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Bethany headed out to the shed early to try to get some work completed before the madness began. Labor Day weekend was almost upon her, and she was booked solid. Approaching the door, she found it unlocked. I know I locked it yesterday. Opening the door, she yelped and jumped back as Roscoe was coming out.

“Lordy, you scared me,” she explained.

“Sorry, Bethany,” he said, moving forward with his tool belt buckled around his waist. “I got here early so I could get started on a few repairs.”

“Me too,” she said. “Are you going to take down those branches over cabin six?”

“Yep, and shore up the gutters on cabin eight.”

“What happened?” she said, dismay in her voice.

“Not to worry,” he assured. “I just noticed after the last storm, one side was hanging a little. Won’t take but a bit of banging to make it right.”

He moved past her, smiling as he went. She felt his eyes on her as she went into the shed. Turning, she saw him still watching her. “Was there anything else, Roscoe?”

“I was just wonderin’ if you and that neighbor man were seeing each other now? He’s been around more, and I noticed you skedaddling off as well.”

Laughing, she said, “Yes. His name is Jack Bryant, and we are seeing each other.”

Roscoe nodded, then added, “Well, your grandmother would want you to be happy. You always were such a good girl.”

He moved on down the path and she grabbed the dock cleaning supplies. Time to start the day before they all come in.

Later that afternoon, Jack made sure he came by to check on things. As he pulled up, he noticed several trucks full of men with fishing equipment at the lodge. Jaw tight, he jogged up the steps and into the room. Seeing Bethany all alone, checking them in, he moved directly behind the counter and kissed her before turning to face the men in the room. He knew it was a caveman move, but he did not care. And from the glance to her beside him, wide eyed and jaw dropped, he’d have to explain later.

“Gentlemen,” he called out loudly. “Last time there was a group here, there was unpleasantness that required the entire group to be ejected and no refunds were given. I trust there won’t be those problems with any of you.”

The men quickly assured the large man standing in front of them that they were there to fish in the fishing contest at a nearby lake and promised there would be no difficulties.

“And furthermore, this lodge is locked, secured, and alarmed after eight p.m.”

“Yes, sir,” they hastily agreed, before signing the register and moving back to their trucks with their cabin assignments.

As the last one left, he took a deep breath and turned to face the seething woman glaring at him.

She opened her mouth, but before she could utter a word of censure, she found his fingers on her lips.

“Beautiful, I get that you’re pissed, but hear me out first and then decide if you’re still pissed.”

She glared but kept quiet.

“Just like with children, it’s better to let guests know up front what your expectations are. You’ve got rules on your website, posted in each cabin and there’s no reason not to reinforce them.”

“Yes, but?—”

“And those men don’t want to lose their cabin in the middle of their vacation when there’s no other hotel in the area with a Labor Day opening. One of them drinks too much and even thinks about getting rowdy, the others are more likely to reign him in.”

She had to admit to herself that his explanation made sense. Huffing, she said, “Okay, but what about the?—”

“Same thing. Expectations, baby. No way in hell are you still leaving this door unlocked during the evening. ”

Okay, he’s right there too.

Then her eyes narrowed, and she said, “How about the way you?—”

He stepped closer, gazing down into her blue eyes, watching them widen the nearer he came. “That was because when we’ve been apart, I want to feel your lips on mine. Here, my place, alone, in a crowd. Wherever.”

He stood directly in front of her, the toes of his boots touching the tips of her sneakers. Her head leaned way back so she could see his face.

“You don’t think that was just the teeniest bit alpha caveman behavior?” she asked.

“Nope. I think it was a whole fuck-of-a-lotta alpha caveman behavior.”

Seeing her jaw drop, he lifted her chin with his fingers at the same time he leaned down to place a kiss on her lips.

“Babe, this is who I am. I respect what you do here, but this is no longer the 1960’s and your grandfather’s not here to provide for your safety. This is a different world and I’m sure as hell going to take care of what’s mine. And I don’t give a damn who’s around when I kiss you. Or,” he said with a smile, “when you kiss me.”

She could not stop the warm feeling that swirled around at his words. Lifting on her toes, she grabbed his face with her hands and kissed him back. Plunging her tongue into his mouth, she gave him everything she had to give, and he took it. Then he lifted her up in his arms and took the kiss where he wanted it to go. Long. Hard. Wet.

“Ah-hm. ”

Bethany jerked to see who was standing there, but her back was to the counter since Jack had turned to face the guest. She twisted to see behind her while dropping her legs to stand. Flustered, she managed to twist around and saw Horace Malinski. He looked askance at having intruded, so she quickly greeted him. She saw his eyes dart continuously between Jack and her.

“Mr. Malinski, this is…um?—”

“Her boyfriend, Jack Bryant,” Jack said smoothly.

“Yes, um…yes,” Bethany stammered.

A nervous nod was all they received, and she handed him his cabin assignment and key. “Here you go. Cabin nine as usual is ready for you.”

Another nod and he was out of the door.

“He always like that?” Jack asked, his eyes following the man as he hurried to his car.

“Yeah. He comes once a month and always asks for the same cabin. He’s harmless enough,” she added. “Always keeps to himself, hardly ever leaves the cabin.” She giggled, “at least not during the day.” Hearing Jack’s growl, she quickly added, “Oh, he never bothers me, but I sometimes wonder if he’s a vampire. You know, only coming out at night.”

He glanced down at the register. Horace Malinski. I’ll check him out. Shooting a look at Bethany, who was already greeting the next guests, he decided that he would not share with her that he was checking out her clients. She did really well with my earlier explanations, I won’t press my luck, he thought with a smile.

He watched her for a few minutes as she smiled at the families coming in, telling them about the cabin’s upgrades, the rules for swimming in the lake, and the area’s amenities. He had to admit to himself that he had wondered if she would pack up and leave when Gram left… but damn, she loves what she does. Her smile was infectious, and the guests appeared to be thrilled to be staying here. A couple of families were returning visitors that she greeted like old friends.

While she finished up, he turned to take some measurements for the wall to be erected, separating the reception area from the lodge room. I want her in my home, in my bed, but…one step at a time. And until then, I want her safe.

He rubbed his head, fighting the headache bearing down on him. Watching from afar, he tried to keep his eye on her. A good girl. They all start out as good girls. Why can’t they stay that way? Because they turn into sluts, that’s why. Mama always said so.

He knew the police and FBI were searching for him. The newspapers were full of stories and speculations about the Campus Killer. Campus Killer. Running his hand over his face again, he grimaced. They don’t understand. I’m not a killer. I make the sluts pay. That’s all. I just give them their due.

He fingered the long, slim knife again but fought the urge. It seemed to be coming faster. There was a time when he could make it go away. Ignore it .

He thought about the latest one he had seen. Would she stay good for me? Or be a slut like the others? He didn’t travel as much with his job now. Forced to stay closer to home, it was more difficult to find someone when he felt the urge.

Running his finger along the razor-sharp blade, he was careful not to cut himself. Taking a towel, he efficiently wiped the instrument off before replacing it in its hiding place. Behind it, the jar of bones sat, making him grimace.

Why do the sluts do it? Why do they have to point that finger at me when I just want to get close? He closed his eyes for a moment, seeing his mother constantly shaking her finger at either him or his dad. Look what I’ve done for you, ma! What I’ve always done for you.

Jack managed to be home for the entire Labor Day weekend, taking advantage of not having to travel by spending as much time as possible with Bethany. He video conferenced with the men and would see them as they rotated through security duty.

He had stayed at her place Friday and by Saturday night wanted to take her out. “You up for a trip to Chuck’s for some burgers?”

Smiling huge, she agreed. “I haven’t had a Chuck’s burger in…wow, I don’t even remember the last time I was there.”

He chuckled, saying, “Well, it hasn’t changed since the beginning of time. Burgers are still greasy and the beer is still cold.”

“Sounds perfect!”

Fifteen minutes later, they walked into the bar, greeted by a screech.

“Oh my God, boss-man! Is this the girl that had you making moon faces weeks ago?” Trudie’s voice could be heard across the room and most eyes turned toward the couple.

Bethany looked askance for a moment at the big bust, big hair, and even bigger smile on the woman behind the bar.

They made their way over to her and Jack boosted Bethany up on a barstool before moving to stand next to her, his large body pressed into hers.

Bethany could not help but smile back as Trudie made her way toward them.

“Trudie, meet Bethany. She owns Mountville Cabins up the road. And this is Trudie, bartender extraordinaire.”

“Oh, don’t pay him any mind, honey. I’m Trudie and I’ve been slinging drinks here for a long time. I remember your grandfather would come in every so often and your grandmother would run into me at the grocery store. Nice to meet the woman that grabbed this here big man.”

Laughing at Trudie’s running commentary, Bethany did not have a chance to respond before they were surrounded by Jack’s men.

Helping Bethany off the stool, Jack snagged her beer as well as his and ushered her to the back table where the others were sitting. He watched her walking in front of him, his eyes naturally drawn to her ass, showcased perfectly in a pair of black cords. Her light blue top dipped in the back, the color making her eyes appear even larger and bluer.

When they got to the table, she could see all seven of Jack’s men were there and several had women with them as well, making for a large group.

She could not remember when she had had so much fun…at least not since she had been at Mountville. She realized how small her world had become, first taking care of Gram and then running the cabins.

Pulling her in tightly, Jack watched her closely. “You okay, babe?”

She twisted her head to look into his face, reaching her hand up to cup his bearded jaw at the same time. Absent-mindedly rubbing her fingers along his cheek, she smiled. “Yeah. It’s been a long time since I was out with friends, just enjoying myself.”

“Wanna give you more of anything you need,” Jack replied, wishing he could take the worry off her shoulders.

“You do, honey. Just by being you.”

Excusing herself to use the lady’s room, she found Trudie at the sink washing her hands. Trudie’s smile beamed at her once more.

“Glad to see you with Jack,” the older woman said. “ He and them boys of his have been coming in for the past year. All good men, every one of them. But there was always something about Jack.”

Seeing Bethany’s questioning gaze, Trudie continued, “Them other men? Good people, but a few of them are pretty rowdy with the women who come in here. But hey, the women know the score. Blaise, Bart, and Marc especially are ladies’ men through and through. If it’s puttin’ out, they’re going to tap it!”

Seeing Bethany’s wide eyes, Trudie rushed on. “But Jack? Never seen a man so serious. He’d come in for a beer. Shoot the shit with Chuck, me, or his boys. But then he was all business.” Trudie walked over and patted Bethany’s shoulder. “He needed a good woman…and looks like he found one.” With a wink, the older woman left the room, leaving Bethany to smile to herself as she washed her hands.

As she made her way back to the table, she only had eyes for Jack. But his eyes were focused behind her—and they were pissed. Before she could get to him, a leg was thrown out in front of her blocking her path. Glancing over she saw the smirk of a young, college age man as he grabbed her hand, pulling her over.

“Babe, you looking for a seat?” he said, patting his lap as his table mates laughed.

Jerking her hand back, she was about to retort when Jack charged over, moving her deftly behind him and towering over the table.

“You have a momentary lapse in judgement putting your hands on my woman and your eyes on her ass?” he asked in a growl. “And there’s only one answer that I’ll accept.”

The one who had been openly ogling Bethany as she walked by, trying to impress his friends, now nervously looked to them to see who would back him up. They all sat numbly at the sight of the large, enraged man in front of them.

Bethany pulled on Jack’s shirt. “Honey, I don’t think?—”

Jack whipped his head around, but before he got a word out to her, she was moved gently back a few more feet. Replacing her were the other men, all lined up with equally angry expressions. As she stared at the backs of the testosterone wall in front of her, she could feel her anger rising. I could have taken care of this myself.

“Sorry,” mumbled the young man, embarrassed to be called out publicly, but smart enough to know that one furious mountain of a man was impossible to take on, much less eight of them.

While the men finished their discussion with the tableful of young men, Trudie slipped behind them and tugged on Bethany’s arm. “Come on, sweetie.”

Bethany allowed Trudie to pull her several feet away toward the back tables.

“Darlin’, I can see you about to get mad, but you gotta let those men do what they’re doing.”

Her lips tight, Bethany stared into the gaze of the older woman. “Trudie, this is barbaric. I know those guys acted foolishly, but it’s not like I’ve never been looked at in a bar before.”

“Not when you were with a man like Jack,” Trudie said. “Jack and those men with him are a different breed, darlin’. They hold to tight rules about what a man should and shouldn’t do. And they go into protection mode quicker than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

“But—”

“No buts, honey. I’ve seen them come to the rescue of a woman they’ve never met before who was bein’ bothered by some asshole. And with a woman they’ve claimed? Oh, lordy, they’ll really go all out for someone they care about.”

As the Saints returned to their table, each of them casting their eyes toward Bethany with a head jerk, she watched them warily.

“Remember girl. There’s a man who’ll control just for kicks and a man who’ll control to make your world better. That’s the kind of man Jack is.”

Seeing Jack turn and walk back toward her, his face still full of anger, she whispered, “I don’t know what to do with that.”

Trudie flashed her huge grin and said, “Girl, you hang on for the ride and enjoy every minute. That man’ll work to make sure you’re safe and as happy as you can be.” With a pat on her arm, Trudie headed back to the bar, shouting, “All right, folks. Show’s over, now get back to drinkin’!”

Bethany could not take her eyes off Jack as he approached, leaning her head back as he came closer and closer. He did not stop until his boots were directly in front of her shoes. She sucked in her lips, nervous as she wondered what she should say .

“You okay, babe?” he asked, his voice gentle considering the anger that was still pouring off him.

She nodded.

He lifted his large hand and cupped her jaw, sliding his fingers through her hair at the back of her neck. Leaning down, he touched his lips to hers. Gentle at first and then with a little more possessiveness.

She knew he was making a statement. To the others in the bar…and to her. And now was not the time to question his motives, not when his lips on hers had her melting into his body.

Moving back to the table, she noticed the looks of approval from the other men and wondered why. Another thing to ask Jack when we’re alone. Deciding to put the event behind her for now, she settled back into his embrace and continued to enjoy the company.

On the drive home, she pondered how to ask the questions swirling through her mind. Before she could get a word out, Jack took over.

“Babe, whatever you’re mulling over in your mind, just get it out.”

Sparing a glance sideways at his strong profile in the shadows of the night and the dashboard lights, she sighed. “I…I’ve just never been with anyone who…um…took charge like that. It was kind of scary.”

He reached his hand across the console and took hers, pulling it over to his lap. Giving her fingers a little squeeze, he said, “Not having someone put their hands on you. Not having some punk-ass do that to any unwilling woman, but sure as hell not to mine.”

She nodded quietly .

He continued, “You get what being with me is like, don’t you?”

He looked sideways, seeing her questioning expression, he explained, “My work, babe. My job. Career. Hell, my life. It’s always been about doing whatever I have to do to keep others safe. I did that when the Army needed me and now when I’m contracted. But you must understand that it’s not just what I do. It’s who I am. And any man that puts his hands on an unwilling woman, especially my unwilling woman, is not going to be tolerated.”

Seeing her turn in her seat to face him, her face concentrating on his, gave him the encouragement to continue. “I know you’re the most independent woman I’ve ever met, other than my mom. You get out and tackle whatever needs to be done and don’t worry about breaking a nail or messing up your clothes.” Chuckling, he said, “And I have to tell you, that’s a real turn on for me. I’ve always known I couldn’t deal with a woman that couldn’t do for themselves or whined every time I didn’t get something done when they wanted. But that doesn’t mean that you aren’t mine to care for and protect. And babe, I’ll do that in any way I see fit. I can tell you didn’t think that punk-ass college kid was too serious, but I’m a man and I’ll tell you straight up, any man that manhandles an unwilling woman will not think anything about continuing to do that…to you or anyone else. My response to him was immediate and may have seemed over the top, but I’ll tell you right now, he’ll think twice before trying that with someone else. ”

Understanding, she nodded as she gave his hand a return squeeze. “Thank you, Jack,” she whispered, her words hitting him both in the heart and the dick.

“Damn, girl.”

“But don’t you think as big and bad as you are, you made your point? Why did the others join in?” she asked.

“Someone move you backward?” he asked.

“Um, yeah. Chad moved me back away from you all.”

“He did that ‘cause he knew my attention was on the punks in front and my men wanted you out of the way in case things got ugly.”

“Ugly?”

“Yeah, babe. He didn’t give me the response I was looking for, I’d a taken him outside and we woulda had a Come to Jesus Meeting , where my fist would have made him see the error of his ways.”

At Jack’s description, a giggle erupted from Bethany’s lips.

“And in all things, my men have my back, just like I have theirs. And now that includes you. Protecting you is now a priority of theirs as well.”

Parking in front of the lodge, he pulled her hand from his lap up to his lips and asked, “We straight?”

Nodding, she smiled. “Yeah,” she whispered as he tugged her closer.

His lips latched onto hers, hard, wet, and possessive. A moment later he leaned back, grinning as she mewled at the loss of his heat.

“Come on, baby. Let’s get inside. I want you hard and fast first then take my time and make love to you nice and slow. Okay?”

“Yeah,” she whispered once more.

Hours later, as he tucked her into his side while she drifted off to sleep, she felt his lips against her forehead. “Love you, baby girl.”

A smile curved the corners of her lips as his words settled deep.