Page 7 of Pretending with the Mountain Man
The cabin is warm and inviting, with timber walls and comfortable furnishings. A stone fireplace dominates one wall, while the kitchen area gleams with modern appliances. It's masculine but not aggressively so, with soft throws draped over the leather furniture and warm lighting casting a golden glow.
"This is beautiful," I say, taking it all in. "Hardly the rustic mountain shack I was expecting."
Malik's mouth quirks up at one corner. "What exactly do you think mountain men live like these days?"
"I don't know. Flannel sheets and bear rugs?" I tease, surprising myself with how easy it feels to banter with him.
"The bear rug is in my bedroom," he deadpans, and I nearly choke.
He moves to the kitchen, opening the refrigerator. "You should eat something. I'm guessing you didn't get dinner before your club adventure."
The mention of Forbidden Chains brings reality crashing back. "Do you think that was really Jason? The guy from Ontario?"
Malik's expression darkens. "I don't know. Jake is having his team run the plates on the vehicle. Until we know for certain, we're operating under the assumption that it could be."
"I'm sorry for bringing this trouble to your doorstep," I say quietly. "To Sage's life."
He stops what he's doing and turns to face me fully. "Listen to me, Melody. You have nothing to apologize for. The only person at fault is the man who made you feel unsafe enough to flee your home."
Something in his intensity makes my breath catch. "You don't even know what happened."
"I know enough." He moves closer, not touching me but close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from his body. "I know you're smart, brave, and resourceful. I know Sage loves you like a sister. And I know that anyone who hurt you deserves a hell of a lot worse than having to look over their shoulder."
His words wash over me like a balm, soothing places inside me that have been raw and aching for months. Jason spent so long making me doubt myself that hearing such unwavering faith from this man I barely know feels revolutionary.
"Thank you," I whisper, not trusting my voice for more.
Malik nods once, then steps back. "Sandwich, okay? I'm not much of a cook, but I can manage that."
"Perfect." I'm grateful for the lighter turn in conversation. "Can I help?"
We work side by side in the kitchen, falling into an easy rhythm. He makes sandwiches while I find plates and glasses. The silence between us is comfortable rather than awkward.
"So," I say as we sit at the small dining table, "what happens now with our engagement? Should we send out announcements or just elope?" My attempt at humor falls a bit flat, but I need to address the elephant in the room.
Malik takes a bite of his sandwich, studying me. "Depends. How long do you want to keep up the charade?"
"I don't know," I admit. "If Jason is really here, it might be useful to have people think I'm attached. Especially to someone like you."
"Someone like me?" His eyebrow raises.
I take a sip of water to hide my flush. "You know. Intimidating. Capable of scaring off unwanted attention."
"So that’s what I am to you. A human shield?" There's something in his tone I can't quite identify. Amusement? Disappointment?
"I don’t know," I say honestly. "You're Sage's dad. My friend. My protector, apparently."
"And your fiancé." The way he says it sends a shiver down my spine. "At least at Forbidden Chains."
I set down my glass. "About that... I've been meaning to ask. What were you doing there anyway?"
"Looking for you." His gaze is direct, uncompromising. "After we got the alert about someone asking questions, I called Sage. She told me where you went."
"No, I mean, how did you get in so easily? The bouncer knew you."
Something flickers across his face. "I have connections in that world."
"What world?" I press, curiosity overriding my better judgment.
