Page 91 of Mountain Boss

The flashlight beambobs through the woods, showing me exactly where my girl is.

My pulse thrums as I cut between the trees, closing the distance.

Chapter 72

Courtney

I slow.

Did I hear something?

I stop.

The darkness is quiet around me.

I’m losing it.

I take a step.

“You need to pay better attention.” Sterling’s voice sounds from behind me.

I spin around on instinct, flashlight outstretched.

Sterling catches my wrist before my swing can connect with his body.

The contact makes my hand open, and I drop the flashlight.

He lets go of my wrist and catches the light. Then he closes his fingers over the end, muting the glow.

“Jesus, Sterling,” I gasp.

“Just Sterling will do.”

I huff, “Oh,nowyou tell me what I can call you?”

He steps toward me, and I take a matching step back.

“I like everything you call me. Sterling.” Step. “Mr. Black.” Step. “Sir.” Step.

I keep backing up.

I don’twantto move away from him. I just have to.

The monster from the dark has found me. And even though I want him to catch me, my body won’t surrender.

Not yet.

He lifts his fingers from the light, aiming it at our feet. “And what do you like to be called?”

I swallow. “Courtney.”

“That’s all?”

“What else is there?”

“Cookie.” He drops his eyes to my chest, then lower, taking me in.

“I don’t like that one,” I whisper.

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