Page 53 of Falling For Her Cowboy
He’d like Ridge. Melah was sure of it. With the way Ridge was protective of her, and cared for her, Vernon Battle would be pleased. Somehow, she’d get the two of them together. Matter of fact, she wanted Ridge to meet her entire family from her Uncle Billy and Aunt Sherrie, her cousin Athena to her friends Terri, Issac, and Cora. They were all her family and people she loved more than words could explain.
“This way.” Theo pushed her in another direction.
She glanced over at him and still couldn’t believe he was out of prison. How? He’d only been sentenced a few years ago. It was bad enough that his sentence was lightened because of recommendations the brass had given him. He should be buried underneath the prison for what he’d done to her.
“I see you got yourself a new boyfriend.”
“That’s none of your business,” she snapped. Her voice was muffled around the cloth in her mouth. She spun on him and advanced. The protective nature inside her flared. He wasn’t going to set foot near Ridge. “You don’t worry about him either.”
“Touchy subject, huh.” He laughed. Henarrowed his eyes on her and nudged her away from him. He towered over her and had about a good twenty pounds on her.
She’d never understood how he had made rank. He had been a horrible soldier and an even worse leader.
“I could have killed him the other night. I saw him sleeping outside your house. Things not going well? Is he not giving it to you good?”
Melah screamed and lunged toward Theo. He pushed her down to the ground. She fell backward and landed on her butt. She tried to get back up, but he used his foot to offset her motion, sending her sprawling onto her back. She struggled against the ties that held her hands behind her back. If only she could break free. She’d show him she was not the one to mess with. They were no longer in the military now. She didn’t have to worry about saving face or her position.
Now they were both citizens.
Theo bent down and grabbed her by her chin. His hateful gaze was laced with ill intent. A shiver rippled through her. What did he have planned for her?
“Oh, don’t worry. Your sorry excuse for a manwill find you. It may be a while before they find your carcass, or whatever is left of it. The coyotes and vultures will be making a meal out of you.” His menacing grin spread along his face. His eyes hardened as his gaze roamed over her. “You are going to pay, you little bitch. I rotted in a jail cell because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut, and your pussy wasn’t all that.”
“You fucker!” Her muffled scream went unanswered.
He smirked and rose to his feet and looked around. He’d never had her permission. What transpired between them hadn’t been consensual. How dare he make it seem as if it was. The man was truly delusional if he thought she’d wanted him. Had wanted his advances. She’d been happy, and everything had been stripped from her because of him. Her sense of worth, her relationships, her career—all of it gone because he’d taken something that was never his.
Every ounce of anger and rage that lingered inside her rose and threatened to explode from her. He didn’t deserve to live for what he’d put her through. Breathing this air, walking this earth—he didn’t deserve any of it.
Melah glared at him. The moment she was free he’d wish he’d forgotten her when he was in that jail cell. She didn’t care what happened to her, but all she knew was that she was going to get revenge.
It was hers to take.
Chapter Seventeen
Ridge wasn’t far behind them. He could hear a male’s voice up ahead. He kept a slight distance behind them to remain hidden. He didn’t want them to know he was trailing them. Whoever this fucker was sucked at moving unnoticed.
He was loud, too talkative, and didn’t believe in hiding their tracks.
Either this person was stupid or just cocky enough to think no one would go looking for Melah.
That’s where he’d gone wrong. His actions would cost him dearly. Coming onto the Silver Creek Ranch was the worse decision this person could have made, and by taking Melah—he’d just signed his death warrant.
Melah was well liked by all of the former soldiers on the ranch. She was like a sister to most of them. Ridge had heard nothing but good things about her from the others and knew once they found out she was missing, they’d be on the hunt for her.
He felt for his phone and sent a text to his brother.
She’s missing. I’m tracking her now.
He slid his phone back in his jeans and continued on. He’d bring her home where she belonged. She was his, and the person who’d taken her was going to pay for putting their hands on her, and if she was harmed in any way, only God could help them.
Ridge remained silent, and from the voice that echoed through the air, it would appear to only be one male.
“Keep going, bitch,” the voice growled.
A muffled response was faintly heard. Ridge’s hands balled into a tight fist. Was Melah gagged? He practically saw red with the thought, but he had to remain cool. He couldn’t lose his focus. He had to save her and ensure she was safe.
The woods were thick at the base of the mountain. There were countless caves one could hide in. He knew from experience. They’d camped in a fewwhen he was younger. His father always believed his boys should feel at one with nature. It gave them a better understanding of life, and Ridge appreciated everything his father had instilled in him as a young man. It may have even attributed to his love of helping animals.
