Page 17 of Snowbound with the Santas

“That’s good. I couldn’t assess much in terms of internal injuries, but if you’re not in pain at this stage, then I think it’s safe to presume you’re all good.”

Her wound vanishes beneath a fresh, crisp white bandage, and I secure it with tape. Only when I’m finished does she retract her hand from my arm. A row of half-crescent moons follows the line of my muscle, and I bite back a smile.

Maybe she’s not so scared now.

“How did you learn how to do that?” Rayne pulls the edge of her shirt back down, covering the bandage while I clean up the tools I used and return the medical kit to underneath the sink.

“Practice. Patching myself up and my friends. Injuries are common out here, and even at my job, you’d be surprised how stupid people can be. A wellness retreat might be for relaxing, but people get dumb around hot stones and wire.”

“Makes sense,” she agrees, then she carefully draws her legs up to her body.

I keep my distance, not wanting to impose. I know how scary this can be, and not just because of the entire situation. Even our size difference is enough to be scary. I’m a tall man with thick muscles, and Rayne is short. Petite.

Being intimidating is tough to avoid.

Suddenly, an idea strikes in my mind and I flash her the warmest smile I can manage.

“Stay here. Please?”

Rayne rolls her eyes. “You said we’re in the middle of nowhere. Where would I go?”

“Well, you also drove out in a snowstorm, so maybe location decisions aren’t your best.”

“Fuck you.” Rayne snorts, and there’s a flicker of amusement in her gorgeous eyes. “I won’t go anywhere.”

I have no choice but to trust her as I leave her in the kitchen, perched on the table, and head up to my room. After a few minutes of searching, I return to her with an oversized puffer jacket and my passport. To my relief, she’s exactly where I left her.

“Here, put this on. This cabin is well built, but the warmth is deceptive.”

She takes the coat with one hand and groans slightly. “It’s heavy.”

“Thick to keep you warm. And this…” I hand her my passport.

Rayne takes it slowly and her brow pinches together. “What’s this for?” Opening it, she flicks through the pages and scoffs faintly. “You’re from California?”

“Yup. It’s… proof, I suppose. That I’m telling you the truth of who I am.”

She lifts her head and sends me a wry look. “Even serial killers have passports.”

“That’s… true.” I chuckle. “There’s not much I can say to persuade you that you are safe here, but I promise you are.”

She closes my passport and hands it back. “I suppose not waking up chained to the bed is working in your favor.”

“See?” I smile brightly at her. “Already earning some brownie points. Now, put that coat on. You’re going to need it.”

I help her down from the table and offer my arm to lean on since her right leg appears to be weak. She slides into the coat, which almost dwarfs her. For a short trip outside, it will do, but I’ll have to dig out something much more appropriate.

“Take these.” By the white wooden door that leads outside, I pick up a pair of thick boots. “They’ll help.”

Rayne steps into them and then lifts her attention to me. For a moment, I’m struck by her beauty. Her eyes are incredible, sparkling like icicles in the early morning sun, and her skin is slowly losing its pale, ashy color.

“Where are we going?”

“You should meet the others.”

Offering her my elbow, I lead her outside to a stunning view of our cabin nestled right between two towering mountain peaks.

Her audible gasp sends a thrill down my spine.

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