Page 2 of Maddox: Wild Alaska
When I open my eyes again, Maddox's low, sexy voice says, "Wake up, babe."
He's crouched beside my seat, but I can't read his expression. He stands, but not quite reaching his full height because of the roof of the bus and holds out his hand. "Come on, Sleeping Beauty. Your friends are already inside the lodge.”
I take his hand. "They're not my friends," I mutter, letting him tug me to my feet. I meet his gaze and see questions in his eyes. "I should join them." He grunts and, intertwining our fingers, leads me off the bus. Why I don’t pull away from this stranger is a mystery.
It's nice having my hand held in his. The touch sets off little fireworks in my panties. But that's wrong, considering the engagement ring on my finger. A little voice in the back of my mind reminds me that Richard never holds my hand nor sets off fireworks in my hooha from just his touch. What the heck is wrong with me? I try to tug my hand free, but Maddox won't let go.
Three men stand close to the luggage at the side and stare our way. Maddox gives them the finger which I’m sure I wasn’t supposed to witness. He then leads me up the three steps to the lodge's entryway. He hesitates at the double doors and, with what feels like reluctance, let’s go of my hand. I search his face, hoping he'll explain what's going on, but he says nothing.
The door in front of us bursts open, knocking me backward. If it weren't for Maddox's quick reflexes, I would be on the ground. Instead, I have Maddox's arm around me while he glares at Catherine, Richard’s mother. "What are you doing loitering out here with that man?" She gives Maddox such a snotty stare that my hackles rise.
"Catherine," I snap, shocking her, and myself, "this is Maddox Hawke, one of the owners of the Lodge.”
Her eyes widen. “I’m so sorry. I’m not usually so?—”
I cut her off. "Maddox, thank you for seeing me to the door. I'd better get Catherine inside." I step away from the man, feeling bereft as I do so. I take Catherine by the arm and lead her inside.
The moment the door closes behind us, she turns on me, as I knew she would. "What do you think you are doing?" She hisses, digging her fingernails into my arm. I wince and try to pull my arm free, but I can't. "You're marrying my son, so you don't talk to other men. Otherwise, I will make sure my son knows that you're a floozy!” With one final, sharp dig of her fingernails into my flesh, she lets go and moves toward her daughter.
Tears spring to my eyes as I join the line to check-in while wishing I had a letter opener to stab the horrid woman with. That thought drags a wince out of me. I’m not a violent person. As I give her a sideways glance, I think I might end up one.
I’m not going to put up with this crap anymore. When I get back home, I’m going to give Richard his ring back. I was slowlycoming to the conclusion that I needed to end things when the trip was dropped in my lap.
I sigh wondering how I got into this mess.
I turn awayas Sofie enters the lodge and trudge back to the bus, where Garrett, Ryland, and Hunter are staring at me. "What?" I snap, irritated.
Ryland snickers. "You're asking what's wrong with us when you held hands with the girl and walked her to the door? What was that?"
I open my mouth to say that I was just being friendly, but that would be a lie. From the moment I saw her step out of the Cessna, I knew she was different. I couldn't stop looking at the woman who exuded an air of loneliness. I was compelled totouch her. I wanted to keep her, and that threw my entire world into chaos. "I don't know," I tell my three brothers, only to spot a fourth moving toward us with a frown on his face.
I root through the luggage and find the case I was looking for. I turn to watch my brother, Gabriel, approach, wondering who pissed in his coffee.
I'm eager to head inside and find Sofie Ryan, the woman whose sad eyes drew me in and whose scent lingers after our brief encounter. My visceral reaction to her is unexpected and new to me.
“What’s going on with them?” Gabriel nods toward the main building. “They’re not very friendly to each other.” He shakes his head. "The girl Garrett texted me about was getting chewed out by an older woman."
"What the fuck!" I snap irritated at my brothers for gossiping, but I’m more furious that someone would hurt my woman. My woman, huh? For once, that doesn’t scare the shit out of me. “Just to be sure, honey-colored hair?”
Gabriel stares my way. "Honey-colored?" His mouth twists into a grin. "Caught your attention, has she?"
"Was it her or not, Gabe? I'm not in the mood."
He rolls his eyes. "Yes, it was her. Garrett described her well. Has your shorts in a wad, huh?”
"Fuck!" Ignoring the snickers from my four brothers, I rush up the steps and inside. My eyes immediately lock onto Sofie at the reception desk. The woman from the airport talking a mile a minute to her. I frown wondering if Sofie is supposed to be sharing a room with barbie.
Oh, that is not happening!
I quickly make my way behind the reception desk and call Colton, my youngest brother, over to me. "Make sure you give Sofie Ryan a double room. I don't want her sharing with anyone."
He gives me a knowing look. "Um, okay."
I narrow my eyes. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but she’s the odd one out. I'd rather she has someplace to go for some peace.”
“That’s not good. I'll go take care of it now." I grab him by the back of his shirt. "Bro, what the fuck is your problem?" he hisses.
“Get me the keycard. I'm going to take her to the room. I'll cover the additional cost."
