Page 26 of Saved By The Mountain Man

I know my dad loved me in his own way, but he wasn’t above putting me somewhere unsafe.

But did that mean he would do something to me because he was that pissed off?

As much as I wanted to believe I had a clear answer to that, I honestly wasn’t sure.

And that was scary as shit.

Don’t you dare leave me on read, Vixen.

“What do you want me to say, Dad?” I muttered, taking a sip of my coffee. Normally, I wasn’t the type to drink before lunch, but now I wish I knew where Hugh kept his liquor bottles. Sure, he had beer in the fridge, but that wasn’t what I was looking for.

That wasn’t what I needed. Because now I was getting worried.

Who were you fucking?

Get off it, Dad.

At least you’re alive. On my way to you.

I tapped my nail against the side of my phone while I twisted my lip. I glanced up, hoping to see Hugh and then frowned when there was no sign.

How do you know where I even am?

I let my finger hover over the send button, not sure I was ready for this answer.

I took a deep breath and then hit the arrow.

“Guess it’s time I manned up and dealt with the problem.” I downed my coffee, tossed the eggs, and then stuck the dishes in the sink.

I took the phone and sat outside, needing some fresh air. I had felt the phone vibrate but I didn’t have the courage to look.

Finally, five minutes later, I glanced at the phone, my heart doing double time.

I’m your dad, I’ve always had my way.

Hugh was right. My dad was tracking me in some way I hadn’t been able to figure out. Which meant that he knew where I was. And I just put Hugh’s life on the line even more.

I jumped out of the chair, running back into the room to change, knowing I had to get out of here. I could take one of his bikes. I’m sure he had plenty.

My hands were shaking so badly that I kept fumbling while buttoning my jeans and my boots. With a groan, I finally got everything on and raced out to the garage, bumping into Hugh as he came around the corner.

“Woah,” he told me, grabbing my arms. “Where are you going?”

“I need to leave.”

“Over a fight?”

The tears trickled down as I shook my head. I didn’t cry, wasn’t really ever the type. But I knew what I was doing to Hugh if I stayed. I was willing to give him up if he was able to stay safe. Because the man on his way here was a man I didn’t know.

“Brandi, what is it?” He cupped my cheeks, his thumbs brushing away the tears and with shaking hands, I lifted my phone.

He took it, read through the messages, and then cursed before he pulled me in his arms.

“Are you running away for me? I’m sorry, Brandi. You don’t need to run though.”

I clutched the back of his shirt as I nodded.

“He won’t know you’re alive if I leave.”

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