Page 101 of The Rogue

I catch her wrist. “You had a nightmare last night.”

Glassy eyes flick to mine. And I can’t hold back anymore. “Sleep with me tonight, Whiskey. I’m not sure I can handle another night hearing you scare yourself awake and not being by your side.”

Her full lips part. The hesitation comes before the response, and I stop it.

“Please, Tess. I’m not asking what they are. I just want you close.”

Pressing her lips together, she nods. “Okay.” She tugs on the shirt anyway and I help her slip into it.

When she falls asleep, I close the drapes in my bedroom. I’ll let her hide her scars before the morning sun. But sooner or later, she’s going to tell me who did this to her.

And when she does, I'm going to bury that son of a bitch so deep, she’ll forget he ever existed.

24

On Friday, I setthe alarm later than usual. Tessa’s been sleeping in my bed all week. And I wasn’t about to ruin it with a six o’clock wake-up call.

In the dead of night, I’d feel her jerk awake, often with a soft gasp. I’ve been keeping still, playing asleep. Not wanting to be another thing she’s gotta worry about owing an explanation to.

She doesn’t want to be my burden. And I’d die before I became hers.

Her appetite was good this morning. I left her and Jackson a bit ago. They were having eggs, bacon, fruit and cheese.

This woman is spoiling my kid. He’d better not be expecting more than oatmeal or cereal come school days. It’s all I’ll have time for.

Before checking off morning chores, I stop at the office to catch up with my ranch manager.

“Mornin’, Maggie.” I walk in and pick up the mail from the wicker basket. “Anything good?”

She tenses slightly—odd for her. “Just the usual, boss.”

I eye her. Something’s off. “That a new scarf?”

“Oh yes.” She smiles, running her fingers through the silk. “Tessa bought it for me.”

The rumors about Tess and I have been spreading all over the ranch like a wildfire in a dry summer. And I’m not about to pour gasoline into the flames by commenting on that.

I clear my throat, shifting back to business. “Any more drama from the Barley family?”

“Now they’re asking to move the reception to the far side for a better mountain view for their photos.”

“Sure, why not?”

She lowers her glasses. “You’re serious?”

I shrug. “You only get married once—hopefully—if they want the mountains, give ‘em the mountains.”

“We’ve already given them two horses for shots, no extra charge. Moved the date twice and agreed to provide entertainment for the children. I really thought you’d blow a fuse with this family by now.”

I smile. “Lighten up, Maggie. The day will come and go and little Jessie Barley will have the best day of her life.”

She grunts. “Well since you’re in a good mood, here are the livestock sales from last week that need to be prepped.”

“Ah, thanks.” I take the stack of cards from her. “All cash?”

She pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “One’s on a payment plan.”

“Sounds good. I’ll run these by Harry and get them prepped for pick up. Thanks, Mag.”

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