Page 73 of Unlawful Seduction

With the stunning rises of peaks and valleys crowded around us on all sides, there was a single road leading to the top. It was steep and elevated, offering panoramic and unhindered views every half mile or so. While to anyone who didn’t know the area the small mileage might seem easily doable, when covered in ice and snow, it would be easy to drive off the mountain.

There were a few houses and primitive cabins, but given the state of utilities, it required significant funds to make the location up to par with homes in the valley.

That’s why the incredible home he’d purchased had always been the talk of the town. There was no telling how much money the Ryans had spent in creating an electric hub and establishing running water and sewers. There was likely a private drainage field well system. Still, that in and of itself had to cost a fortune.

“That wasn’t the point. Was it?” His voice boomed more than it had before as he walked closer. I shouldn’t have been surprised when he hopped up the foot plus onto the thick carpet of snow,his long legs easily bringing him toward me. When his boot collapsed in an area of soft snow, I burst into laughter.

“Be careful, big man. You’re a little bit heavy. You’re going to sink.”

“You think so, huh?” he threw back at me.

“Oh, I know so. Come on. Let’s see what you can do.” When he trudged forward again, I cringed, noticing he wasn’t having any further issues.

He kept coming closer.

And closer.

I crouched down, digging my thinly gloved fingers into the snow. I was surprised when I caught him off guard by pitching a snowball in his direction. When it splattered against his shoulder, I could tell it was a solid and possibly painful hit by the way his body was jerked backward.

I grabbed another handful, now both hands filled with the rounded balls.

“What are you doing?” he asked, but as usual, his tone was demanding.

“What does it look like?”

“Starting a fight.” He trudged even closer.

Sighing, I looked from one hand to the other, shrugging more to Jax than to the man approaching like a big bad bear. I had a competitive side to me that few people knew about or understood. When I pummeled him with both snowballs, my aim was spot on. One hit him directly in the chest while the other caught him in the face.

“Oops,” I said, but immediately crouched down to form several others.

Beckett toppled all the way over, his head thumping against the snow. I stopped short, staying right where I was as I attempted to figure out whether I’d seriously injured him. He had his eyes closed.

I glanced at Jax and motioned the pup to check on his master.

Jax trotted over, happy as could be, peering down at Beckett then giving the man’s face one solid, long lick.

Beckett sputtered, reacting immediately as if the dog’s lick had hit the on button. Within seconds, he was on his feet, scooping up snow. When he lifted his head, he had an evil grin on his face.

“You asked for it, Doc.”

Before I had a chance to react, he tossed a snowball. I was too quick for him, anticipating the move, swooping to the side just before the icy ball got to me. I threw both nestled in my hands, marveling how I’d achieved my target all over again.

“Yes. Yes!” I pumped my fist into the air, spinning around until my foot suddenly broke through the ice and snow just like Beckett’s had done. Down I went, ending on my butt in the snow.

He was still grinning, wiping his hands together as if a job well done.

“Oh, you are so going to get it.” I didn’t hesitate, fighting to get back onto my feet as I tossed one snowball after another. I was laughing so hard after a few throws that I didn’t notice he’d closed the distance significantly.

I had to run, or I’d never keep the game going.

He was growling like some bear as he lunged through the snow behind me. I almost fell on my face more than once. I was also sucking down breath so quickly I was lightheaded. But I refused to stop, forming ball after ball and hitting my target two thirds of the time.

“I’m coming to get you.”

“Catch me if you can.” I tried to run again, but was running completely out of energy. Panting, I had to stop and rest, using it as an excuse to gather two more snowballs.

I never got a chance to use them, suddenly tackled face first to the ground. Even with being halfway buried in the snow, I heard Beckett’s deep laugh. If I could smile, that’s what I’d be doing.

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