Page 32 of The Mountain Man's Retribution

I sob, nodding frantically and feeling the weight of his words. “I love you, Bodie.”

“I love you, Fawn. More than my life. More than anything.”

“But your cabin?” I whimper, looking at the ravenous, golden flames. “Big Man’s sons did this. I’m so sorry. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t hidden in the hollow log in front of your house.” I fight for the last words, knowing full well that I dragged Bodie into this fight.

He inches his head back, palming my cheeks and growling, “You hiding in the hollow log is the single best thing that’s ever happened to me. I would burn down the fucking world to keep you.”

He kisses me ravenously, stealing the breath from my lungs.

“But Big Man’s sons. Are they still nearby? What happened to them?” I ask wide-eyed, glancing around as my senses return.

“Handled,” Bodie says grimly, finality in his gaze.

A blond-haired man with a thick beard and a woman with gentle gray-blue eyes approach us, concern written on their faces.

“I take it this is Fawn?” the blonde woman asks, arching her eyebrow and staring at me with incomparable kindness.

I nod, eyeing her and the man curiously. He puts his arm around her, and she snuggles into him.

Bodie introduces, “Fawn, this is Roscoe and Ginger. My friends a couple of mountains over. We were supposed to meet them during our errands until the incident with Mrs. McCartney.” Shaking the blond man’s hand, Bodie adds, “I can’t thank you both enough.”

I nod, the corners of my lips turning up as I appraise them.

“Of course,” Roscoe says gruffly. “You would do the same for me.”

Bodie nods.

“It was all fire and brimstone from the moment we got here,” Roscoe says, wrapping both arms covetously around Ginger, who stands in front of him. “Thank God Ginger’s been target practicing and learning evasive maneuvers. And Fawn here is a crackshot.”

Bodie smiles, squeezing me tightly. “See how brave you are, Fawn? Able to protect yourself when life demands it.”

“I used all of your bullets. I’m sorry,” I whisper, handing him the weapon. He quickly conceals it in the waistband of his pants.

“You did exactly what I told you. Fought back. You are my equal in every fucking way.”

“I knew I could never let them take me, Bodie,” I say earnestly. “After the love and kindness you have shown me, I could never go back. Ever.”

“And you never will,” he whispers, kissing me.

Roscoe says in gravelly tones, “Fire was blazing when we pulled up. Two men taunting Fawn. Threatening to burn heralive and saying ugly shit. They said she burned Big Man’s cabin. Whoever the hell that is. I didn’t have a chance to confront them before the place turned into the O.K. Corral, bullets whizzing, cowards scrambling to get away. I barely got texts off to you. Thankfully, Ginger called nine-one-one. The moment sirens sounded in the distance, the men fled. I wish I had better eyes on where they went. I’m sorry, man.”

Bodie grips his shoulder. “No worries. I’ll explain later.”

The blond mountain man nods grimly.

“And how are you holding up?” Bodie asks Ginger.

She shrugs. “I’ve been through worse,” she says matter-of-factly, clinging to her man.

I arch an eyebrow, curious to know more about these two.

“We’ve already given reports,” Roscoe excuses. “Figure we better get back to the cabin to clean up for you two. Looks like you could use a spare bedroom.” He eyes Bodie’s truck skeptically. “If you can make that thing move another inch?”

Bodie chuckles. “Thank you for the offer of a place to stay. It’s one we’ll be taking you and Ginger up on. The truck’ll make it there. If not, we’ll call for a ride.”

The couple nods before turning and walking back to their truck arm in arm.

“Oh, and one more thing,” Bodie calls after them. They both turn. “This mountain doesn’t feel like a home anymore. I’d like to discuss another offer you made some time ago. Moving into your community of veterans and wounded warriors.”

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