Page 6 of My Ruthless Mountain Man

My gut clenches tight. “What did they threaten?”

“To take me as payment. It sounds crazy, right? But I believed him. He was so scary. Ryan swore he’d get the money, but he didn’t come back, and he’s not answering his phone.When the time was up, I saw the men and ran. I didn’t know where else to go.”

Her misery and fear pull at something deep in my chest. I drop to my knees and take her hands in mine. They’re soft and delicate, like her. “You did the right thing, Kendall. You’re safe.No onewill hurt you here.”

A tear slips from her eye.

I cup her cheek and wipe it away with my thumb. I tamp down the rage in my gut at Ryan for putting her in danger and focus on making her feel safe.

Kendall can never be mine, but that doesn’t change anything. Right now, she’s mine to protect. And I’ll keep her safe with my dying breath.

CHAPTER THREE

KENDALL

I didn’t knowwhat to expect when I showed up at Stone’s cabin. Mostly, I just hoped he’d be home and not halfway around the world somewhere. I did not expect my first meeting after six years to be while he was shirtless.

Seeing his muscular chest and thick arms, the rows of muscles on his stomach... it short-circuited my brain. I greedily took in every cut and angle, the trail of dark hair arrowing down beneath his jeans. The broad expanse of his shoulders and his strong neck and jaw. Even the faint white scars on his shoulder, and the tattoos that decorate his chest and naval, inviting my touch.

His dark hair has a sprinkle of gray at his temples and the trim beard on his square jaw is more salt than pepper.

But when he turned those gunmetal gray eyes on me, his lips tight with concern, I turned into a babbling mess in his arms. Definitely not the impression I wanted to make.

I didn’t want to be the helpless damsel in distress. I wanted to be the strong sister recruiting help for her brother. The relief at seeing Stone, feeling that instant level of protection like hefolded giant wings around me to hide me from predators, was my undoing.

I’ve never felt safer. Or more aware of anyone.

Like his warm hands as he held mine and the rough pad of his thumb on my cheek as he wiped away a tear. The scent of cedar and something warm and nutty, like hazelnuts, layered on the natural musk of his skin made my head swim. I want to curl up on his lap and let the world go by. Or kiss him and feel his hands on my body, while I slowly take his length inside.

A shiver tracks down my spine at the delicious thought.

“Are you cold?” Stone stands and heads for the fireplace in the living room.“The mountains get chilly at night, even in the summer.”

Just having Stone near is thawing the fear freezing my blood from the inside out. “I’m okay. I don’t want to trouble you more than I already am.”

“Kendall, you’re under my protection. I’m always going to provide whatever you need.” He clears his throat and lights the fire. “While you’re here.”

“Thank you, Stone.”

“Don’t thank me yet. You haven’t had my cooking.”

That surprises a laugh out of me. I haven’t eaten since early this morning when I spent my last two dollars at the hotel’s vending machine. I used every cent I had set aside for bills just to get here.

The thought of food makes my stomach growl.“Is it that bad?” I’m hungry enough to eat it anyway.

“There’s a reason I eat in town a lot,” he mutters gruffly.

Maybe it’s a trick of the firelight, but his cheeks look a little pink. My heart softens. I can’t buy dinner, but maybe I can cook something. “I could make dinner before I go.”

He looks at me sharply, then growls. “You’re not going anywhere, Kendall. I thought that was decided. You’ll sleep in my bed tonight.”

Oh. Is that an option? Do I want it to be?

Yes.

Stone curses. “I’m botching this. You can take my room. I’ll sleep out here. Christ, I didn’t mean...” he waves a hand at the bedroom.

He’s adorable when he’s embarrassed. I bite back a grin, feeling lighter than I have since I fled last night. Truthfully, I don’t want to brave the mountain road at night, and I don’t have enough money for a motel. Next time I run for my life, I need to plan better.

---