Page 13 of The Darkest Knight

Why did he care? He should just go about his business as usual, after all, she’d showed up unexpectedly asking for money. His life here was good…easy.

He could keep trying to convince himself all he liked, but he could use the company. And dusting off manners that he’d packed away a long time ago wouldn’t hurt.

Going into his office, big enough for the large desk, swivel chair, and a file cabinet, he scanned the desk that was piled high with stacks of important paperwork, bills, invitations and old newspaper clippings. On top of the clutter sat the last communication he had from Angelina. She’d written a letter to each of her brothers before she died. Although he’d pulled the stationary out of the envelope at least a dozen times, he had only managed to read it once. He dropped the letter into a basket to the side and sat down in the chair, the springs protesting his weight. Scooting closer, he turned on the laptop.

Just as he’d hoped, he’d received an email from Declan. He skimmed the correspondence. His brother gave him the thumbs up to move forward on the project. In fact, he’d offered his own investment for Knight Corporation. Seth responded, welcoming him aboard. Victor had sent an email too. Both had promised a substantial amount of money. Although they didn’t talk often, he knew he could count on them. Seth shot a message to the family’s attorney asking for a contract to be drawn up. He hadn’t yet decided he was moving forward, but just in case, he wanted to be prepared.

All that remained was his agreement and dedication to Step for Light. It had been a long time since he’d done something that required much responsibility and accountability. Not that he didn’t want to help, he did, but devotion to anything scared him. Landing Knight was his place of solace and if he invited people here, he’d lose the peace. Wouldn’t he?

He looked through the window and he could see a sliver of another cabin in the distance. Over the years, he’d done some work to the dilapidated outer buildings and a few of the cabins, but many of them would need lots of tender loving care to be livable. But at least he’d gotten a start. For a project like Reese’s, it would require hiring contractors. A bookkeeper. Trainers for the dogs. And then there was Reese. She’d have to stay here. She’d have to be his employee and he wasn’t sure she was totally agreeable with that idea, but he hoped she understood it wasn’t to undermine her. Seth wondered if she’d even gotten as far as a reality check in living way out here. Being a city girl, could she handle all the peace and quiet? The bugs and wild animals? Seth? He could be considered a bear at times. Living with someone, on a plot of land, could be hard work.

Even if she’d served in war-torn places, being far away from civilization could be difficult for many.

Before he could make the decision, he needed a bit more time…needed to get to know Reese.

He pulled out a large envelope of cash from the top drawer, took out an exact amount and stuck it into another smaller envelope. He filled out the name and address and sealed it with tape. Each month, every month for the last year, he sent money to Rosita Hanson. She was the wife of his friend who lost his life. She was left to raise three young children and they were having it rough living on a small pension from Hanson’s death.

Once that was done, and a few other bills paid, he left his office and took out two steaks from the refrigerator. Thanks to the butcher in town, Seth always had fresh meat. He looked up and caught a reflection of himself in the glass pane of the cabinet. He almost scared himself. Problem with not socializing much, he didn’t get the gasps of people looking at him and reminding him that he was looking less human and more wild. His brothers would certainly tie him up, scrub him and force him to get a cut and shave if they saw him like this.

Of course, they realized he didn’t give a rat’s ass about appearance. He’d never been in the spotlight, even when his dad was alive and always having his fancy schmancy parties that his family was expected to attend and rub elbows with the rich. They just weren’t his people.

Later, when the soft knock came at the door, he opened it to find Reese and Abby standing on the stoop. He swallowed against a thick lump in his throat as he swept his gaze down the woman who’d steamrolled her way into his life. His heart kicked up in speed. The long-sleeved, blue plaid shirt was left open a few tantalizing buttons and tied at the waist, showing a sliver of flat stomach and a diamond stud. Her cut offs were high on her thighs, but modest enough that left his imagination to run wild—and boy did it! The worn, black combat boots were a peek inside of her personality. Although she could be considered petite, he realized by the spark in her eye and the stubborn tilt of her jaw that she wouldn’t take ‘no’ easily.

He stepped back and let her pass, closing the door with his foot as he watched her walk by. He caught the light, flowery scent of her perfume and an awareness shot through him. “You smell nice.” Now why did I compliment her?

She laughed a nice, melodic sound. “It’s the complimentary Irish Spring soap I had found in my bathroom.”

That’s not what he smelled, but the mention of soap led his thoughts down the perilous path of her standing in the shower, water running over her…

Stop there!

Abby strolled over to where Spike was laying on the rug in front of the fireplace and she laid down close.

“I think they like each other.” Seth chuckled, glad to see Spike with a new friend.

“Looks like they do.” She smoothed her palms down her shorts. “I appreciate you having me for dinner. Much easier than hunting in the woods for something to eat.”

He skimmed her face, looking for any sign that she was joking, but there wasn’t any. So, the city girl did have a bit of country soul. “Would you like a beer while I put the steaks on the grill?” He was already at the refrigerator grabbing two cold bottles.

“No, thank you. I don’t drink. But if you have sweet tea, I’d love a glass.”

He placed one bottle back into the fridge and instead took out the pitcher of tea. Dropping ice cubes into a glass, he poured it full and handed it to her, watching her take a long drink…he also noticed how delicately her throat moved.

He popped the lid to his bottle, not caring that the cap fell to the floor as he guzzled half the contents while looking down at her. She was pretty and he respected the fact that she didn’t need make-up to bring out her features. She licked her lips and he couldn’t keep his mind from traveling down an unsafe place. She had nice lips. And body.

“The tea is delicious and very sweet, just the way I like it. I have an addiction to the stuff.”

He shrugged. “You could have a far worse addiction. There’s a lot more when you finish that glass.”

“Don’t be angry if I finish off what you have.” She winked.

The hair on his arms lifted. Shit! He hadn’t invited her here to toy with images of what she’d look like under her clothes or how good those lips would feel on his body, but that’s where things were heading. Truthfully, it had been a long time since he’d slept with a woman…over a year. His parts worked, and they were proving it right now, along with the durability of his zipper, but he found that getting close enough to someone to have sex meant he’d have to at least use a little charm, and he just hadn’t been motivated enough lately. Not even with the sexy, seductive Monica who waitressed at the local bar, Mountain Mug. She made it clear she’d end his celibacy, but hell, she deserved better than a man who was just fucking to find pleasure. Years ago, he wouldn’t have had a problem.

He spent most of his days here on his land, hunting, target practicing, sometimes taking on contract jobs, and staying out of the hair of the public. He guessed he had become some sort of hermit, but these days he was better alone. He liked his privacy.

If he agreed to Reese’s project, his privacy would be compromised. Gone like the wind.

He set his bottle down with a loud thud on the granite countertop and unfolded the heavy paper the steaks were wrapped in. He took out some of his tension with the meat tenderizer as he pounded the meat to an even thickness.

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