Page 9

9

Tarryn

M y stomach sinks with the rejection. If I had any question as to whether this man was a murderer or a rapist, he just proved that he’s neither. He’s hard as a rock, yet he refused my offer. Kelsey would be shaking her head at me if she knew I just offered my kidnapper sex, but I’ve never craved a man or sex so much in my life. Traeger has been kind and helpful, and beyond respectful. Any male would’ve taken advantage, snuck a peek in the bathroom when I was trying to do my business, but he didn’t. He was a true gentleman, which only makes me want him more. But for some reason, he doesn’t want me.

He said he’d give his left nut to sink inside my tight body, but he doesn’t think it’s best for me. How does he know what’s best for me?

“I’m a grown woman. I should be able to decide what’s best.” The comment goes flying out into the darkness, and I instantly regret the desperation that’s clear in my voice.

“I’m nineteen years older than you, doll. You don’t need to be getting mixed up with someone my age.” But the guys my age aren’t half as sexy or half as mature. And no one has ever made me feel safe.

“Age is just a number. I know a girl who’s dating one of our professors and he’s forty-six.”

“Yeah, well, he should be ashamed of himself for taking advantage of such a young girl.”

But she’s the one who pursued him. He tried to refuse her, but she wouldn’t let up. And now, they’re engaged to be married.

“But they love each other,” I defend, wondering why I’m still talking. I sound pathetic. I’m practically trying to convince him to sleep with me.

“I can promise you, I’m not lovable. I’m a grumpy bastard set in my ways. I like my routine and my quiet. And I can tell after talking to you, you have a bright future ahead of you. You don’t need to be caught up with a mountain man who spends his days checking bear traps and making jerky.”

“But what if all I want is sex? No strings. No commitment, just sex.”

“It’s never just sex, doll. Sex leads to feelings. And feelings lead to wanting something that can’t happen. In a few days, I’ll take you back, and you’ll forget I ever existed. It’s for the best.”

He’s wrong. I don’t think I’ll ever forget him. He looked out for me when the people who I thought cared about me left me stranded in the woods, wounded and alone.