Page 10 of Sequoia Flames (Black Timber Peak Hotshots #6)
TEN
VERITY
Sitting on a rock across from these guys I can’t help but feel that there’s something else going on here other than they’re lost on a mountain.
Wracking my brain, I vaguely remember the guys mentioning some hikers lost on the mountain.
One problem with that theory though. My whole body is jangling with something and it’s not just being pissed that Verity and I were interrupted.
The dark-haired guy grins and holds out his hand. “I’m Fred and this is my friend, Alex. We were just out here hiking and realized we were in a lot of trouble so thank heavens we found you when we did. What are you guys doing out here?”
“I’m a BTPHS. I was out on a run.”
“What about her?” Alex grins and points back at the tent. “She yours?”
“Yeah. She is.” I don’t take even a second to think.
She’s mine. I know it. I don’t know how to make it work yet but there’s no way in hell that she’s getting away from me.
Plus, I don’t want this guy getting any ideas and I can see he is.
His blue eyes keep darting over towards the tent and my intuition is jangling like a damn bat signal going off.
I don’t like these guys. I run my eyes down to their feet and my eyes narrow. “Strange choice of footwear for a hike.”
Both of them have on what looks like slip-on loafers. They’re soft-soled but no way in hell those are hiking boots or sneakers. Fred glances down and his cheeks heat.
“Yeah, we kinda don’t know what the hell we’re doing out here. I thought these would be good enough for hiking. We were with a group that’s up here doing a retreat for our jobs.” He waves his hand back and forth. “We both work for Hancock and Williams. It’s a law firm in Seattle.”
“Why didn’t you guys go somewhere closer to home?”
“One of the guys that we work with has a cabin up here. He’s one of the senior partners and he invited everyone up.”
Alex grunts and there’s a look in his eyes that I don’t like. “I think he’s just kissing the boss’s ass.”
Fred grunts. “Stop bitching about that.” He rolls his dark eyes.
“You’re the one that thought it would be funny if we left them and disappeared for awhile.
Just to fuck with this trip. Now look. We’re stuck up here and who the hell knows if we’re gonna get out of this.
I told you we should stay put. But no… you wanted to make the guy look like an idiot.
How exactly does our getting lost and burned alive in a wildfire do that? ”
Alex flushes and his lips thin. Something dark and dangerous slips across his eyes. “Watch your mouth. You agreed to this.”
“Guys, where the hell are the rest of the people you were with?”
“They’re under the fire. The cabin was down at the base. They’re probably fine. We’re the ones in trouble,” Fred growls, his dark eyes darting back over to his partner in crime.
“Okay. Well, that’s good. I told you this is what I do. I’m gonna make sure that you guys get off this mountain. You’re gonna be fine. I’ve got help coming in the morning.”
Fred sighs in relief. “Well, that’s good. I’m glad to hear it. So what is the plan?”
“I’m really tired.” Alex yawns and stands up, stretching. “I could really use some sleep.”
I stand up, moving in front of him so fast that he blinks quickly. I put my hand on his chest. “Don’t even think of moving towards that tent.”
“It’s big enough for two people. You guys talk about our rescue plans. I need some sleep,” he whines, the sound grating on my last nerve.
“I don’t fucking care. Get away from that tent. Pull up a rock and sleep on it. But you’re not getting near her.”
“What’s the matter? Afraid she’s gonna trade up?”
Lifting my brow, I grin wickedly. “I think it’s cute that you think you’re a step up.” I glance up and down at him, my lips curling. “You’re just another weekend warrior around here. I don’t give a shit about you or your friend over there.”
I jerk my thumb at Fred who’s just sitting there, his mouth hanging open.
I continue, “I’d leave you sitting here with your thumbs up your asses before I give you one shot at that woman in there. She’s mine. So back the hell up before I plant my size twelve boot so far up your ass you’re gonna be chewing leather for a week.”
Alex pales and Fred stands up quickly. His hand pulls at his friend and he smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Hey, sorry man. He’s a bit of a dog. He didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Leash your buddy or you better hope that I don’t have to pick who to save.”
“Don’t you think a rescue worker should be more focused on help and less threatening?” Alex grunts, his eyes so angry that he’s practically burning me up.
I cross my arms over my chest and deliberately stand a little straighter, glaring down my nose at them.
“I didn’t say that I’d hurt you but if you touch her…
” I jerk my thumb at the tent, “Well, you better pray the fire gets to you before I do. I won’t be near as gentle as it is.
Now I suggest you guys grab a rock and get comfy.
It’s gonna be a long couple of hours until daylight and we get the hell out of here. ”
I watch the two of them stumble off, finally sitting down against rocks and eyeing me up like I’m a wild animal.
Glaring back at them, I feel like the feral creature they think I am. Nobody’s touching Verity and if they do… I’ll bury them where nobody else will ever find them again.
I stand there, my body rigid and my inner beast refusing to let me relax one little bit.
My eyes never leave them for the rest of the night.