Page 207 of Burn the Wild

Bosko grins. “Long trip.”

I bite my lip. Ford and his brothers took care of Gavin. What they did, they won’t say. All I know is that it’s over.

I hate what Ford did, because he did it for me. But I love him so damn much for doing it, too.

Ford clenches his jaw. “Can we wrap this up? I want Reese to rest.”

“Ford.” I lay a hand on his leg, and he settles. Somewhat.

“There’s just one last thing.” Bosko’s dark gaze lands on me. “Your parents.”

My breath catches. Ford pulls me tighter against him.

“I got in contact with them like you asked.”

I clear my throat. “And?”

“They want to see you, Reese. If it’s what you want.”

A gasp escapes me. I close my eyes.

After years of thinking my parents didn’t want me, the truth has come to light. They were trying to do their best, and he took advantage of them, just like he did me. After watching me night after night in dark bars, after noting our struggles, Gavin presented himself as an agent. He told them he could make me a star and offered to help them in their difficult time.

But when they were back on their feet, he refused to give me back. They couldn’t fight him, and they’ve spent the last eighteen years watching me from afar. I can’t imagine how awful and painful it was for them.

A tear drips down my cheek. “Yes,” I whisper.

Ford runs a hand down the back of my hair. His vigilant gaze stays on my face. “We can go whenever you want. You just say the word.”

Every damn thing I need to happen, Ford makes it come true. I’m the luckiest woman in the world.

“I’ll pass along their information.” Bosko gives a curt nod. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a plane to catch.”

Ford stands first to shake his hand, then I throw my arms around him in a hug.

We say goodbye to Bosko and watch him stride silently out of the lodge to wreak havoc on his next poor, unsuspecting victim.

I let out a long breath.

“You okay?” Ford asks, taking my hand to lead me through the lodge.

“I am. I’m happy.”

“You’re exhausted.”

I arch a brow. “You’re hovering.

He frowns. “I’m not hovering.”

“Prowling,” I snap back.

“You like it when I prowl,” he jokes, but the smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

I stop him near Bar M. “Ford, you have to believe I’m okay.”

“I do.” He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I’m the one who’s not okay. But I will be.”

The pain in his eyes wrenches my heart. The kidnapping and its aftermath will always live in my mind, and I know it will haunt Ford. But I never doubted him. I knew he’d come for me.

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