Page 9 of Maddox: Wild Alaska (Hawke’s Ridge #1)

"So," Sofie says, waving a fry toward Branson with a delicate hand. He raises a brow, clearly amused. "You're the eldest, right? That means you have more insight into your brothers. I want to know why none of you are married."

A few snorts fill the silence while Branson shuffles in his chair, clearly uncomfortable with the question.

I could help him out, but I decide to stay quiet and hear what he has to say.

After clearing his throat a few times, he shoots me a dark look before softening his gaze as he stares at Sofie. “We haven’t met the right woman yet."

"Huh, well, I have a friend. She'd love you. Her name's Jamaica, and she would be a comfort to come home to. She’s feisty as well. So, plenty of excitement in the sack!” She smirks. "I'm going to tell her about you."

I try to muffle a laugh, but Branson shoots me a nasty look before turning it on our brothers. He hears our amusement and curses under his breath. He points his fork at Sofie, then at me. "Your woman needs to sleep it off.”

"Are you insinuating that I'm drunk?" Sofie asks, glancing around. "Where'd my burger and fries go?"

Judean snorts. "You ate it. That hunky guy took your plate away while you were grilling the sheriff."

"That doesn't help. They're all hunky."

My brothers nudge each other and laugh. I stand. "Let's get you to bed."

"Are you coming with me?" she asks, batting her eyelashes.

Ignoring my amused brothers, I say, "I'll tuck you in."

"I want someone to tuck me in!" Her friend Judean complains.

"Don't worry, babe. I'll tuck you in."

"Have we met before?" Judean asks.

"I'm Colton Hawke, at your service," he tells her. She practically floats toward my youngest brother.

"You're a bit young for me. Do you even know what to do with it?" Judean stumbles, but Colton steadies her.

Our brothers laugh their heads off, and even Branson chuckles. Colton gives them the finger as he wraps an arm around Judean’s waist. "Babe, I can assure you that I know exactly what to do with it."

"I bet you could teach him a thing or two," Sofie mumbles as I pull her close, wanting to teach her a few things.

"Sofie, let's just get you to bed so you can sleep.

" As we move out onto the deck, I hear a whiny voice wondering where Sofie and Judean have gone.

I steer Sofie in the opposite direction and pick up speed before we're caught.

Hidden behind the bushes on one of the small pathways, I glance at Sofie, who lets out a sigh.

"I think I'm okay now. Food and fresh air always help me feel better."

"Do you get drunk often?"

She gives a very unladylike snort. "I hardly ever get drunk. I needed some Dutch courage to be surrounded by piranhas." She grins at me. "I think I like Judean. She told me she's the one who gets invited to events just to fill up the guest list." She scrunches her nose. "That's kind of sad."

"Maybe you have a friend in her."

"I'd like that." She pauses. "It really is beautiful here."

I agree, but I remain silent as she stares off into the distance, lost in thought.

This has been my home for almost ten years.

I can't imagine living elsewhere. I've built my life here, and I'm content.

The woman in my arms slowly leads me further along the path to her suite.

It's a small cabin set back from the main part of the lodge, behind the landscaped pathways.

It's private, and I hope her snooping soon-to-be family members won't find it at least not for a day or two.

"I like how you and your brothers interact. It's sweet."

I chuckle and pull her into my body, wrapping an arm around her neck. "Sometimes it's sweet. Sometimes it's a war zone," I reply, kissing her forehead.

She sighs, hugs me, and rests her head on my chest. I swallow hard, feeling a surge of protectiveness wash over me. "This is me," she says softly. "Do you want to come inside?”

My heart suddenly races, then calms. "Sofie, if I come in with you, I'm going to spend the night making love to you.

" I cup her face. "You're still engaged, and you'd feel guilty in the morning, plus I wouldn’t let you go.” Resting my forehead gently against hers, I whisper, "When we're together, I don't want you to have any regrets. "

Tears hover on her lashes as she struggles to control her emotions. "I haven't been here a day. This instant connection with you scares me, Maddox. Yet at the same time, I feel exhilarated."

I kiss each of her eyelids and force myself to step away.

"I'm not going anywhere." I pull her back into my arms, holding her close as I rest my chin on the top of her head.

I could hold Sofie like this for a long time.

She gives me peace, even though my body reacts to her.

She isn't mine and holding her like this is the closest I'll allow myself to get right now.

"I should get to bed," she says, yawning.

"Bed sounds good." I squeeze her one last time before releasing her. She smiles and hesitates for a moment before turning and entering her room.

Looking out toward the mountains, I look up at the sky and exhale loudly. Sofie Ryan has been sent here to tempt me like no other woman. I chuckle and shake my head as I head toward the family cabins.

As I head through the tunnel of kissing trees, Branson steps out of the shadows and walks with me, slowing my pace, knowing he wants to talk. "I like her," he says. "Not so much the people she's with."

I frown. "You met the group?"

He huffs out a laugh. "I was ambushed as soon as I stepped inside the resort. You'd think they'd never seen a cop before."

I snicker. “You’re the only man I know who wouldn’t like being ambushed by a group of women.”

“One of them reached for my crotch, so I grabbed her wrist and told her I’d arrest her for molesting a cop.” He grins. "She went bright red and fled back to the bar. The older woman apologized and asked if I were a real cop." He narrows his eyes. "They thought I was a stripper!" he mumbles.

I can't help myself and burst out laughing. Okay, maybe I howl with laughter. My brother gives me such a dark glare that I force myself to stop, which isn't easy. Still snickering, I ask, "What did you do?"

"I shot them all a glare, pushed my way through them, and escaped to the kitchen." He shudders. "The older one trailed behind me, wanting to know if I could find her daughter-in-law, who has disappeared. It took me a minute to realize she referred to Sofie.”

Heaving a heavy sigh, I glance back toward where Sofie should be tucked in bed, but I force myself to stay with my brother. I face him. "What's happening with the case?"

He searches my gaze for a moment before answering, "The team arrived and called it a night, which is why I made it here.

" He runs a hand through his dark hair. "The blood found is the same type as the victim's.

We need a DNA analysis to confirm the match, though.

The time of death is impossible to determine because she's been frozen.

Nothing else was found in the searched area.

The only thing I can do tomorrow is go back and question everyone who knew her. "

"Have you spoken to Gabe?" I ask.

“He feels guilty for not trying harder to find her.”

"I know. It sounds like he was glad she left. He used to meet up with her and her friends, so he should be able to give you names."

“He's writing down everything he remembers about her. About her family and friends. I'm meeting him for breakfast."

"Good. Let me know how he's doing.”

"Sure," he sighs. "I'm going to get some sleep." He trudges off toward his cabin while I make my way to mine.