Page 66 of Redemption

“How can I help you?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“We’ve been trying to contact you regarding the debt you owe us,” Martin spoke smoothly.

“I don’t owe you anything,” I said, trying to play dumb.

“Well, not you specifically. The ranch, which has now passed to you, ergo, you.”

“And?” Playing dumb was only going to get me so far and my hands began to shake from fear.

“We’ve come to collect,” Martin said, and Muscles cracked his knuckles. My eyes must have widened because Martin hastened to add: “Assets, to clear the debt. We’lltake what we’re owed from the property, it’s all legal.”

My brain went into overdrive, so many thoughts racing that I couldn’t put together a plan of action. I was completely helpless in this situation.

“That’s not a wise decision.” Jack’s voice was firm, barely restrained anger simmering in his tone. I felt his heat as he came up behind me and everything in me screamed to lean back into his touch, let him carry this burden for me.

“We’ve written to the ranch a number of times to advise—”

“And you’ll know that the owner of the ranch has just recently passed away. Surely it would be good of you to allow the family time to grieve before riding in here for your pound of flesh?” Jack put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed gently, comforting me and I nearly sobbed with relief.

Martin pushed his glasses back up his nose. “Yes, I was terribly sorry to hear about Mr. Cartwright, he was a great customer. I don’t wish to be insensitive but—”

“Which is why you’ll leave today, empty-handed, and give us some time to get the money together. I think that’s reasonable, don’t you?” Jack offered, his voice leaving no room for argument. He was beside me now, putting on a front like we were a team. I couldn’t look at him, I was so ashamed of how I’d neglected things and now needed him to come rescue me.

“Well, we’ve been patient and given plenty of opportunity—” Martin spluttered.

“If you step one foot inside that house, I will destroy you.” Jack’s low voice held a warning note and even I was scared. “I’m asking younicely, to come back in two weeks, then we’ll have this settled.”

Martin looked to Muscles who shrugged,and Martin sighed. “Two weeks, we’ll be back.”

I nodded, it was all I could do, and they left. Once they were gone, I pushed out the breath I was holding and started trembling.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Jack soothed, his big hand stroking up and down my back.

“Thank you,” I whispered. My hands were shaking as I brushed away the tears that threatened to fall.

“Goddammit Kat, you’re killing me here,” he growled and tugged me into his chest.

I buried my face in his shirt, feeling his taut muscles press against my skin, his wood and pine scent soothing me.

“Kat?” Daisy called gently. I pushed away from Jack, ignoring the hurt look on his face, and turned to see her in the doorway, arms hugged around her tightly, glancing between us. “What’s going on?”

I tried to put on a bright smile. “Nothing. Everything’s fine, Daze.”

She actually stomped her foot. “Don’t lie to me, what’s going on? Is the ranch in trouble?”

“Daisy, please,” I begged her.

“You don’t need to hide stuff from us, we can help!” Daisy said.

“I appreciate that but it’s fine, I can handle it,” I replied and smiled again. Her eyes flitted to Jack and she stared at him for the longest time before she disappeared back into the house.

I wasn’t aware of it, but Jack had been stroking my back the entire time. Like he realized, he stopped and dropped his forehead to my shoulder. “Kat, please let someone help?”

I leaned my head back against him, reveling in his touch, forgetting that I shouldn’t like it this much, that itshouldn’t feel this right.

“I have to do this myself. I can fix it, I can. Thank you for being here and buying me an extra two weeks to figure out what to do.”

“Usan extra two weeks,” he replied, lifting his head and spinning me to face him, his hands on my hips, squeezing tightly. “We’re in this together, I don’t care what you say. You forget, sweetheart, you gave me that cabin, which means I own property here. This impacts me as well. And I’m not letting anyone fuck with my home now that I’ve found it. Or your home either.”

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