Page 47 of Pumpkin Patch Pack

I nod in agreement. “I should head back,” I say reluctantly, though part of me wants nothing more than to stay. “Early day tomorrow.”

“I’ll walk you,” Liam grunts, already standing.

The walk back is silent but charged. He walks beside me, and I can practically feel tiny sparks jumping between us.

We reach my cottage door too soon, and I turn to face him, reluctant to say goodnight.

“Thank you,” I say. “For giving me space. For not pushing.”

His eyes meet mine. “I know what it’s like to need space.”

I nod, throat tight.

“Emma,” he says. “I’m not good with words, but I want you to know—.” He pauses, seeming to search for the right way to continue. “You have nothing to fear from me. When I found you sick… I’ve never been so scared. I will protect you with everything I have. No one will ever hurt you again. You have my word.”

The declaration knocks the air from my lungs. My chest tightens, breath stuttering, because I believe him. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, I know his words are true.

Before I can second-guess myself, I’m moving closer. My fingers brush his shirt, tentative. His eyes widen in surprise, but he doesn’t step away.

I rise onto my toes and press my lips to his. He’s tentative at first, but then his arms wrap around my waist, pulling me against his body. The kiss is slow and gentle, and his lips taste like warm honeyed bourbon.

He gently pulls away so there is a small gap between us. With flushed cheeks and stormy dark eyes, Liam pecks me on the lips one last time before he turns to walk away.

“Sleep well, Emma,” he says softly. “Tomorrow will be a good day.”

20

Inbox Notification

From:[email protected]

Subject: Tick Tock… I’m coming for you.

Do you sleep well at night, Emma? I hope not.

I hope you jump at every shadow, every footstep, every knock at the door. I hope you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, wondering if today’s the day.

Because it’s coming, and when it does, you’ll remember why you belonged to me in the first place.

Every dog eventually learns to come when called.

Time to come home, pet.

-M

21

Emma

Today is the first time I’ll face a crowd without a patch since I escaped the city and discovered who these three men truly are to me.

I adjust my extra-large cozy sweater nervously. Without my usual scarf to hide the patch, my neck feels bare.

“Ready for this?” Rowan asks, appearing at my side with two travel mugs of coffee.

I accept one gratefully, “as I’ll ever be.”

His eyes search mine. “Just tell us if you need a break or feel overwhelmed.”