Page 17 of The Mountain Man’s Curvy Bride (Mountain Man Sanctuary #3)

Wes

The tires of Hank’s cruiser scream against the pavement, the night outside reduced to a blur by the roaring siren and flashing lights.

Beside me, Hank’s jaw is clenched, his knuckles white as he grips the steering wheel tightly, navigating the winding roads at dangerous speeds.

Every nerve in my body feels stretched taut, a burning mix of fear and rage swirling through me, making it nearly impossible to think straight.

“We’re almost there,” Hank says tersely, stealing a quick glance at me. His voice holds a determination that offers little comfort amid the turmoil gripping my chest. “We’ll get her back, Wes. I promise you."

I nod stiffly, my throat too tight to form words.

My hands ball into fists, nails digging sharply into my palms as I fight against the overwhelming helplessness.

I can't stop picturing Daisy's terrified face, her beautiful eyes wide with panic, pleading silently for help. The thought of her alone, frightened, at Steven’s mercy, is unbearable.

“Hang in there,” Hank mutters, sensing my tension. “She’s tough, Wes. And Steven’s too arrogant to realize he's underestimated her."

“I know she’s strong,” I manage to choke out, my voice thick and strained with emotion. “But what if we're too late? What if?—”

“We won’t be,” Hank interrupts firmly, pressing the accelerator harder as the cruiser surges forward. His confidence bolsters me slightly, but anxiety continues to gnaw painfully at my gut.

The miles stretch endlessly as we finally reach the outskirts of the neighboring town.

Hank cuts the siren, slowing the cruiser to approach quietly.

The dashboard GPS chirps softly, guiding us directly toward Steven’s last known address.

My pulse quickens, heart hammering with each moment drawing us closer to Daisy.

“There it is,” Hank whispers urgently, pulling onto a side street, out of sight. He cuts the engine abruptly, plunging us into tense silence. We exit swiftly, the cold night air biting against my heated skin, every step toward the house echoing loudly in my ears.

My eyes immediately lock onto Steven’s black SUV parked carelessly in the driveway, and rage surges through me anew. “Not exactly hiding his trail, is he?” Hank mutters, drawing his weapon from his holster and checking it quickly.

“Not the brightest,” I agree bitterly, fury heating my veins as we cautiously approach the house, sticking close to the shadows. My breath quickens, every instinct screaming to rush inside immediately and find Daisy, but I force myself to stay behind Hank.

At the front door, Hank signals for silence. With practiced ease, he kicks the door open, splintering the wood and sending it flying inward with a deafening crash. “Police! Steven, show yourself, now!” Hank’s voice reverberates through the quiet house, commanding and unyielding.

The silence that follows is oppressive, heavy with menace. We move swiftly, methodically through each room, our footsteps echoing against the wooden floors. Each empty room heightens my dread until my breath comes in painful gasps, desperation clawing at me with each second passing.

Suddenly, Hank’s voice rings out sharply from the back room. “Wes, back here! Hurry!”

I sprint down the hall, heart pounding, dread gripping me tightly.

Bursting into the dimly lit room, my blood turns cold at the sight before me.

Daisy sits bound to a chair, wrists cruelly tied, her face pale and streaked with tears.

Her wide, terrified eyes meet mine instantly, relief flooding her expression.

“Wes!” she cries hoarsely, straining against the ropes that bind her.

“Daisy,” I breathe, rushing to her side and swiftly working to untie her wrists, my hands trembling with urgency and relief. “I'm here. You're safe now."

She collapses into my arms the moment the ropes fall away, sobbing softly against my chest, her body shaking uncontrollably. I hold her tightly, running a gentle hand through her tangled hair, soothing her trembling form.

“I knew you’d come,” she whispers weakly, her voice filled with raw emotion.

“Always,” I murmur fiercely, my arms tightening protectively around her. “I will always find you, Daisy."

A sudden, harsh noise makes us jump, adrenaline surging once more. Steven stumbles into the room, his face twisted in rage and disbelief, eyes wild and dangerous. “You!” he snarls viciously, lunging forward.

Hank reacts instantly, stepping between us with his weapon raised steadily. “Hands up, Steven! Now! You’re under arrest.”

Steven freezes, his expression flickering between defiance and defeat. Slowly, reluctantly, he raises his hands, hatred blazing in his eyes as he glares at me. “She belongs to me. You’ll never keep her, Wes.”

“She’s not yours,” I growl fiercely, my voice unwavering. “She never was, and you'll never touch her again."

Hank swiftly cuffs Steven, roughly escorting him out to the cruiser. As they disappear outside, I turn fully to Daisy, gently cupping her face, brushing tears from her cheeks with tender care.

“Are you okay?” I ask softly, searching her eyes.

She nods shakily, a soft smile breaking through the lingering fear. “I am now. Because of you."

Emotion overwhelms me, my heart swelling painfully. “I love you, Daisy,” I whisper fervently. “And I'll never let anything happen to you again."

“I love you too, Wes,” she replies softly, leaning into my embrace, her body finally relaxing as the reality of her rescue sinks in.

Holding Daisy securely in my arms, I finally let out a shaky breath, the tension of the night slowly melting away.

Together, we’ll overcome anything life throws at us, stronger for every trial we've faced.

The warmth of her body pressed against mine is the sweetest assurance of our future together—safe, secure, and filled with unwavering love.