Page 35 of Claimed by the Lawman

Chapter 11

KACE STARED AT her with such a sorrowful expression that she could barely keep the tears contained.

With the effort of a warrior, she choked back the emotion, not wanting to break down because once she did, she wouldn’t be the same.

Large, powerful arms dragged her against his broad, warm chest. She could smell his scent, soaked up his warmth. His steadiness seeped into her body. He smelled like leather and wood shavings…and something primal.

“How long ago was it?” He flexed his arms tighter and she wasn’t strong enough to deny the need to sink into his security.

“I called you right away. Maybe forty minutes ago.”

“I came as soon as I could. Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

She shook her head. “I’m fine. Just shook up.”

He stood. “I want you to go inside, lock the door and wait until I come back.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to go back to the theater and take a look around the area, although I doubt the bastard is still around.”

He placed her on her feet. She watched him step across the porch, unlock the door and push it open. “Make yourself at home. I shouldn’t be long.” He gave her such a sympathetic look that she wanted to break down. “Go inside and lock the bolt.”

She did as he asked, locked the door and watched out the window as his taillights disappeared on the road. Wrapping her arms around her waist, she looked around his place. It was clean, sparsely decorated with no personal effects. She resisted the urge to inspect every room and instead crawled into the corner of the couch and cuddled up under a soft, throw blanket. She couldn’t seem to wrap her head around the events that had taken place since she’d been back in Bohannan. First, the shed burning down, and now a man threatening her.

Thinking back to her sister’s words of how someone had been stalking her, watching her, made Tyler’s stomach turn. More than ever she knew Susy’s death had been set up to make it look like she committed suicide. That same person was harassing Tyler now.

Although she was wired from the events, she was also tired. Once she closed her eyes, she was opening them with Kace standing over top of her. Glad to see him, she sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’re here.” She pulled back. “Did you find anything?”

He gave his head a quick shake. “Not a damn thing. Not that I’m surprised.” He took off his hat and tossed it onto the coffee table. “You can’t go back home tonight. It’s not safe. Not until we find who’s doing this.”

“I-I can’t go home? Where am I supposed to go?”

“You should go to your family ranch and stay with Johnny and Rogue. You’ll be safe there.”

“No, I can’t go there. Not tonight. Not while I’m so choked up.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I haven’t even told them about the fire yet.”

“Fine.” His jaw worked. “Then you’ll stay here.”

~~**~~

Kace had no idea what he was doing. Inviting Tyler to stay at his place was probably the worst decision of the century, but at the same time, there was no way in hell he would let her go home. Whomever wanted her to leave town was making it clearer. After getting all the facts from her and making a call to Deputy Payne, he made her a cup of tea.

As he stood in the kitchen examining his place, he wondered what she thought of his house? He wasn’t sure why he needed—wanted—her approval. He took pride in what he had though.

“You have a nice place here, Kace.” She took a sip from the cup. “I’m sorry that I’m inconveniencing you,” she said in a soft voice.

He saw the slight mist in her wide eyes and the redness and bruising on her neck where the assailant had grabbed her. Anger sliced through him and he wanted nothing more than to wrap his hands around the neck of the bastard who’d threatened her. “You don’t owe me an apology and you’re not an inconvenience. You’re free to stay here as long as you like, but I’m also sure that your dad would love to see you.” He knew instantly that he’d hit upon a sore subject.

Her gaze met his. “So, he told you why we’re not talking?”

“That you’re refusing to talk to him? Yeah, he told me.”

She shrugged. “Did he also tell you that he refused to talk to Susy? That he refused to let her come to the house?”

“This isn’t my war, Tyler.”

“No, but if I feel like you’re taking sides, then by all means I deserve the chance to speak for myself.”

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