Page 57 of Mountain Man Daddy

Avery’s eyes widened. “Did you?” Mike gave her a half smile. “I wish, but no. Two conservation officers were here. They found their bodies tied to a tree, mostly eaten by the cougar. I’m guessing Prescott had something to do with that.” He pulled her head to rest on his chest again and set his chin on her head.

She was quiet for a moment, digesting all of this. Mike wished he could hold her all night, reassure her that unlike her asshole fake husband, he understood that Avery’s true worth had nothing to do with her trust fund and everything to do with her beautiful, brave heart. But he had to finish this first…for her.

He kissed her head once more and shifted his weight, preparing to stand. She grabbed his forearm to halt him so he relaxed again.

“Can I stay here? I want to be here surrounded by your things while you’re gone. It’s comforting.”

“Our things,” he corrected. “And yes, I can have someone come to stay with you while I go find Prescott. Maybe Riley. He’ll keep you safe.” He reached into his back pocket and grabbed Alex’s cell. “This was Alex’s. Use it to let your friend Becca know you’re safe. But don’t look for answers in it. You’ll only torture yourself, and he isn’t worth it.”

“I wish we could run away and leave this mess behind, but if I’ve learned anything these last few months it’s no matter how far or fast you run, your past catches up with you.” Her huge glassy eyes found his, and she gave him a small, tentative smile. “But I don’t regret it. If I hadn’t run, I would never have found you.”

“That’s the truth, but I believe I found you, little girl.” He winked at her. “Rest, I’m going to call Riley.”

She slept against his chest until Riley’s knock at the door woke her. She yawned and moved so he could get up.

“I’m going to tuck you in bed before I leave,” Mike murmured as he lifted himself off the couch. “Stay here.”

“How will I sleep knowing you’re out there chasing that psychopath? I’m not even tired anymore.” She yawned, proving her words were a fib, and he chuckled. He’d let her get away with it for now.

“You will sleep because you know he won’t hurt you or me as long as I’m playing his game. And because my number one priority is my little girl.”

“Okay.” She yawned again. “I love you,” she whispered drowsily. He stood, smiled and shook his head. “You’ll say anything to get out of bedtime, won’t you?” he chuckled, and she smiled back cheekily.

“Don’t dismiss my love, Mountain Man Daddy. I’m actually very excited to go to bed. Maybe not now, or alone but eventually.” She bit her lip, looking equally sexy and adorable, and his heart somersaulted in his chest like a teenager.

He bent and picked her up, yelling to Riley that he was coming. He set her on her feet just as they got to the door, and opened it.

Riley gave him and Avery a nod. “I’m going to do a perimeter check and have a look around out here.”

“Good. I’m going to get Avery settled and then I’m out. She’s going to have a rest. There’s only one window in the bedroom, and it’ll be locked. You’ll see it when you do your round.”

He nodded again, then left, and Mike looked at Avery. She looked small and delicate beside him with her tired eyes and marked-up wrists.

“Sure you wouldn’t rather go to a hotel? Somewhere you can have a hot bath and a meal delivered? Somewhere with lots of people? There’s safety in that.”

“I think I’m happy to shower, put on your long johns, and climb into your bed. Although the promise of a bath, rather than the pee-stream spray is tempting.” She shot a dirty look toward the bathroom, and his mouth hitched at the side in a smirk. He wanted everything for her at that moment. Whatever she desired, he wanted to give.

“Do you want to go back to your old life, Avery? With all the money and material things?”

* * *

Avery considered Mike’s question carefully, even though she knew the answer. He’d value it more if he saw she’d thought about it.

“I’ve loved the last few weeks, Daddy. Living out here with you has been the best time in my life. I had nothing growing up, so when I got all the money I surrounded myself with material things, but it never filled the hole I had inside. I wasn’t poor in material things, but I was poor in love. I love this mountain, the views, and being able to frolic naked with you outdoors.” She looked away a moment remembering that Henry saw them outside together and hating that he had managed to invade that private moment between them. Her daddy would put him away though and then no one would invade their oasis again. She grinned. “But I’d sure like that bath and maybe something other than venison stew.”

“When this is over, we’re going out for the night. We’re getting a fancy hotel room with a big tub, dinner at a nice restaurant, and breakfast in bed. I’m going to spoil you rotten, little girl.”

When he had tucked her in the bed, and she was heavy-lidded and fresh from the shower, he sat beside her on the edge. Her stomach sank at the confession she had to make.

“Daddy, that money—the millions. I don’t need it. All I need is you, this little cabin in the mountains, and Annie’s company now and then. Having you makes me richer than any trust fund ever did.”

He brushed her hair back. “I love you, little girl.”

“I have something I need to tell you, but I don’t want to. You’re going to be mad.”

“Avery.” His tone that made her swallow thickly. He crossed his arms. “You’d better tell me now.”

“Can I tell you when you get back?” She licked her lips when his brows rose.

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