Page 7

7

Tarryn

I look over at the door, wondering if I should make a run for it while he’s distracted, but how far am I really going to get? Four strides of his giant feet and he’ll be able to catch me. And even if I made it out, I’m not sure I could find my way down the mountain. It would be hard enough with two working feet, but I’ve only got one and the other is seriously killing me right now.

I glance back over at the huge man, watching his muscles as he works. One squeeze of his giant palm around my neck and he could choke me out. But…I’m not getting the sense that he would hurt me. He just bandaged me up when he could’ve restrained me and had his wicked way with my body. Even still, I need to play it smart. I can’t get swept up in his good looks and let myself fall prey to my kidnapper.

What I need is to get ahold of a phone and let my dad know where I am. He’ll send a helicopter with a search and rescue team for me. I at least know the name of the trailhead we started on and which direction we walked. I’m sure they’d be able to find me. I doubt there are any other cabins out in the woods.

“Would you mind if I used your phone? I just want to let my dad know I’m okay. When I don’t return with my friends, he’s going to freak out and send an army for me.”

He stops slicing the bread and my focus goes right to the knife, watching as his grip around it tightens, as his knuckles start to turn white.

“Don’t have a phone. Cell tower doesn’t reach all the way up here. As soon as the storm passes, I’ll take you back to town.”

Storm. What storm? And how does he watch that big TV hanging on his wall if he doesn’t get any reception out here?

“But you have electricity. And cable.” I look toward the flat screen hanging above the mantle.

“Solar panels,” he grunts, looking grumpier than before. I should stop questioning him. I’m only making him mad. I need to get into his good graces so he doesn’t want to hurt me. “And that’s got a satellite.” He points the sharp end of the knife at the screen, and I will not be questioning him again.

“You said a storm was coming?”

How am I going to navigate through the woods in the rain with a banged-up foot? I left my pack behind, which means I have no flashlight or compass to guide my way.

“Yes,” he grunts, looking back down at the loaf of bread. I didn’t see a cloud in the sky but maybe these things roll in fast. I’m sure the weather is extreme up here on the mountain. And had we camped out, we would’ve been stuck in it. But instead, I’m trapped inside this strange man’s cabin, unsure of what his intentions are with me. He could be promising to take me back just so I’ll trust him, but his intentions may not be as noble.

I watch him work, keeping my eyes locked on his every move, making sure he doesn’t slip anything into the food he’s making. He’s like a master chef, dicing vegetables, sautéing onions, flipping things in the pan without using a spatula. I’m not sure what he’s making, but the smells coming from the kitchen are heavenly. Definitely better than the freeze-dried meal I had last night.

“What did you do before you retired?” It looks like he was a chef for a Michelin star restaurant.

He tenses up when I speak, and I think he may prefer to work in silence. Maybe I should remain silent so he doesn’t get annoyed with me.

“I worked for the government,” he grunts.

That should be a good sign. Right? Usually, government workers have background checks and have to be honest, hardworking individuals. Though, my dad would love to argue different. He thinks the government steals too much of his money.

“So, what did you do for the government?”

Again, his eyes narrow in as his shoulders stiffen. I never learn, do I?

“You sure do ask a lot of questions,” he grits through his clenched teeth. “I was an agent for internal intelligence.”

“That’s so cool. Did you get to work on top-secret cases?”

“I did. But it wasn’t cool.” His eyes return to the bread. “There are a lot of bad guys out there. I advise you never to trust anyone. Just because they hold some kind of official title doesn’t mean they’re decent human beings.”

Is that his way of telling me he’s a bad guy?

“Are you a decent person?”

His head snaps up, those dark eyes locking me in their intensity. If it weren’t for the stern line of his lips, I’d be swooning. But beyond his rugged beard, dark eyes, and insane physique, he could be crazy. And I need to remember that. Yet…there’s something in his eyes that makes me believe he’s good. The way he spoke about protecting me, and how furious he was that my friends left me, it just doesn’t seem like he intends on killing me.

“I’m honest. And I’ve never broken the law, but I’m human. My thoughts aren’t always decent. Especially not when I’m staring at a pretty girl.”

A shiver runs down my spine, and I suddenly feel flushed. Kelsey would shake her head if she knew I was attracted to this man and feeling any kind of excitement that he might find me pretty.

“What are you thinking about right now?” The question flies out before I can stop my mouth. I really need to learn to keep quiet.

“Gonna have to plead the fifth.”

My gut tightens, but not with fear. Butterflies rise out from under the fear and begin to flutter their little wings, excited that his cheeks have just turned the shade of the tomato he’s now cutting. It looks like he’s blushing. And he can no longer meet my eyes. I find it hard to believe that a bad man would filter his thoughts. Someone with evil intent would probably describe in detail every dirty thought and intent, just to try to scare me.

“Have you always lived alone?”

I wonder if there’s ever been a woman in his life. He doesn’t have a ring on his finger, so I assume he’s not married, plus there isn’t a single female touch in this place. It’s like a true man-cave. Rugged, manly, but clean and organized. It’s cozy and warm and in no way screams “a murderer lives here.”

“Yes,” he grunts again. He’s not long-winded, that’s for sure. I’m used to Carter talking my ear off. You ask him a question and he gives you every detail you didn’t need or want, but Traeger seems like the type of guy who only speaks when there’s something important to say.

“Have you ever been in love?”

His head snaps up again and those eyes are even darker now. “Do you always ask so many questions?”

“Only when I’m nervous.” Or trying to learn more about my captor. If he’s capable of love, then it means he has a heart inside that ripped chest.

“You don’t have to be nervous. I meant what I said. I’m not gonna hurt you. You’re safe with me. And no…” He shakes his head. “I have never been in love. I thought I was once or twice, but I quickly realized it was just lust disguised as love, and it faded when true colors were revealed.”

I can definitely relate. Over the last twenty-four hours, Carter’s true colors were revealed, and now I can’t even stand the guy. “I thought I loved Carter, but now I don’t even know how I was ever attracted to him. He’s not even my type.”

His eye cocks up along with his lips and it’s the first hint of amusement I’ve seen from him. “You don’t go for man buns?”

I giggle at his remark. Carter really did look ridiculous with the thing.

“I don’t know,” I sigh. “I think I was trying so hard to avoid dating someone like my dad, that I was looking at things through rose-colored glasses. He was nice, and different from all my exes, and he was all in.” At least, up until this hiking trip he was. But then he seemed all into Kelsey. “All of my previous boyfriends were always looking for something better.”

“Don’t know how there’s anyone better than you.”

My eyes snap in his direction at his mumbled comment, and another rush of heat warms my insides when I see the way he’s looking at me. He quickly returns his attention to his task, and now I’m intrigued.

“Brody said I had small tits. Jake told me I was a ditz. And Carter basically said I was a pampered princess with no survival skills.” Those are just a few of the things I’ve been told over the last few years. I was also told I was frigid in bed, but I don’t need to share that with him.

“Yeah, well don’t listen to them. Your body is perfect. And you proved your intelligence back there with your friends. As far as being a pampered princess, a girl as beautiful as you should be spoiled. You don’t need to know how to survive out in the wilderness; you just need someone by your side who will protect you. That pipsqueak isn’t good enough for a girl like you, so you’re better off.”

And now those butterflies are trying to fly me right off this mountain. Coming from this strong and dominant man, his perspective makes me feel special. I don’t get the feeling he hands out compliments too often, and he just gave me a whole slew of them whether he realizes it or not.

“What about you? Do you ever get lonely up here?”

He stares at the contents inside the big pot, stirring it with a spoon, around and around. I guess he’s not going to answer my question. Maybe it was too personal.

“Nah, I like my space.” His answer is disappointing, which is a ridiculous reaction for me to have toward my kidnapper. “Women bring drama, and drama is something I strive to avoid.”

“Well, I’m sorry for disrupting your morning, I can get out of your hair.” I place my foot on the ground and the pain immediately rushes in. Dammit, I don’t know how I’m going to make my way out of here.

He’s suddenly crouched in front of me, checking my foot. “You aren’t going anywhere. And you aren’t a disruption. Surprisingly, I don’t mind having you in my space. Now, how about some soup and a grilled cheese?”

My stomach rumbles on cue and he smirks. It’s the first near crack of a true smile, and it makes him look even more handsome.