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“I’m always here if you want to talk. I know. I’m just some lowly blogger girl trying to make a place in this world, but I certainly understand heartache.”

“Boy trouble?”

She snuffed and rolled her hand through her hair. “Don’t get me started on men. Why can’t they keep their dick in their pants?” When she realized what she’d said, she groaned. “I’m sorry. That was rude.”

“No. Truthful. Which is why I’m going to keep my dick right where it belongs.”

When she licked her lips, I forced myself to look away. My balls were already tight. This was the last thing I needed. She was the last thing I could tolerate. Or should. “Men can be pricks. I’m sorry someone hurt you. You don’t deserve that.” Just the thought of anyone touching her made me bristle. The idea of anyone hurting her created a fury burning deep inside.

“And I’m sorry life has hurt you. You’re a good guy. You just need to show it more often.”

“Men can have two sides.”

“So can women.”

What had become obvious was that she had no comprehension her father could be selling weapons to the wrong people. Maybe I was wrong, but my instincts were telling me otherwise. “We should get back.” It’ll be dark soon.”

“I know. Thank you for the ride, even though I know I’m going to be sore in the morning.”

Her words dripped of something other than riding a horse. No, I couldn’t allow that to happen again.

I helped her to her feet and as soon as I did, she lifted her head in the same direction as before. “You don’t hear that?” she asked.

A slight noise did catch my attention. “Just the rustling of trees.”

“I don’t know. Look at Sadie. She thinks there’s something over there too.”

“Well, we’re not going to investigate. I’ll take care of that in the morning. Let’s get you back before dark.”

“The sun is still up.”

“Yeah, but I know you too well. You’ll find a reason to lag behind.” I scanned the area, trying to ascertain what I was hearing. Whatever it was, red flags were waving.

When we were safely on Sadie, I took one more glance. I’d experienced internal warnings when an insurgent was about to strike. That had kept my unit from being caught in an attack more than once. I had to believe my instincts were right.

Fortunately, there were no issues on the ride back. With the sun setting low in the sky, I was prepared to lock us down for the night.

She helped me with feeding Sadie and we walked from the barn together.

“Come on. I need to make a phone call,” I told her.

“The sunset is gorgeous. Would it be alright in the rules-afflicted world of Master Sergeant Rollins if I took a few pictures of the sunset? I promise I’ll stay in the backyard. I won’t go anywhere.”

“Fine, but if I need to hunt you down, there will be hell to pay. And it’s Lieutenant.”

“Ah, that’s right. Just a lieutenant.” She saluted and backed away, twirling in a full circle as she did. “And I wouldn’t dream of ignoring your rules.”

“Why don’t I believe you?” I watched her round the side of the house before heading inside.

Tank merely lifted his head from his dog’s bed, but when he did, he offered a less than happy look. One of his tennis balls rolled toward the fireplace and I groaned.

“I promise. We’ll play ball tomorrow. Okay?”

His snort was louder than usual. I walked into the kitchen, grabbing my phone and dialing Gray, hissing when I reached his voicemail. I knew the man had other duties, but I was losing patience. No information usually meant unavoidable consequences.

“Gray. It’s Kage. I need to know what the hell is going on. I’ve been having a feeling we’re being watched. So call me when youget this, whatever time.” As soon as I tossed the phone onto the table, I heard a knock on the door.

Why hadn’t Tank barked?