuaded to make Thomas conveniently disappear.

“Aunt Linette’s house was broken into,” Winter answers. A few tears escape, leaving streaks of dampness down her pale cheeks. “A neighbor called her to let her know. It was completely trashed. And—” She covers her mouth as she tries to stifle a sob.

“Ah, hun.” Rage and worry battle for dominance. Just when I think Thomas can’t hurt Winter again, he pulls this shit. And she’s been doing so well. What is this going to do to her recovery? Her nightmares?

“There was a message,” she whispers. “Spray painted in the living room. Go back or else.” Agonized eyes meet mine. “It’s my fault, Enzo. I got away and now he’s going after Aunt Linette. What if he finds her in New Mexico? I didn’t think… but what if?—”

“He won’t,” I start.

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