Page 20 of The Mountain Man's Curvy Bride

"Hank confirmed Steven’s trouble," I admit reluctantly, not wanting to frighten her but needing honesty. "But he's watching him closely. We'll handle this together, Daisy. You're safe here, with me."

She nods slowly, trust clear in her eyes. "I believe you."

The rest of the day passes quietly, yet a subtle tension remains, a silent acknowledgment of the potential threat lurking nearby. As night falls, I double-check the locks, ensuring everything is secure before joining Daisy in bed. She curls into me immediately, her warmth comforting.

"I'm sorry," she whispers quietly into the darkness. "For bringing this into your life."

"You have nothing to apologize for," I reassure her firmly, pulling her even closer. "You're my life now, Daisy. I love you, and I'll protect you with everything I have."

She lifts her head slightly, joy clear in her expression. “I love you too.”

"Completely," I whisper sincerely, my heart pounding with the truth of those words.

Her lips find mine, soft and trembling, sealing our promise in the tenderest of kisses. When she finally rests her head against my chest again, her breathing steadying into sleep, my resolve hardens even further.

No matter what it takes, I'll ensure Daisy never feels unsafe again. Steven or anyone else who tries to threaten our peace will quickly discover just how fiercely I protect what's mine.

14

Daisy

The scent of Wes's cooking fills the cabin, a comforting blend of herbs, garlic, and roasted chicken that makes my mouth water. From the kitchen, I watch him move effortlessly, chopping vegetables with a steady rhythm, his movements sure and strong. Watching him like this, so calm and competent, fills me with a deep sense of happiness. For a moment, the world feels perfectly right.

But beneath the warmth and contentment, anxiety lurks. Steven’s unexpected appearance haunts me, twisting in my stomach like a knot I can't unravel. The idea that my past might destroy the fragile peace we've built terrifies me. Wes has already dealt with so much—inviting my baggage into his life feels unfair.

I shake off the dark thoughts, focusing instead on the present. Wes glances up and catches my stare, a soft smile curving his lips. “You alright over there?” he asks gently.

"Fine," I reply quickly, returning his smile even though my chest feels tight. “Just thinking about how lucky I am."

His gaze softens, warmth and affection evident. "I’m the lucky one, Daisy. Don’t forget that."

“I won’t,” I promise softly, my heart swelling.

He returns his attention to the stove, the sizzling sound of dinner grounding me momentarily. I remember suddenly that I left the freshly laundered blankets hanging on the back porch rail to dry. “I’ll just grab those blankets from outside,” I call over my shoulder as I head for the back door.

“Don’t be long. Dinner's almost ready,” Wes calls after me, his voice relaxed.

Stepping onto the porch, the cool evening air washes over me, crisp and refreshing. The fading daylight bathes the trees in shades of gold and pink. It’s peaceful, a stark contrast to the unease still gnawing at my core.

I gather the blankets quickly, folding them in my arms. But as I turn back toward the door, a sudden rustling in the brush catches my attention. I freeze, heart skipping a beat as I strain to see through the encroaching darkness.

A shadow moves near the edge of the trees. Fear spikes instantly, my blood turning icy cold. "Wes?" I call weakly, my voice barely above a whisper, panic rising quickly.

Before I can scream, before I can move, a strong arm wraps around my waist, yanking me back roughly. The blankets tumble from my grasp, forgotten as terror floods me completely. A harsh, familiar voice whispers fiercely in my ear, hot breath sending chills down my spine.

“You thought you could hide from me, Daisy? You thought you could just run away and leave me behind?"

Steven. My breath catches painfully, heart slamming violently in my chest. His grip is punishing, digging painfully into my sides, holding me tightly against his solid frame. Tears sting my eyes, fear paralyzing me momentarily before adrenaline jolts me back to reality.

"Let me go," I whisper desperately, struggling against his hold, but Steven’s grip only tightens further.

"Not a chance," he growls fiercely, dragging me further from the porch, further from safety. Panic overtakes me completely, every muscle screaming as I fight against his hold.

"Wes!" I finally manage to scream, voice raw with terror, praying desperately he'll hear me.

"Shut up!" Steven snarls viciously, his hand clamping over my mouth, muffling my screams. I thrash against him, but he's stronger, more ruthless. My vision blurs with tears, hopelessness creeping in.

He pulls me toward the woods, the darkness swallowing us whole. Despair grips me, my mind racing with thoughts of Wes, of the beautiful life we'd begun together, slipping further away with each forced step.

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