Page 6 of Maddox: Wild Alaska (Hawke’s Ridge #1)

On my way through the small garden, I take my time because the peace and quiet are truly welcome. The fresh air, too. It's something I can't get enough of. I pause to stare at the snow-capped mountains in the distance and feel grateful for this tranquil moment in nature.

The sound of someone hurrying toward me draws my gaze. I smile when I notice Spencer approaching. He looks apprehensive. "Everything okay?" I ask.

He runs a hand through his hair. "Maddox called as you left. He freaked out when I told him you were on your way into town." He winces. "He was with our brother, the sheriff, when they found a woman's body.”

"Oh, the poor woman." I cover my mouth, feeling slightly off-kilter at the news. It's scary to hear news like that in such a small town.

Spencer shoves his hands on his hips, stares off into the distance, and then his gaze lands on me. "I'm glad I wasn't there. Maybe you should stay at the lodge for now. We wouldn't want you to be in any danger."

"What?"

"I didn't mean to scare you. It happened overnight. I just mean that there's no chance you'll see anything if you're here. Maddox will be back soon."

My ears certainly perk up at the mention of Maddox. Then I remember that he and his brother found the body. "Maddox is okay, right?" I know I shouldn't be concerned, but I am. I don't care if he knows that. Not after the horror he's probably seen.

Spencer hesitates. "He's fine. He'll be back soon. He's waiting for Deputy Landon to arrive so he can leave. Another one of our brothers is also a deputy, so Hunter is on his way, too." He reaches out and gently rubs my arm. "Maddox is fine." Offering me a wry smile, he adds, "I need to get going."

"Okay. Thanks for telling me."

As he takes a few steps away, I think for a moment, then ask, "Spencer, why does everyone keep—well—" I blush, unsure of how to ask what I want to know.

It turns out Spencer knows what I'm asking. "There are eight of us. All it took was one text message for us all to know about you.” He winks and continues on his way.

My cheeks feel heated as I quickly get moving. Glancing at my watch, I see that I still have time for a walk. Despite having been told what's going on, I decide to head into town. I don't want to stay at the lodge and possibly run into the others in my group.

I know I should, and it makes me sad that I don't feel comfortable around them. If they didn't constantly criticize me, it would be different. I'm a strong person and have never had issues speaking out. But, to keep the peace, I've kept my mouth shut. It's wearing on me at this point.

When I reach the road, I turn right and find myself on the main street through town.

I don't reach for my phone to take pictures.

I can do that another day. Right now, I just want to experience Hawke's Ridge, with its picturesque storefronts, rocking chairs on porches, and abundance of flowers.

Fancy trees with ball-shaped branches and leaves line the sidewalk every ten feet or so.

The town is clean and fresh that a smile lights my face as I peer into a candy store.

My stomach rumbles, reminding me that I haven't eaten since an early breakfast before we left San Francisco.

The Cessna flight had been interesting and noisy. Richard’s father wanted to contribute to the trip, so he booked the private flight. You'd think he would have booked it for later in the day, though. I wince. I sound ungrateful, but I'm not. I mean, I'm here in Alaska.

Coming out of my own head, I take a deep breath and inhale the scent of the flowery blooms in the hanging basket beside me.

The crisp air bites my skin, reminding me that it's getting late.

It's time to head back to the lodge and leave the beautiful scenery behind.

I sigh heavily and turn to check the traffic before crossing, and startle when a vehicle brakes hard, its tires screeching.

I gasp when Maddox emerges from the truck, looking less than thrilled to see me.

I take a step back and find myself backed up against a storefront.

Maddox crowds me, caging me in with his arms as he presses close.

My heart pounds in my chest. I'm unsure of what he's going to do next but secretly hope he's going to kiss me.

"I told Spencer to keep you at the lodge," he growls.

His voice is low, dangerous, and oh so sexy.

My body is tight and swollen with anticipation, which scares me in a way because I haven’t told Richard we’re over. "Oh!" I gasp and push against his chest, but he doesn't budge. "You can't be this close to me. We can't do this." My voice doesn't sound like my own. It's husky and filled with need.

"Sofie," he whispers.

My eyes lift to his, and I'm frozen in time.

"Why do I have this nearly irresistible urge to throw myself into your arms and beg you to fuck me?

" I whisper, surprising myself. His eyes narrow, darkening with arousal.

"We met mere hours ago, yet when I look at you or you touch me, my body swells, and my hooha gets wet and tingly.

I shouldn't feel like this for you," I finish, my voice barely audible.

His eyes blaze with fire as he dips his face into my neck and whispers, "You can feel how hard you make me.

" He suckles my pulse point, and my legs go weak.

I grasp hold of him, digging my fingertips into his side.

He shudders. "Your confession has me pulsing and leaking precum into my jeans.

" He nibbles my earlobe while I let out a soft moan.

His breath feels as heavy as mine. His searching mouth moves to the corner of mine.

His eyes meet mine as he presses a kiss there, sending shivers down my spine.

"How wet is your hooha now?" His eyes dance with mirth.

I offer a soft smile. "My hooha has never been wetter, nor has it ever ached like it does now."

"Fuck," he curses, dropping his forehead to mine while keeping our eyes locked. "If we weren't on Main Street, I'd shove my hand in your jeans, finger-fuck you, and then lick my fingers clean."

"Oh!" I whimper, clinging to him. "Maddox, this is wrong," I gasp.

"It feels perfect to me." His lips brush over mine, and then he takes a deep breath before pulling away. He takes my hand and leads me around to the passenger seat of his truck, lifting me inside.

I flop back against the seat, wondering what just happened. What is it about this man that makes me want to jump him?

He joins me in the cab, leans over, and snaps my seatbelt into place. "Spencer," I say, wanting to move on from a few moments ago. "He told me you and your brother found a dead woman. Are you okay?"

Maddox winces and holds out his hand for mine. I smile and take his hand, intertwining our fingers. "I feel better for seeing you." He kisses my knuckles and then gets the truck moving. "It was bad. I recognized her. She’d been in town for a year or so. I wish I could unsee it."

"I'm sorry, Maddox. That must have been awful.” He pulls into the lodge, and I don’t want to leave him while he’s upset, but I don’t think I have a choice. "This is bad timing, but I need to head back and change. Samantha has wine and hors d'oeuvres planned.” I face him. "I want to stay with you."

“I’ll be okay.” He tugs on my hand. "You have things planned with the others. It’s fine.” He smiles, leans forward, and kisses me on the cheek. "It's as well that you're not staying, because I want you wrapped around me."

I sigh and softly admit, "I'd like that." I pull back and offer him a wry smile, adding, "I love this place. It's peaceful, and it's away from everything."

"It is." He clears his throat and says, "I'll walk you back," and releases my hand.