Page 105 of Her Wild Coast Refuge

A gust of wind feathers across my skin, making me shiver. The doctors said burns can make temperature regulation more difficult. But I don’t want to be inside right now.

“I sold my shares,” he says.

“That’s wise. Their value is going to take a hit as soon as this gets out.”

“I did it for her. The money is hers to protect Soren Creek.”

I glance at him, and raise my glass. “I think she’ll appreciate that.”

We touch rims, and drink. I go back to watching the clouds.

“Just don’t let this keep you two apart.”

I give him a sharp look. “Last time I checked, there were three of us in this equation.”

He shakes his head. “She’s always been yours.”

“You sure about that? We were pretty amazing together.”

He laughs. “Truth.” His smile fades, and he locks eyes with me. “I can’t make her happy the way you do. I want that for you, brother. You deserve it.”

Heat crawls up my neck, making my throat ache and my temples throb. “I don’t know what to say.”

His look turns fierce. “Say you’ll get her back.”

ChapterTwenty-Seven

LEXIE

That night,my brothers and their families gather at our house for an easy dinner of grilled steak, buttermilk rolls, and a giant salad from Jared’s garden. Being surrounded by so much warmth renews me like always, but there’s a place inside me that feels hollow.

Once under the covers, memories crowd into my mind. I was tough in front of my family, assuring everyone I was fine—just tired and weary—but now that I’m alone, my pent-up emotions clamor for attention.

I heard Grams scolding Hunter for keeping me at the station all day. It was cute watching a woman half his size take him to town. I’m sure, now that I’m in bed, they’re talking about me and what happened. They’re not telling me everything, that’s for sure. If I wasn’t so tired, I’d try to eavesdrop. But my head is too full as it is.

Was Kalle—or whoever he is—the one responsible for the fires? Did he knock out Quinn and lock the bunkhouse door knowing Dawson and I were inside?

Something isn’t adding up. If Kalle is trying to save Soren Creek, why would he want to hurt us?

If he’snottrying to save Soren Creek, why else would he set fire to the survey camp?

Then there’s the timing of events. When I got to the camp, I wasn’t alone. That weird odor was the fuel he’d mixed. It’s obvious now that he must have arrived before me. Has he been tracking me somehow, and jumped into action once I emailed him my intentions? The idea gives me the creeps.

I reach for my locket, but it’s on my dressing table, awaiting repairs. Instead, I hug myself in the dark, wishing I could go back in time.

I think over what Dawson said. That the mining claim belongs to me now.

Just like that.

This means I can stop the mine and protect Soren Creek forever.

But in exchange, Dawson isn’t free.

My heart is a soggy mess. I wish I could hide her away, but it’s too late. She’s already wrecked.

Dawson lied to me, betrayed me. Quinn did too. But they came for me. Because of that, I’m alive.

I should be celebrating. Instead, I’m curled into my pillow, fighting back tears.

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