Page 30 of Taken by the Lawman

“I told you, he’s committed and loyal. You said he was trained in hand-to-hand combat. I’d bet he’s a soldier.”

She nodded. “I thought the same thing.”

“You can always back out of this case, Kiersten.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re thinking I can’t handle him,” she huffed, settling her narrowed gaze on him.

“No. I was going to say that when I’m around you I feel weak and I make poor decisions. I’d hate for you to have to save my life because I’m a blubbering idiot under the Kiersten Cade lure.”

She bit back a smile and rolled her eyes. “Funny. I think you’re so tired you’re talking out of your head. Let’s leave it at that. Turn onto the Interstate.”

“Are you keeping our destination a secret?”

“Didn’t you tell me once that you’d like to meet my brothers?” She waited for his nod. “Well, no time like the present.”

*

By the time they reached the ranch, Deegan was tired, but there would be no sleeping until Kiersten had an ice pack and pain meds to reduce the swelling on her face. She told him not to worry, but he felt guilty that he allowed this to happen to her.

In the kitchen, he opened drawers and cabinets until he’d found a plastic baggie to fill with ice along with a soft dish towel. Taking them into the living room he found her starting a fire in the antique stove. It took the chill off the air.

“Have a seat,” he demanded when she was finished stoking the flames. She took the corner of the couch and he handed her the ice pack. “Now, where is the first aid kit?”

“In the bathroom.”

The place was small but considering it was above the garage, he didn’t expect it to be spacious. He didn’t have any trouble finding the bathroom, or the first aid kit from under the sink. Thankfully it had everything he needed to patch her up. Back in the living room, after a stop to grab a bottle of water out of the fridge, he sat down next to her and opened the kit.

“Deegan, I don’t ne—”

“Don’t argue.” He popped the lid to the water and a bottle of pain medication. “Take two of these.”

She did as he requested, still holding the bag against her cheek.

“Now, let me see.” The cuts on her head were only minor, but the bruising looked painful. She’d have a black eye by sunrise. He squeezed a bit of healing ointment onto his finger and gently rubbed it onto the wound.

“You’re pretty good at this,” she said.

“I have my good points.” He smiled. “And thank you.”

“For?”

“Wanting to save my ass from Hamilton’s bite. I could have handled it though. After all, I got us into this mess.”

She shrugged. “No, we’re in this together. Now it’s become a mission.”

“I’m sorry but I won’t think straight until I’ve had a few winks.”

“Okay.” She stood. “You take the couch. I’ll take the bed. See you in the morning.”

He barely remembered laying down because the second he closed his eyes, he was out like a light. What felt like minutes, he was awakened by an animated voice, laughter, and the sunlight streaming in through the windows of the tiny apartment. He brought his head up and blinked, wondering if he was seeing correctly. The space was full of brawny men and Kiersten was standing in the circle of the cowboys as she greeted each of them with a tight hug and smile.

Deegan sat up and Kiersten met his gaze from across the room. “I’m sorry. We woke you. I have a pot of coffee on and I’m sure you’ll want to use the bathroom. Then we’ll make introductions.”

He felt the wrath of five sets of eyes on him, but she was right. He could certainly use a bathroom stop and a large cup of coffee.

Lifting the seat to take care of morning business, he heard more laughter coming from the Cade clan. He wasn’t sure he was quite ready for a meeting of sorts, but he didn’t have a choice. Flushing the toilet, washing his hands, and splashing his face with cold water, he stepped back into the outer room feeling more human.

Kiersten shoved a steaming cup of coffee his direction and he accepted it with gratitude.

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