Page 57 of Falling For Her Cowboy
And not behind prison bars.
“You didn’t need me to rescue you, I’m sure, but I’ll always have your back.” He lifted his head and gently took her chin in his grasp. He tilted it to the side and turned her face away so he could assess her again. “I’m just sorry I didn’t get to you quick enough.”
“Don’t apologize for anything. It’s not your fault. Plus I figured he was going to hit me. It was sort of the plan,” she admitted sheepishly. Her plan had worked. It had allowed her to free herself.
“Come. Let’s get you checked out.” He took her hand again and began walking.
She glanced around and didn’t recognize any markers she’d seen before when Theo was dragging her through the woods. She wasn’t going to question the direction they were going. She was sure Ridge knew the way.
“But what about Draven and Theo? Won’t the cops need to know where they’re going to be?” She glanced back over her shoulder and didn’t see any signs of the two. Nor did she hear anything aside from a few birds calling out.
“What cops?” Ridge asked.
Melah blinked. Was she tripping? Didn’t Draven say the authorities were on their way? She remembered the look on Draven’s face and decided she didn’t even want to know.
Theo was no longer her problem.
Chapter Eighteen
“I’m fine. I don’t need medical attention.” Ridge waved off the EMT, Raymond, who offered to look at his hands.
As Draven had promised, they had been waiting for them. All Ridge had been concerned about was Melah and making sure she was unharmed. He hadn’t been surprised when she’d admitted she had planned to take a hit. When he’d first seen her with Theo her hands had been behind her, so it was apparent she’d needed to get down on the ground to bring them in front of her.
His woman was smart and strong. Not many would risk getting hit on purpose. He glanced at her in the back of the ambulance. Apparently, they’d been called out for an accident on the ranch. A fewof the hands were standing around. They’d been alerted to Melah’s disappearance. By the time he and Melah had exited the woods, Trent, Ethan, Aimee, and a few others were on their way in and they’d all been armed and ready for battle.
“Thanks. I promise I don’t need to go to the hospital.” Melah smiled at the other medic who was checking her blood pressure. “I’ve fallen off a horse plenty of times.”
The medic’s eyebrows rose sharply at her excuse.
“Um, okay.” He finished her vitals and announced she was fine. “Well, if you feel dizziness, double vision, or have an extreme headache that doesn’t go away, call us immediately and we’ll transport you to the hospital.”
“Of course. Thank you so much. You have been wonderful.” She stood off the stretcher and walked toward the edge of the truck.
Ridge met her and held out his hand to her. She took it and hopped down on the ground. He brought her close to him and gave a nod to the two medics.
“Take care of her, Doc,” Raymond said.
“Always.” He rested his hand on the small of Melah’s back. He couldn’t keep his hands off her. It was going to be a long time before he’d feel comfortable letting her out of his sight.
“Everyone good?” Andy asked.
He and Buck exited his truck. His gaze swept over the both of them. Ridge hadn’t realized they’d pulled up.
“We’re fine,” he said.
“I’m okay.” Melah leaned into his hold.
He couldn’t wait to get her back to his house. They both were covered in dirt and needed to shower. She was not going anywhere but to his house. Damn the bunkhouse. Not tonight and not ever again. After today, she was moving in with him. He wasn’t going to take any other answer but yes this time.
“Where’s Draven?” Andy took a look at the few standing around.
The ambulance driver blew their horn and took off down the road. Buck moved over to the hands and spoke with them. Andy came to stand in front of Melah and Ridge.
“Taking out the trash,” Ridge replied automatically. He hadn’t questioned his brother at all.
Draven would take care of Theo, and Ridge couldn’t care less in which way. As long as Melah was safe, that was all that mattered. His father gave a satisfied nod.
“Good. Y’all get cleaned up.Bee has some dinner waiting for you. We’ll bring it up to your house.” Andy tilted his nod to Melah. “If you need anything, Melah, don’t hesitate to ask.”
