As we walk back to the truck, I drop my hand on Fisher’s shoulder. “Appreciate what you did tonight.”
He dips his chin. “We’re the Black Mountain family. We look out for each other.”
“That we do.” I nod. Then I nod again before I crack a smile. “You meant the rope,” I say with a lightly mocking tone.
Fisher grins.
Showeredand dressed in new clothes, I climb the steps to Courtney’s front door.
I type my master code, and the deadbolt unlocks.
But I don’t enter.
Not yet.
Watching that man lunge up these steps… That was the scariest thing I’ve ever witnessed.
And I’m so glad… so fucking glad Courtney didn’t see it.
I take a deep inhale of the night air.
I don’t know if it’s the right call, but I’m not going to tell her.
Knowing what almost happened won’t help her.
And I want to tell her to listen better. To be aware of footsteps behind her.
But I don’t want her to be afraid.
I don’t want her to look at every guest with suspicion.
I don’t want her to not feel safe.
I take another breath.
The visual of him following her is going to haunt me.
But the way he fell face-first when I dragged him off the stairs…
That was satisfying as fuck.
My knuckles throb as I flex my fingers.
I’ve had enough pain and violence for the night. It’s time for comfort.
I open Courtney’s door.
Chapter 147
Courtney
Cool air flows around me,and I groan, reaching for my moving blankets.
“Shh.” The sound is low.
“Sterling?” My voice feels scratchy.
“Go back to sleep, Honey,” my boss whispers as his body settles against mine.