Page 7 of Broken Mountain Man

The spark of challenge in his eyes makes it clear he's issuing me a delicious sort of dare that has me shivering for an entirely different reason this time. Well then...game on.

Chapter 4 - Russell

I force myself to take a step back, putting some much-needed distance between us. Up close like this, it's impossible not to notice just how pretty this girl really is.

From those big, expressive eyes to those full, pouty lips, she's hitting every one of my buttons in the most dangerous way.

The urge to close the space separating us, to haul her plump curves flush against me, is nearly overpowering. I can picture it all too vividly - tangling one hand in those wild curls, angling her face up to mine, and finally tasting those tempting lips I've been avoiding looking at.

I squeeze my eyes shut and turn my head away, jaw clenching tight. This kind of thinking will only lead to trouble. I can't allow myself to go down that path, no matter how much a primal part of me is howling in protest.

When I finally dare to look at her again, Lyla is watching me with a tiny furrow between her brows, as if she can sense the war raging inside me but can't pinpoint the reason.

For a fleeting moment, I almost want to confess everything - the pain, the guilt, the reasons why I isolated myself out here to begin with.

But of course, I can't. I don't want to drag anyone else into the toxic mess of my past, not after what happened. No, it's better if I keep my distance from everyone. It's safer for them.

"You, uh, you should probably get some sleep," I mutter gruffly, internally cursing the tremor in my voice. "Long day of lessons ahead tomorrow if you're going to learn how to really survive out here."

Lyla arches one delicate brow at me, "And why exactly would I still be here tomorrow? I thought this was just a one-night deal because it got too late for me to hike back."

Dammit, I knew I shouldn't have hinted at anything more. Pushing things, making her linger - that will only lead to me slipping up eventually.

"You're right," I say gruffly, turning away to put more space between us again. "I shouldn't have assumed. You'll want to start early in the morning and return on that trail."

"Whoa, hey!" She moves to step back into my line of sight, a teasing lilt to her voice. "I was just joking around, grumpy. If you're offering to teach me some bad-ass wilderness survival skills, I'm definitely not going to turn that down."

I blink at her, momentarily thrown by the unexpected response.

"You...you're not?"

She shakes her head, those wild curls bouncing around her face.

"Of course not! In case you've forgotten, I'm currently unemployed. It's not like I've got anything better to be doing."

Right, she had mentioned getting fired from whatever job brought her out to this neighboring little town. My brows draw together as I study her, wondering if she's just saying that to get a rise out of me again. But her warm gaze seems open and sincere, not a hint of teasing this time.

"Are you sure about that?" I hedge, needing to be sure. "It ain't gonna be a walk in the park out here. It could get pretty harsh."

Instead of looking intimidated or apprehensive, as most normal people would, Lyla's eyes sparkle with excitement and challenge.

"Bring it on. I can handle whatever you've got to dish out."

I suddenly feel a burst of pride swell in my chest at her feisty words. This one...she's got guts; I'll give her that.

Trying to tamp down my body's ridiculous reaction, I give a curt nod.

"Alright then. You've been warned."

As I turn to lead the way back inside, I can't quite smother the small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. Having her around for more than just one night...it's sure to be interesting, that's for damn sure.

We step back inside the cabin, and Lyla's belly lets out a loud grumble.

"Oops, sorry about that," she says, cheeks pinking slightly.

"Don't worry about it. I'm getting hungry myself." I jerk my chin towards the small kitchen area. "C'mon, let's see what I've got for food around here."

She follows me over, then surprises me by saying, "Actually, why don't you let me do the cooking? It's the least I can do since you're putting me up for the night."

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