Page 55 of Strictly Forbidden

Suddenly, there was more light, heavy footsteps and instant warmth. When I felt a tongue licking my face, the raspy feel comforting, I reached out to my pup just as he lay down next to me, keeping me safe.

Letting me know everything was going to be alright.

But was it?

“Jesus Christ,” he muttered.

My mind wasn’t too far gone to know Kage was talking. I felt his heated presence as well as he crouched near me. Blinking, I started to be able to focus, enough so that I watched as he flexed his fingers open, acting as if he was going to stroke my face before curling and pulling his hand away.

I heard him sigh and I closed my eyes, still trying my best to concentrate on my breathing.

“So cold. I’m so cold. Are we alive? Am I dead?”

“No, babe, you’re not dead. Oh, woman. What am I going to do with you? Let’s get you up.” I was suddenly in his arms, curled tightly against his chest. I’d never considered myself the kind of woman who could be picked up so easily by a man. Truth was, I’d always felt self-conscious since I wasn’t a tiny thing but, in his arms, I felt like a little fairy princess.

The thought was ridiculous but needed.

He held me tightly and I was certain he was going to place me on the couch as before but when he grabbed the blanket, somehow maneuvering it over me and walking to the open front door, I lifted my head.

Max was right there, tall enough to place his wet nose on my arm every few seconds. As Kage walked outside, he finally peered down at me. “Take a deep breath.”

I did as I was told. The air was cold but so refreshing. Unlike before, I was finally able to breathe easily, filling my lungs with the crispness.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked as he stepped off the front porch onto the remaining snow that covered the entire area like a warm blanket.

I hadn’t seen anything the night before and as he headed to the middle of a short span of wide-open space, he spun around. It allowed me to see the incredible view of the mountains on three sides. They were snowcapped and huge, the bright blue sky almost blinding. They were also so close that I knew we were high in the sky, obviously at several thousand feet. I could also tell that by the thinner air, although I was still under the effects of the horrible attack.

As I shielded my eyes, I took a few seconds to bask in the beauty of my surroundings. My heart rate finally calmed below the hysterical level.

“Not really. I just… It’s something that doesn’t happen all the time. Don’t worry. I’m not an invalid.” I sensed he was studying me like some freaking specimen, and I instantly started to struggle, trying to get out of his hold.

“Woman. You’re not going anywhere like this. Your feet are bare. You have no coat. No hat. No gloves. I just wanted you to see that you have nothing to fear while you’re here. With me. I ain’t much of a man in some people’s eyes, but I will promise you that if anyone tries to hurt you, I will fucking… hurt them.”

The anger and vehemence in his voice was heartbreaking more than anything. I placed my hand on his chest, the move as calming as Max’s cold nose and the warm blanket. “You’re much more than just a man, Kage. You’re an amazing savior and someone I’m glad to have in my life. Don’t sell yourself short. I won’t.”

So, I suddenly believed him? Maybe.

I’d tried so hard to keep my instinct intact and while I should be fighting him every step of the way, it seemed the huge man genuinely cared.

Either that or this was the best con job in the world.

He smirked then scowled. Whatever the hell the man had been through had stripped away quite a bit.

“Yeah, well, don’t call me a savior just yet, sunshine and rainbows.”

“Where did that come from?” I asked, the fog finally lifting.

“Would you prefer I call you gloom and doom? Or maybe blood and gore?”

“Eew. No. I’ll take sunshine and rainbows.” Even if that’s not what my life was made of.

“So here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to put you down and you’re going to drink some hot coffee before putting on some very warm clothes. Fresh air and some hard physical labor to drive the demons away will do you some good.”

“Is that what you need to do to rid yourself of your demons?” I shouldn’t have asked something so blunt. He immediately started to shut down.

“I deal with my shit my way. You’re going to do as I say. After that, you and Max are going to help me remove the boards from the other windows. Sunlight is good for the soul. Then we’ll make a huge breakfast that will lead to a nice long nap in front of the fire.”

“Is this the kind of life you prefer to live?” At least I was able to tease him, even if the fear and worry was right there chipping at portions of my sanity.

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