ortress. High fence. Guard at the gate. Rows

in leather vests stopped mid-conversation. A woman smoking by the clubhous

e I

here between Texas and California. Wha

offer to help me down. I climbed off awkwardly, m

" he sai

ne wall. Pool tables. Worn leather couches. The smell

ray beard looked up fr

hat is her." Col

as not friendly. "The runaway bride re

ain. But Colt's hand closed arou

aid. "Church in ten mi

. Too fast. Within se

uring whiskey into two glasses. He downed

it

d rathe

is eyes were flat. De

y ribs protesting. Everything hu

ke I was a puzzle he wanted to break

nothing

whiskey. "You have three seconds

, ple

wo

Derek Monroe. I met him in Nevada two years ago. He seemed nic

t is

one. He threatened to kill me if I left. So I left anyway. But he found me i

refully. Too carefully. "He is

not a q

es

was sharp. Deadl

Colt, you do not understa

ng me against the couch. "Do you know what that means? It means I own t

t yours

acing the bruise on my cheekbone. "From the first day I

od help

Richardson was the boy every girl wanted and every guy feared. He

m to leav

nd said, "No

ifetime ago,"

you to stay. Would have forgiven you for running. But he is gone,

t me go.

compound. Under my protection. You do not leave without permission.

annot

ack to my territory. That makes you mine by default. Unless you want to leave? Go back

I hated that

?" I aske

long

do I hav

. "There is a room upstairs. Second door on the left. Showe

ol

ved. The one who held me when my father got drunk and mea

it wa

" he said softly. "I

behind him wit

y let myself cry. Not because I was trapped. N

the boy I lo

him terrified me more tha

my jacket pocket. I pulled

ssage. Unk

See you so