Page 17 of Her Mountain Man Protector
“Let’s get out of here, Gracie. I’m going to take you somewhere safe, okay?”
My sister nods, her face crumpling. “I’d like that. I’d really, really like that.”
I take her hand in mine and call to Holden, “Let’s go.”
He nods, following Grace and me like a protective shadow as we head back toward the doors of the chapel.
“Mila!” I hear my mother’s voice screech. “If you walk out that door, you’ll never get a cent from us. Neither of you, not a single cent!”
There’s a hysterical edge to her voice, which my dad mirrors as he adds, “You’ll be nothing to us! Do you hear me? Nothing!”
I shouldn’t rise to it. I know I shouldn’t. But all at once, rage hits me like a slap in the face and I whip around to face my parents, glaring at them.
“We’ve always been nothing to you. Just pawns in your game, more things for you to control and manipulate. But not anymore. We don’t need your money, and we don’t need you. We never want to see you again.” They look at me like I just spat at them, and I turn on my heel before they can say another word, striding out of the chapel with Grace by my side and Holden bringing up the rear.
10
HOLDEN
Once Milaand her sister are safely in my truck, I hurry back into the castle to grab their stuff. Mila told me where to find their rooms. Nobody sees me—the guests are still in the chapel, bickering loudly—and I smile to myself as I carry the suitcases back outside, loading them into my truck. I’m remembering how Mila sounded as she stood up to her parents. The fierceness in her eyes. She looked more beautiful than ever, and I’m so fucking proud of her. Now I just need to get her home, away from these people for good.
On the drive back to my cabin, I don’t speak much. Mila is in the back with her sister, trying to comfort her, and I don’t want to freak the poor girl out more than she already is. She keeps thanking me, thanking Mila, then breaking into a fresh wave of sobs. She’s pretty damn shaken up, and I’m so relieved we got to her in time.
Thank God that cop told me about the wedding.
Back at my cabin, Mila leads her sister into the guestroom. She offers her some of the clothes I got from Isabelle, and I leave them alone for a while, figuring they could use some privacy after what just happened. Eventually, Mila comes out holding Grace’s dress, and I hang it up in the closet beside hers.
“What a day,” Mila says as we collapse onto the couch. “I told Grace she should get some sleep. She’s already passed out.”
“You think she’ll be okay?” I ask.
“Yes, Grace is strong. She just needs time.” Mila squeezes her eyes shut, shaking her head. “I can’t imagine how horrible it must have been for her, being told she had to take my place. She must have been terrified.”
“She’s safe now, sugar. You both are.” I wrap an arm around her, pulling her onto my lap. “I’m so proud of you, Mila. You were brave as hell to stand up to your parents like that.”
She melts against me, nuzzling against my shoulder with a sigh. “I didn’t feel brave. It’s a little scary, knowing we’re cut off from our parents forever. They meant it when they said we’ll never get a penny from them. But I know it was the right thing to do, for me and Grace.”
“Definitely. They don’t deserve you, beautiful. Now you’re free to do anything you want.”
“Free.” Mila smiles as she repeats the word, her face lighting up with possibility. “I like the sound of that.”
“You’ll always be free with me. I’ll make sure of it.”
Her eyes twinkle as I lean in to kiss her, capturing her soft lips between mine. I run a hand through her thick hair, clasping her cheek with the other. Nothing compares to kissing this angel. Her sweet taste, the soft moans in the back of her throat, her pretty mouth meeting mine without resistance, hot and silky.
My perfect girl.
We pull apart gently, eyes locked, and I feel my heart stutter as it hits me…how much I care about Mila. How much I love her.
Love.
It’s a big word, but it’s the only one that does my feelings justice. I would do anything for this angel. I would die for her, kill for her, protect her with my last breath. It’s crazy how fast I’ve fallen, but hell, I knew I was a goner the minute she lookedat me from the darkness of the shed, a goddess dressed in white. Now that she’s free to live her own life, I want to be part of it. Not for a few weeks or months, but forever.
“I want you to stay with me, Mila.”
She smiles, resting a hand on my arm. “I know. I want that too. And I’m so grateful to you for giving me and Grace a place to stay while we get on our feet.”
“That’s not what I mean, sugar.” I reach out, brushing a lock of hair away from her face, her skin warm against my fingers. “I want you to stay here with me permanently. To live here with me.”
