Page 28 of The Silent Mountain Man

He smiles approvingly. "I love you, too, Princess."

"I have so many questions."

"What about?"

"Your dad. Your brothers. Your military life. How you're really doing."

"Let me tackle them in reverse order."

"Okay."

"I'm doing really fucking good now."

"But what about before I showed up and rocked your world…again. Were you doing okay? Be honest with me."

He blows out a breath. "I was okay, but not great. I tried to convince myself that living alone was the better option. That people only hurt you. And, while that is true, people can cause you pain, they can also bring unimaginable joy. You have to figure out whether that's a risk you're willing to take."

"Is it a riskyou'rewilling to take? With me?"

He runs his finger under my jaw. "That's the thing. It doesn't feel scary with you. Nothing could top the devastation I felt when you left. I,we, have been given a second chance. Our first proper shot. No way I'm not going to take it."

"That's exactly how I feel. It's a big decision to move up here and be with you, and I know it won't be hunky-dory all the time, but I'm not afraid. I trust you. I trusted you super fast, even before I knew who you really were."

"Maybe your soul knew who I was?"

"Nah. I just saw your bulge and thought there's no way I can pass up an enormous cock."

Harrick smiles. "Shut up."

"Okay, next thing."

"Military life?"

I nod.

His smile fades, replaced by a deep frown. "Mind if I take a raincheck on that one? I will tell you, but just not now, if that's okay?"

"Of course it is. Someone once wrote something in a letter to me, saying that I could tell them anything and they'd never make me feel bad for it. The same applies to you, for anything you want to tell me, ornottell me. I'll never judge, and I'll never pressure you."

Harrick takes my hands in his and lifts them to his lips. "Thank you. That means a lot."

"But I am dying to know about your family. Because for reals, I thought you were pulling my leg about your dad being a criminal and you guys being on the run."

"It was all true. Dad's still kicking about. He's somewhere in Mexico, last time we spoke. I think he's finally settling down…a bit."

"And what about your brothers? You have two, right, and they're older than you?"

"Correct. They both live on the mountain. You'll get to meet them."

"Are you guys close?"

"Annoyingly so."

"Are they married? Kids?"

"No and no… Any more questions? Geez, I feel like I'm getting grilled over here."

"Sorry, sorry. I'm just overexcited. We have so much to catch up on."

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