Page 14 of Married in Misty Mountain

I bring her hand to my lips and kiss it, and she snatches it away.

“Why would I want to lock in with you? You’re grumpy and mean, and…”

“I’m not that mean.”

“You’re closed off.”

“Maybe a little.”

She makes a very cute, exasperated noise.

“Look, I’m not gonna force you to do anything. But consider your options, besides a really terrible disguise.”

“Hey,” she says, slapping my arm.

“And Mildred? What the hell is that?”

“What’s wrong with Mildred?”

“Nothing at all, if you’re into early bird specials and bingo night at the nursing home.”

“Oh, shut up.”

“My point is, you need a fail-safe option, and I’m the only one who gets it. I’m the only person who understands what’s at stake. You know damn well that the only thing that keeps these polygamists at bay, the only thing that matters to them, is a piece of paper that says you’re married to someone else.”

The tent is cold, and I notice that Shenna has scooted closer to me. Her leg brushes against mine.

“What am I going to do with you, Hurley?”

She rolls away from me and shivers.

“Think about it.”

She doesn’t respond.

I sigh, “Okay, I’m gonna put my arm around you. Just for warmth. I promise I won’t try anything.”

She doesn’t move, doesn’t push me away, and doesn’t fuss.

I need to keep her close. Not because I’m falling for her or anything like that.

Now that I know what she’s up against, the overwhelming urge to protect and fight anything that threatens her has taken over.

It may be the most irrational move of my life, but nothing about either of our situations could ever be described as rational.

Chapter Five

Shenna

I lie awake most of the night, thinking.

I don’t know who Hurley Hanlon thinks he is, criticizing my disguise and demanding we get married.

Olivia, Louisa, and Goldie all got quickie marriages for the same reason after they ran away. But they were already in love at the time. Or, perhaps in lust enough that it developed into love.

My situation is different.

I don’t love Hurley. I don’t even lust after him. Not really. Sure, he grew up big and muscular and handsome and capable. And, okay, fine, he’s funny in an annoying way. He’s helpful, and he cares. But being helpful and caring is the bare minimum for a human being, right?

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