Page 7 of Saved By The Mountain Man

“You can see? It’s pitch black out here.”

“It is. But it’s also what I do almost every night, take walks and enjoy my peace.”

With ease, I lifted her into my arms, letting her cling to me. She was the lightest thing and smelled beyond amazing. Something sweet, and yet flowery. Whatever it was, I wanted to breathe it in constantly.

And we all knew that wasn’t a good thing!

But did it stop me?

Not even a little bit.

“It is quiet out here.”

“And that’s why I heard you loud as day,” I told her, walking back to my cabin. “I’m going to set you up in the master bedroom. The bed is softer, and it’s far more spacious so you can stretch out like you need too.”

“I don’t want to take your room, Hugh.”

“I’m giving it up. The guest bedroom isn’t bad, so don’t worry. But my bed is just bigger. And you need to rest because if I’m right, there is no way you’re traveling, at least tomorrow. I’m sure you did something to your ankle. And the way you landed, I’m going to say something to your ribs or back. But I can tell a little more when I lay you down and have some light.”

I walked back into the cabin, grateful for her silence, and headed back to my room. She hadn’t even gotten the whole touryet. Not that the place was some huge building, but there were still amazing sights. Like part of the wall in the master bedroom had huge floor to ceiling windows as well. And both the guest bathroom and the master bathroom had big skylights.

Yeah, it might seem crazy and totally not cool, but I liked the views around here, and when I made this place, I wanted everything I loved.

Screw what other people thought. Personally, I had spent far too long letting other people dictate my life.

“Thank you, Hugh.”

The words were soft, almost surreal coming from her. And the breathless way they felt across my neck had me feeling other things that were not good at this moment.

“No thanks needed,” I grunted, sure that my rough demeanor would turn her off. It wasn’t my choice, but at the same time, she should have known that coming through here wasn’t wise.

“Sure, it is,” she mumbled, and I had to fight the smile. She was tired and sore; I had no doubt about that. But she couldn’t sleep till I checked her over, making sure she was okay and didn’t need medical attention.

“Here we are.” I entered the house and headed back to my room, flipping on the light before laying her on the bed.

Her eyes opened and she looked around, lifting a brow as she took in the window. My gaze followed and I couldn’t help but feel a wave of pride at having created something like that.

“You really like outside, huh? I mean, your open plan on the house, the windows, all the walking, it suits you. I can see you find a peace in it as well.”

“When you’re at the compound, it’s just a big building, nothing too nice or too welcoming about it, and it shouldn’t be. But I didn’t have anyone, so living off site didn’t make sense.”

I took a deep breath in, recalling too many lonely nights and too many wishful dreams. The ladies that were always chasingthe men around the place didn’t do shit for me. I could probably say I was one of a very few men who didn’t screw anyone there, married men included.

“I hate the life. I’m glad mom left and that I don’t have to go back very often.”

Honestly, I hated it for her too.

“Don’t blame you there, Brandi. It’s not a place for kids. Hell, it’s not a place for young ladies. Especially ones who have a target on their back like you did.” I gave her a pointed look, letting her know we weren’t done with the conversation from earlier. “I need to check you over, are you okay with that?”

“You mean get me naked?”

I rolled my eyes, knowing that she was teasing, and I liked it. But it didn’t need to sound dirty. At least, for the moment. In the future, who the fuck knows.

“I’m going to start here,” I told her, taking off her shirt, easily spotting a few new tattoos, along with some scars.

But a growl passed my lips as my eyes trailed over her chest, easily catching the tell-tale sign of barbells through her nipples underneath her bra.

***** Vixen*****

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