Free Book
ReceiveafreecopyofSeeking Mr. Debonair: The Jane Austen Pact byclickinghereandsigningupforCami’snewsletter.
ROSE LILLYWHITE EASED
downthestepsoftheprivatejetandglancedaroundatplanes,runways,andthe large white terminal buildingofthe Cancunairport The air was warm, sultryeven, a huge difference fromthe drycold of Montana inearlyMarch. She alreadymissed her family, the openspace and beautyof the Ranch, and especiallyall of the children.
ShewasheretoearnamilliondollarstokeepSafeHavenRanchfromgoingunder.Herfamilyranchhaddonewellonits ownforgenerations,butnowsupportingalmostfortyextrapeople,eveniftheirguestsallattemptedtoworkandhelpout,had drainedalloftheirbankaccounts Herparentsandsistersnevercomplainedandkeptsupportingherdream,butitwasn’teasy onanyofthem.
So it couldn’t matter that she was already sweating, terrified to be alone with an unknown man for a week, and apprehensive about whatever the challenge would be for this new realitytelevisionshow, AChance for Charity. It was an honor and a blessingthat billionaire Mercedes Belle’s people had somehow found her and givenher this opportunity. She would‘cowgirlup’andmakeitthroughtheweek,keepherdistancefromher‘militaryprotector,’andearnthatmoney.Nerves competedwiththehotsunforwhatwasmakinghersweatmore.
“Theresheis!”aladyyelledfromanearbyentrancetotheairport
Mercedes Belle herself came joggingout of the entrance, dressed ina silver formal dress that sparkled inthe sun, and matchingsparklyhighheels How didshejoginhighheels?Theladywasagorgeousblonde,toutedthroughouttheworldas themostgenerous,kind,wealthy,andbeautiful womanintheworld.Shelookedreallythininreal life,frail tothepointofa stiffwindbreakingabone.Theonlyextrameatonherwasinhergenerousbosom.
Did the camera reallyadd fifteenpounds? Itappeared withMercedes itmust Rose hadn’trealized the womanwas that small.
Shoot HowthickwouldRoselookonthecameras?Shewastall,strong,andworkedhardeverydayontheranchwiththe childrenandteenagersbyherside,andespeciallyonherselfdefensetraining.ShewasagiantcomparedtoMercedes.
Theshow’s hostandbenefactor was trailedbyahandsomemaninasuitwithlongishblondhair andpaleblueeyes He lookedlikeaVikingormaybeThor.Hedidn’tshareMercedes’welcomingsmile.Gloweringactually.
Wasthattheguyshe’dbematchedwithorwasheMercedes’sbodyguardorboyfriend?Shecouldswearshe’dseenhimin social media pictures with Mercedes She’d hoped her guy would at least be friendly The blond guy looked well-built, handsome,andnotatallappealingtoher.Notthatanymanhadbeenappealingsince…
Notgoingthere
Rightbehind the two ofthemwas a manwithbrownhair, a trimmed darkbeard, and a grinonhis face. Either he had a hilariousjokethathewasburstingtoshare,orhewasthetypewhomadeeverybodyhisfriend
The onlyproblemwiththis guy… he was a veritable giant. He had a footonMercedes and four or five inches onthe Viking.She’dbeenworriedshewouldlooklikeaGoliathatfive-tenandahundredandfiftypounds.This guytrulywas the Goliath atleastsix-eight,probablyclosetothreehundredpounds,andnotanounceoffatonhim
Hergutchurnedandsheprayedwitheverythinginsideofherthatthedark-hairedguywasnothermatcheither.Hissmile wasattractive,veryattractiveactually,andhisblueeyeshadasparkleinthemthatshefoundwelcoming,buthistall,massive, powerfulframeintimidatedthesnotoutofher.
Shesearchedfor other options,butthelastpersonheadingher directionwas thecameramantrailingthemall.Oh,shoot. HerpartnerfortheweekwaseithertheVikingorthegiant?Wouldselfdefensemovesevenworkonamanashugeasthedarkhaired,blueeyed,smilingbehemoth?Shewouldhavetosleepatsomepointintheweekandprobablyletherguarddownat othertimesaswell
Deep breaths,shecautionedherself. Lots of prayer,washernextadmonition.Godhadprotectedherfromthreeseparate attacks Hewouldstrengthenheralways Hewasherrockandhersalvation,herhopethatallwouldturnoutaccordingtoHis will.
The breathinghelped.Prayer helped.Commonsense alsoclaimedthatthere wouldbe cameras recordingeverythingand
nobodywouldbestupidenoughtohurtheronatelevisionshow.Ifsomeonetried,theywouldbeconvictedforsure,butalso vilifiedallovertheworld.Hopefullynobodywasthatstupid.
She’d beenallowed one personal item Police strengthred pepper spraywas inthe pocketofher pinkjoggers Ten-foot range.Thirty-fiveseparatebursts.Itwasgoodstuffbutwhyhadn’tshebroughtherSmith&Wesson9mm?Thatbelovedgun, hours ofselfdefense trainingclasses and individual practice time, and lots ofprayer had saved her a year ago froma man almostas strong-lookingas the dark-haired tankstruttingtoward her. Despite the happygrinadorningthe man’s face, itwas obvioushewasbuffandinchargeoftheworld
Shestartedbreathingfartoofast.Whynopistolinherpocketagain?Ohyeah.Mercedes’assistant,Julie,hadspecifically instructednoweaponsforherpersonalitem.Thatwastheonlyreasonshehadn’tbroughtherpistol.Technically,pepperspray couldbeconsideredaweapon,butshewouldfighttokeepitifanyonechallengedher Rightnowshe’dhopeitlookedlikea tube of lotion if anyone saw the outline in her pocket. She unwrapped her hand from around the spray to avoid drawing attentiontohersafetynet
Mercedes reached her first. Obviously either of the men could’ve outdistanced her in a second, but they stayed back. “Whew!”Mercedesblewoutabreath “ThatwasafartherruninheelsthanI’drealized”
Oh,shoot.Rosestiffened.Shehadstoodandwatchedthemalljogtoher.Sheprobablylookedlikearude,selfishbrat,or maybelikethebackwoodscowgirlfromMontanashewas.Theinstructionshadsaidtowearcomfortableclothes.Shealmost woreherWranglersandherAriatworkboots,butoptedforawhitet-shirt,comfortablepinkjoggers,andbroken-inSaucony runningshoes.
“I’msorry,”sherushedout “I ”Shehadnoexcuse She’dletherselfgetcaughtstewingoverherfearsandanalyzingthe twomen.
“Noworriesatall,sweetlady.”MercedesclaspedbothofRose’shandsandair-kissedhercheeks.Luckilytheheelsmade her a little closer to Rose’s height. “Youare justa beauty, and so tall and fit. Youwill be perfectfor the show. Acowgirl, right?” Mercedes grinned as if being a tall, fit cowgirl was the most incredible descriptor in the world. Rose didn’t get embarrassedaboutherheightanylonger,butithadbeenasoresubjectinmiddleschoolforcertain
Was the famous billionaire heiress reallythis genuine and kind? The ladywas so fragile Rose feared she’d breakher if theyhugged Shehadalotofmakeupon,butRoseassumedthatwasforthecameras “Yes,Iamacowgirl.”
“Iwishwecouldhaveyouridingahorseontheshowandshowingoffforallofus.”Mercedeswrinkledhernose.“Sadly thischallengeisallgoingtobeinside.”
Inside?Rosedidnotfavorinside.EveninthedeadofabitterMontanawintershe’dbundleupforchoresandtakerideson MaryLouherfavoritechestnutgelding,nottomentionjoggingoutsidethroughsnow,rainorsun Shewentalittlecrazybeing coopedupinahousefortoolong.
“Butwe’ll waitonthose details until we getthere Firstlet’s dointroductions” She heldontoone ofRose’s hands and turnedtofacethemenandthecamera.“RoseLillywhite,founderandadvocateofSafeHavenRanch…”
Mercedes paused for effectand Rose hoped she didn’tflinchand kepta smile onher face. ‘Safe Haven’. Aname she’d createdbecauseshewantedeveryonetofeelwelcomethere Sadlyshedidn’tfeelsafeanywhere She’d beenassaulted twice oncampus atUniversityofProvidence. Whenshe’d finallyreturned home she’d craved the shelterherranchandfamilyoffered Thenshe’dpainstakinglycreatedasafehavenforanyonewhoneededit TheRanchwas miraculousformanyfamilies,andthechildrenwhowerefinallysafeandhadawarmplacetosleepandfoodtoeatmadeitall worthit
Sadlyafterherattackinanemptybunkhouseroomattheranchtwoyearsago,she’drealizedshewasn’tsafeanywhere.She fingeredthepeppersprayinherpocketandhopedthesmileonherfacedidn’tlooklikeplastic.
“Safe Haven Ranch welcomes anyone who needs a home, a fresh start, a break from life, or a sanctuary,” Mercedes continued,allchipper,warm,andbeautiful.Rosefocusedontheimpressiveladyandnothersuffocatingfears.“Everyoneon theranchisexpectedtoworkforroomandboard Oncethosehourshavebeenfulfilledtheyarepaidafairwagetohelpthem getbackontheirfeet.Employmentspecialists,onthejobtraining,andeducationopportunitieshelpthemprepareforsuccessful careers Mostoftheresidentsmoveoutandonwiththeirliveswithinsixmonthstoayear Theranchdoeshavestrictrulesof noalcohol,drugs,fightingor abuse ofanykind.Everyone canfeel safe,loved,welcome,needed,andvaluedatSafe Haven Ranch.”
Mercedesbeamedather Rose’sstomachturnedover Noabuseofanykind Sheyearnedforeveryonetofeelsafeonthe ranch.Everyoneseemedtobuther.Incollegewhenshe’dbeenassaultedshe’dkeptlyingtoherselfthatifshecouldonlyget hometotheranchshewouldbesafe
Shefeltasteadygazeonher andglancedatthehulkingdark-hairedman.Hestill hadahugesmileonhisfacebutashis blueeyesmethers,shesawsomethinginexplicable avulnerabilitythathehadburieddeep.Thismanhadbeenthroughagony andhadfeltbrokenandpowerless.Hehidbehindhissmileandprotectedhimselfwithit.Rosesuspectedtheonlyreasonshe could glimpse such a personal and unexpected depth to this military hero was because she felt the same inside. It was a
connection she’d never expected to feel with any man, let alone a guy that looked this tough and had to be a special ops superhuman.
“Rose? Beautiful Rose?” Mercedes edged closer and gently touched her arm, drawing her attention fromthe man and breakingtheconnection.“Areyouallright?”
“Oh,yes”Rose’scheeksandneckgotevenhotterthantheoutsidehumidaircouldmakeher Everyminuteofherlifethis nextweekwasgoingtobevideoed,andguaranteedthey’dusetheinitialmeetingofthecouplefortheshow.Howhumiliating. Shefannedherface “Sorry,I’moverheated,it’sbelowfreezingathome”Shesmiled “DidImisssomething?”
“Ifinishedyourintroduction,”Mercedessaid.“Andyoudidn’t…”
Shewasgoingtosayacknowledgeorthankmeorsomethinglikethat.
“Ah, yes,” Rose nodded, hopingshe hid her discomfort “Thankyou I’mthrilled to be here representingthe Ranchand can’ttellyouhowweappreciateyourgenerosityinofferingthemilliondollars.”
Herparentshadn’twantedhertocome,worriedthatshemightnothaverecoveredfromthebunkhouseincidenttwoyears ago.Theyhadnoideaabouttheviolenceattheuniversityandwouldreallybeflippingoutiftheydid.She’dstoodherground, remindingthemindiscussionafterdiscussionthatshewastheinventorandfaceoftheircharity Ithadtobeherwhocameand savedtheRanch.
She’dhadaweirdtinglingfeelingshekeptpushingaway…thisweekmightbetheimpetustogetpastherfearsofbeing alonewithanyunknownman Thefactthatthemanshe’dbepairedwithwasamilitaryspecialopsheroandagiantterrified her,andmadeherdoubtherhunch.
Evenwithherdiligenttrainingandpepperspray,how couldshefightoffamanwithhighlevelexpertiseinhand-to-hand combat?Ifshewould’vehadanyideathemilitaryguywasalsoahulkinggiantshewouldneverhavecome.
She’dhadnochoice.Itwascomeorloseeverythingandturndesperatefamilies,preciouslittlepeoplelikeFrankiewith hischubbycheeksandbrightblueeyesandAriwithhersweetsmileandpuppy-dogbrowngazeoutintothecold,hardworld. Herpalmsweresweatyandsheprayedinhermindforhelpandstrength.Shecouldn’tletthemdown.
“Thankyouforbeinghere Iprayyou’llearnthatmoneywithyourbrave,toughmilitaryprotector”Mercedesclaspedher hands inprayer mode and focused onthe dark-haired giant. “And now, allow me to introduce retired ArmyRanger, fifteen years of exemplary service in the military His uniformis so decorated with badges I don’t know he keeps those massive shoulders backwhenhe wears it. Awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service, he is aniconand superman. Of courseinhissparetimehevolunteersataninner-citygymtohelpwoundedvetsandat-riskyouth…”Shegrinned.“Sowithno further ado, I present to you… Major … Bennett … Mason!” Mercedes said everythingwitha flourishlike she was ona commercialsellingmilitaryheroes.
Major BennettMasonkepthis smileinplacebutitlookedalittleless radiant Didhenotenjoybeingbraggedabout,or maybehedidn’twanthisaccoladesrecordedfortheworldtoseewheneverthisshowaired?
HewasamajorintheArmyRangers,fifteenyearsofservice,andhadreceivedtheBronzeStar?Wow Itwasn’tonlyhis size that was intimidating. She’d graduated fromthe Universityof Great Falls, now re-named Universityof Providence, in businessandfamilystudiesasquickasshecouldandracedbacktoherfamilyranch.Shehadn’ttraveledtheworldorfoughtto freetheoppressedlikethishero
HersisterLilywasinlovewithMilesColeville,awealthyrancherfromtheirhometownwhowascurrentlyintheNavy SEALs Tohear Lilytell itMiles was thebravest,mostaccomplishedspecial ops herointheworld,andshewasn’twrong Mileswastoughandimpressive,theherooftheircommunity,butevenhehadneverbeenawardedanyBronzeStar.Hewasa sergeantnowandLilyactedlikethatwasalotofworkandanhonor Wasn’tamajorseveralrankingsaboveasergeant?
This guywas tougher and more accomplished thanMiles Coleville. Goodness. Impressive. Rose onlyhoped he was as honorable as the Coleville family men cowboys and gentlemen. They’d named their small town after Miles’great-greatgrandpa Roseadmiredandappreciatedtruegentlemen Shewasn’tamanhater Shewassmart,cautious,closedoff
Shefingeredherpepperspray,buthopedshewouldn’thavetouseit.She’dbealonewiththisguytodaythroughSaturday. Alone Sixdayswithahulkinggiant Hewasasmilingandgood-lookinggiantbutstill Shewantedtobecomfortableand notsleepingwithoneeyeopenandfightingoffwanderinghands.
“Thankyou,MissBelle”Themajorhadadeep,appealingvoice,ofcoursehedid,hewaslikeawalkingbillboardforthe ideal male specimen. If youwere lookingfor the tall, buff, smiling, dark, handsome, militaryhero sort of guy. She wasn’t lookingforanysortofguysoitdidn’tmatter.
He had to be at least thirty-three, ifhe’d joined the militaryat eighteen She was onlytwenty-six His age, experience, accolades,andeverythingabouthimimpressedher.Ifonlyshewasn’tslightlyterrifiedbyhis sizeandstrengthandtraining. Hisbrilliantsmilereassuredher alittlebit Theirconnectionearliershould’vereassuredher,butshewasalreadysecondguessinganyvulnerabilityinthisbehemoth.
Hesteppedforwarduntil heovershadowedMercedesandRose.Evenatfive-tenshetiltedherheadbacktolookathim. Shedidn’tknowthatshe’devermetamansolargebutcrazilyenough,intriguingtoher.Shecouldn’thavepriedhergazeaway fromhisblueeyesifthefamousbullriderDouglasDuncanwalkedpast.
“It’sanhonortomeetandservewithyou,MissLillywhite.”MajorMasonstuckhishandout. Sheputherhandinhis.Hishandpredictablyswallowedhers.Hishandwasroughandwarmandsomehow…comforting? Shefeltsurroundedbyhimandbyhislargehand Thismanwouldnotonlyservewithher,butserveandprotecther Couldshe trusthim?
Theirgazesmetandheld Abreathpassed,thentwo Sherealizedwithastartthatshecouldstareathimandclasphands withhimforalong,longtime.Shedidn’tknowthatshewouldcomplainabouthistouch,beafraidofhim,orsecondguesshis everywordandintention Coulditbepossiblethatthisgargantuanmilitarystudwasactuallyagentlegiant?
Was she insane? Gentle giants did notbecome elite special ops majors. Yes, he had honorablyprotected and served all over theworld,buthehadalsofoughtanddefeatedhundreds,thousands,ofpeoplewiththoselargehands ofhis Awalking lethalweapon.Sheshivered.
Still Therewassomethingunderstandingandheartfeltabouthisbluegaze Couldshetrusthim,orwashetryingtolureher inandknockdownherguard?He’dslowlypeelbackthatsmilingmask,andwhoknewwhatshe’dfacethen.
Somebodyclearedtheirthroatandmurmured,“Idon’tthinkshe’slefttheranchforsocialinteractionbefore”
Rosestiffenedandalmostpulledaway,embarrassed.MajorMasongentlytuckedherclosertohimwhilewhippingaround topinthespeakerwithalookthatcould’vefrozenavolcano.Hewasn’tsmilingrightnow.
“Shawn”Mercedes’voicealsoheldawarning
Rosepeekedoutfromunderthegiant’sprotectivestance.Shawn,theVikingguy,lookedunrepentant.Hesimplyshrugged andthensmiledatMercedes
Sherememberedreadinginthemanyemailsanddisclosuresshe’dsignedthatthehostwouldtrytoprovokereactions.Was thatwhatShawnwasdoing?Whateveritwas,itwashumiliating.
“Forgivehim,”MajorMasonsaidinhishuskydrawl,lookingdownatherfrommuchtooclose.“Hismamadidnotraise himright.”
Shawnharrumphedandglaredevenhotter,butthankfullyhesaidnothing EventheVikingcouldbeintimidatedbythegiant MercedeslaughedandRosefoundherselfsmiling.
“Agreed,”Rosesaid “Itisapleasuretomeetyouaswell,MajorMason” “Please.CallmeBennett.”
“Ifyou’llcallmeRose.” “Done.”Hisbroadsmilewasback.
Rosedidn’tknowthatshe’deverbeensointriguedbyaman.Shehadn’tletherselfdateorreallythinkaboutmensinceher firstattacksevenyearsago,itjustfeltsaferthatway Butthisman
Whatwasshethinking?Goodness!Sheobviouslywasn’tthinking.Shehadto not letdownherguard,andcurrentlyshewas standingmuchtooclosetothisnice-looking,nice-smelling,nice-grinningtankofaman,andstillgraspinghishand Shereleasedhishandandthankfullyhelether go.She’dnever beabletopull freeifhedidn’tallow it.Thatrealization made her throatfeel thickand scratchy. She almostreached for her pepper spray, thenstopped herself. She didn’twantthe show’sproducerstostealitfromher,butshewouldletBennettknow shehaditbeforetheylaiddowntosleeptonightsohe didn’tgetanyideas.
Steppingback,sheswallowedandasked,“Whereareyoufrom,Bennett?”
“OriginallyaranchoutsideofHuntsville,Tennessee,butIcurrentlyliveinChicago.”HisSoutherndrawlwasunderstated butstillthere
“WhywouldyouleaveTennesseeforChicago?”sheburstoutwith.Whywouldanyoneleavearanchofanykindtolivein acitythatwassupposedlythemostdangerousinAmerica?HerranchcurrentlyhostedafamilyoffivefromChicago.Tohear themtell it, the citywas far fromsafe drugs offered to their children, murders a dailyoccurrence, gangs roamingfree and intimidatingor attackinganywhodidn’tsupportthem,andmore.TheypraisedJesus everydayfor the miracles thathadled themto Safe Haven Because ofthemand so manyothers, Rose had to winthis money Those childrenneeded her and the Ranch. Frankie. Ari. Shewasgoingtohavetheirnamesbeamantrawhenshewantedtoquit.
Bennettsmiled “Afriendownsagymforvetsthere Weconnectwithat-riskyouth It’sagoodfocusfornow”Hissmile lookedalittlestrained,butwhatdidsheknow.Sheneededtostopthinkingtheyhadsomeconnection.She’dprobablyinvented thevulnerabilityandpainshe’dglimpsedinhiseyesearlier.Hersubconsciousbeggingforreassuranceandconnection. Whatdidshereallyknow abouthim?Sofar themajor seemednice,smiley,andhe’dprotectedher fromShawn’ssnarky comment. After she showed himher pepper spray and made it clear he shouldn’t expect any superfluous physical contact, maybebeingstuckalonewithhimthisweekwouldn’tbeasterrifying Andmaybehorseswouldfly “Well, you beautiful people,” Mercedes interrupted before Rose could ask more about Bennett. “Let’s load up in the helicopterandtakeyoutothespotforyourchallengethisweek.”
ImmediatelyRose’s stomachflip flopped withnerves. The challenge. Itwas whyshe was here. Her nerves swungfrom stress-sweatingaboutthemanshe’dbedoingthisrealityshowchallengewithtothechallengeitself.
There was somethingaboutBennettthathad calmed her his touchor his smile or a combinationofboth. She liked his Southernaccentandheseemedsteady,considerate,agentlemancowboylikeherdadandsomanyothermenshe’dgrownup with She was still overwhelmed byhis massive size, and ifhe was a former Major for the ArmyRangers she could bethe couldkillanarmedmanwithhisbarehands.Whatifhehurtherbeforehelpcouldcome?
Shestartedtoinchawaybutsuddenlyalargehandwrappedaroundher waist;hisburlyarmgentlycradledher againsta muscular abdomenand chest. She flinched and almost elbowed him, screamed, and ranfor her life. For some inexplicable reason,herbodydidn’treactviolently
Any other time an unrelated male had initiated physical contact in the past seven years, Rose had jumped, cried out, punched,scratched,andfoughtherwayfree,evenusingpeppersprayintwoseparateinstances.Themenhadbeenluckyshe hadn’tbeenarmedwithanythingstrongerthanpepperspray She’dsometimesfeltbadlyforheroverreactionafterward,butit wasasarulehernaturalreaction.
Stiffening,shewassurprisedshewasn’tdukingitoutwithBennett,andatthesametimeshetriedtothinkhowtodisengage fromhis armwithoutlookinglike aninexperiencedandfrightenedchild.Was the show expectingthemtohave some kindof romanticinterlude?Theywouldbeverydisappointed Besides,nowhereinthepaperworkhadsheagreedtoanykindoffling withherprotector.
AshermindscrambledfortherightresponsetoBennett’sarmaroundher,herbodyreactedinadifferentwaythanshe’d everexperienced SomehowshefoundherselfleaningintoBennett’smassivestrength Beingclosetohim settledher That madenosense,butitwasthecorrectdescriptor.Histouchfeltwarm,thrilling.Sheshouldbetoowarminthishotsunattached tothisburlyman,buttheheatfromBennettwascomfortable,notscaryortoohot
“Idon’twantyoutobenervousforthechallenges,”hebentclosertoherearandwhisperedforjusthertohear,actinglike hisarmaroundherwasjustsupportforhernerves,notacome-on.“Idon’tsupportalotofbraggin’,butIamcertainIcanbest anything man,animal,orotherunknowndangers andhelpyouwinyourmoneyforyourcharity.”
“Thankyou,”shemanagedinabreathlessvoiceshe’dneverheardfromherownthroat.Shesmiledupathimbuthersmile wasshyandpossiblyflirtatious Thatwasn’tlikeheratall
“Ofcourse,ma’am.”Heescortedherasiftheywalkedlikethiseverydayoftheweek.
Shelikedit Despiteherfearsandherpastshe liked beingattachedtohim Thatwascrazy Shecouldn’tlikehistouch She mustn’tlikehistouch.
TheyfollowedMercedes,whowasclingingtoShawn,withthecameramanhustlingbackwardtokeepthemallinview.A whitehelicopterwiththepilotstandingoutsidewaitedforthem,maybefiftyfeetfromtheplaneRosehadflowninon.
Mercedes glanced backat them, and grinned like she’d just wonanEmmyto see that theywere still cuddled up. Rose neededtomoveaway,getsomedistance,someperspective Shecouldn’tletamanjustleadheraround,cuddleher No Deftly stepping away and creating some space between them, she studied the airport around them. “Did you fly with MercedesandShawn?”sheaskedtocoveranyawkwardnessofrefusingtostrollalongwithhimliketheyweresomecouple Theyweren’tandtheyneverwouldbe.
“No,ma’am,”heansweredherquestion,hisvoicestilleasygoing.Sheglancedsharplyupathim.Washenotupsetather formovingaway?Hisnicesmilewasstillinplace Nice?Thatsmilewasdownrightmesmerizing
“TheywerewaitingintheairportformewhenIcameinabouttwentyminutesagoonadifferentprivatejet,”hesaid.“I’m certaintheysetitallupforultimateimpactofourfirstmeeting”
“Makessense.”Shenoddedandglancedaway.
TheyreachedthehelicopterandwatchedasShawnliftedMercedesintheneasilyhoppeduphimself Rosemovedtoclimb inbutBennettwrappedhishandsaroundherwaistandshewaspluckedoffthegroundlikesheweighednothingandsetgently insidethehelicopter.Shewasn’tasmallwomanandhadneverfeltlightasafeatherlikethat.She’dbeenairborneforafew moments,soaringyetgroundedandsafebecauseofhislargehandsandhisstrength
Shewasgoingcrazy.
Bennett released her to step inhimself Despite how huge he was and havingto bend over double inthe helicopter, he escortedhertoaseatlikeshewasaprincessorsomething,andonlythendidhesitinhisownseat.
Assoonashishandsweren’ttouchingherandhishuge,warmframewasn’tsurroundingher,Rosefeltirritatedwithherself for lettingdownher guard far too easily. She didn’t know this man. She wasn’t a manhater but after several verynarrow escapesfrombeingviolated,shewasnotabouttojusttrustsomeguybecausehehadagreatsmile,twinklingblueeyes,andhis touchfeltuniqueandcomfortingtoher
Theyliftedoffandherstomachpitched.Itwasloudandunnervinginthissmallaircraft.
Prayingtocalmallofhermanynerves,shefocusedontheview Theyflewoverbusyroads,stores,andbusinesses,though theyquicklyleftthecommercialsectorbehind.Stretchingoutbeyondtheroadbelowthemwaslushgreenfoliageinlandasfar asshecouldseetoherright.Ontheoppositesideofthehighwaytotheleft,hotelsandresortslinedthegreenspacecloserto thesandybeach.Theoceanbeyondwasbeautifulandblue.
Herownbelovedmountainswerethickwithpine,quakingaspen,andpoplartrees,buttheyweren’tbrightgreen,seemingly
impenetrableexceptwheremanhadchoppeddownthegrowthandfilleditwithpalmtrees,ferns,floweringtreesandbushes, andmanyplantsshe’dneverlearnedthenamesof.
Herjaw droppedastheymovedclosertothebeachandsoaredovermassiveresortaftermassiveresort sprawlingand fancy-lookingbuildingsstretchedoutfromthecentral buildings.Swimmingpoolsgleamedinthebrightsun,manicuredgrass andgardenscomplementedthepoolareas,andthesandybeachwaspristineandbeautiful,touchingtheteal-blueocean Itwas adifferentworldthanshe’deverseenandtheviewfromthehelicopterwasoutstanding.
Theflightwasrelativelyshort Maybethirtyminuteslater theyapproachedasprawlingresortnestledinthicktrees This resortlookedraw,unfinished,deserted.Poolswereemptyofwater,thecementofthepoolsandsidewalkscracking,andthe beachwasstrewnwithseaweedandrocks.Noobvioushumanlandscapinghadtakenplaceforsometime,andthenaturalplant lifehadcreptinandwasoverrunningthearea Largevillas,andthatchedbuildingssheassumedhadbeenopenairrestaurants, werespreadthroughoutthetrees,connectedbysidewalks.Alotofthethatchwasdamagedormissingandvinescreptupthe wallsofeachbuilding
Theyswoopeddowntowardsthetopofthemainbuilding.Ithadtobesevenstoriestallandwiderthananystructureshe’d everseeninherlife,biggerthantheuniversity’sfootballstadiumandthenewthirty-thousandsquarefootUniversityCenterput together.
Whobuiltthiskindofsprawlingcomplex,andthenletitgotoseed?Peopleinherareatookcareofwhattheyhad.Itwas tooexpensive tobuildnew andthe winter weather was soharsha personwoulddie iftheydidn’thave shelter Itwouldbe impossibletoaffordthepropanebillforlivingstructures,orkeepthebarnfromfreezing,ifalazyhomeownerorrancherleta crackforminthewalloraholespreadonaroof
The helicopter landed and Mercedes held up a hand. They all waited. As soon as the rotors stopped revolving, the cameramanopened the door, jumped down, and grabbed his camera. He stepped backa few feet, pressed some buttons and thennodded.
MercedesandShawnexitedfirst.Bennetthoppeddownthenwrappedhishandsaroundherwaistbeforeshecouldprotest orjumpdownherself Heliftedherdown,andwiththathugegrinshehadn’tseenleavehisgood-lookingfaceexceptwhenhe was defendingher to Shawn, he deposited her onher feet. His hands lingered onher waist and his frame blocked out the tropicalsun Foramomentshewassafe,protected,anddidn’thaveaconcernintheworld “Thankyou.”Roseatleastrememberedhermanners.
“Anythingyouneed,ma’am,”hesaidsoftly,hisblueeyescapturinghersashenoddedlikeanygoodcowboywould. Bennettreleasedherwaistbutturnedsotheywerestandingclosetogether,theirarmsbrushing.
Roseneededsomedistance,somespacetothinkandbreathe.Shesteppeddeliberatelytotheside,givingherselfareprieve fromhismassiveandoverwhelmingpresence
Helookeddownather andhis blueeyes appeared…woundedatthesecondtimeshe’ddistancedherselffromhimthis afternoon HequicklycoveredanyconcernwithasmileandturnedtofaceMercedes
Rosedidn’tlikethethoughtofinjuringhim,butshewonderedifshe’dimaginedthewoundedlook,andthevulnerability she’dglimpsedinhimwhentheyfirstmet.Nowaydidthistough,hugemanknow how itfelttobeterrifiedandinsomeone else’spower
Allsheknewwasshecouldn’tletdownherguardandlethimthinkshewasscaredorinhispowerthisweek.Shefingered herpepperspray,thoughtthroughthebestselfdefensetacticswithamuchlargerandstrongeropponent,andprayedhardfor heavenlyprotection.
Sheprayedtheangelsabovehadsometimeontheirhands Shewasgoingtoneedalotofextrahelp Ifonlysheknewifthe helpwastoconquer Mercedes’challengesor tokeepher safefromthehulkingmammothandaccomplishedmilitaryweapon standingbyherside.MajorBennettMason.
Tomostotherwomenintheworldshewascertainhe’dbeappealing She’dfightanyattractionshefeltforhim,especially inthevulnerablecircumstancesshewasplacingherselfin. Please help,shebeggedheavenabove.
Shewashereforafabulouscause,herranchthathelpedsomanyinneed Hopefullythatwouldensureprotectionforheras well. Yet she knew … she’d heard too many stories from the people on the Ranch and had her own to add to the mix: sometimespeoplegothurtandnotevenheavenaboveprotectedthem
TrialsandpaincouldmakeherstrongerandbringherclosertoherSavior.She’dfelttheSavior’shealingpowerinherlife andseenitinothers.
I will not leave you comfortless
Though the words and impression did comfort her, she swallowed and selfishly prayed that being injured and needing physical,emotionalandspiritualhealingwouldn’tbeherplightagain
MAJOR BENNETT MASON
had conflicting emotions about the beautiful brunette who’d just edged away fromhim Shewasagorgeouscowgirlwithherbigbrowneyesframedwithdarklashes,smoothtannedskinthatshowedshe spentalotoftimeoutdoors,strongframethatjustshoutedhoursspentinthesaddleandworkinghard,andlongdarkhair.He could imagine her wearinga sparklybuttondownshirt, Wranglers, teal-colored boots, and a white hat, tearingitup onthe rodeocircuit.
Instantlyhe’dbelievedtheyhadaconnectionwithranchingandwhentheirgazeshadfirstmethe’dsensedapaininherthat madehimwanttoprotectandstrengthenher Hefearedhe’dletdownhiswallsforjustamomentandshe’dseenhowbroken hewasinside.
He smiledbigger thanever His defense mechanismthathadprotectedhimhis entire life Everybodywas intimidatedor impressedwithhissizeandstrength.He’dlearnedyoungtosmileandkeeponsmiling.Itusuallydisarmedpeopleandsettled theirfearsabouthissize.
His smile also protected himemotionally. Nobody dove too deep into your damaged psyche when you could smile as convincinglyas hecould.EventheArmytherapists hadbeenfooledandhadn’tgivenhimanhonorabledischargewhenthey shouldhave He’dvoluntarilyretiredayearandahalfafterhe’descapedfrommonthsofcaptureanddeprivation,butithad beenonhisterms.Withhisfiancée,Haley,marriedtosomeoneelse,hehadn’twantedtogohome.Whenhisdadhaddied,he’d knownhehadnochoice
“We’rehere!”Mercedesexclaimedhappily.“ThelocationofepisodetwoofAChancefor Charity.Myteamhasdubbed this week,TheGreatEscape.”Her smilegrew.“Andthis failedresortis theperfectsetting.Ipurchaseditthreemonths ago and mypeople have beenverybusyconvertingthe mainbuildinginto a challenge unlike anythingrealitytelevisionhas seen before.Mazes,pitfalls,ice,heat,viciousanimals,whoknowswhatthey’veschemedup,butyoubeautifulpeoplewillhaveto conqueritalluntilyouescapethemainentranceandwinthemilliondollarsforSafeHavenRanch”
“Hooah,”Bennettbarkedout.“Rangersleadtheway.”
MercedesgrinnedandevenShawnsmiled BennettglancedatRose
“I’llletyoulead,”shesaid,maybeaglintinherdarkeyes.“You’llfallintopitsandwrestlelionstohelpmewin?” “Itoldyouearlier,anythingyouneed.”Hissmilewasfirmlyinplace.“Besides,nopitisbigenoughtoholdmeandIcould wrestleabearandwin”Heflexedslightly “Whatchallengeisalion?”Hewinkedather
Herjawhadgoneslackwhenheflexed.Theproblemwas,hewasn’tcertainifitwasattractiontohiswell-tonedmuscles or fear ofhow largeandintimidatinghewastosomepeople Hissmilemightnotreassureher,buthecould’veswornshe’d relaxed when he held her close. She had deliberately edged away both times, so touch might not be the ticket either. Disappointing,ashe’dreallylikedtouchingher He’dfeltasenseofpeacewithherinhisarmshehadn’tbeenabletoobtain, except during heartfelt prayers, since Syria. Two years of vicious tumult churning inside his brain, and holding her had alleviateditforafewmoments.
Yetwhatfuture did he and a tall, gorgeous cowgirl fromMontana have? After this week, he could afford to go home to Tennesseeandfinallybuyaranchandbuildahouseforhismama.Shedidn’tneedmuch,butshedidneedaspotbesidesher sister’ssparebedroom,andsheneededherpriderestoredandherboyback He’dmisshelpingoutatCash’sinner-citygym, butfamilycamefirstandhehopedhecouldbringTylerandJackwithhim.Tylerwasalmosteighteen,sohecouldmakethat choice.Atthirteen,Jackwas atthe mercyofthe foster care programandgovernmentredtape.Iftheycouldshow thatTyler wasinapositivehomeenvironmentanddrugfree,therewashopehecouldbeawardedashisbrother’sguardian,butitwould taketimetheydidn’thave.TimeJackmightjoinupwithagang,fallvictimtodrugsorotheraddictions,bethevictimofinnercityviolence,orahundredotherpitfallsmuchworsethanwhateverMercedes’peoplehadschemedupforthischallenge
“Hoorah!”Mercedescalledout,tryingandfailingtoimitatetheRanger’syell.
Itdidn’tbotherBennett Hehadtoomanythingsthatbotheredhim,toomanydarkspotsinhismindtoletsomebodyoffend himsayingthebattlecrywrong.Mostthingsinlifewashedoffhisverybroadback.Exceptthepainofhisimprisonmentand torture,worryoverMama,notwantingtorunintoHaleyandherhusband,andconcernforTyandJack.
“All right.” Mercedes rocked on her heels and looked to Shawn. Was the guy her bodyguard or boyfriend? He hoped bodyguard.ItwascrazythatawomanofMercedes’wealthwouldn’thavemultipleguards,butShawnwasatleastconcealing weaponsinhishigh-dollarsuit
“WhatamIforgetting?”Mercedesasked.
“Cameras,supplies,weapons,phone,”hegentlyremindedher
Bennetthadn’tbeenawareShawncouldbegentle.Hewasoneofthoseguyswhoinstantlysetyourteethonedgeandyou waitedforthemomenthe’dcrossalineandyouhadtoknockhimonhisbutttoprovehewasn’tthebigmanandcouldn’tbully andbelittleeveryonearoundhim.
Bennettwasalwaysthebiggestmanaround,andusuallythemosthighlytrained.Heconscientiouslyworkedtoneverabuse hisstrengthorsize WithsomeonelikeShawnaround,hewasgratefulforboth
“Yes,that’sright.Thereisaphoneinoneofthebackpacksthatyoucanusetocallifthere’salife-threateningemergencyor whenyouexitthemainentranceandwinthechallenge”
She’dsaidmainentrancetwice.
“We have to exit the main entrance for Rose to win the money?” he clarified, doubting that there would be any lifethreateningemergency,butitwouldn’tbeawalkintheparkeither.Mercedeshadtohypetheshowandmakeitlookdangerous. “Yes,sir.”
Bennett cataloged the info as he reconciled it with the mental map he’d assembled on their approach of this massive structure,thennoddedtoher.He’dhavetomakecertaintheydidn’texitadifferentdoorandlosebyatechnicality.Hecould imaginetheshow’sproducershadthoughtofthatandwouldtrytotemptorpushthemthroughthewrongexit
“Cameras are placed throughoutthe building, exceptfor inthe bedrooms or bathrooms. Youcanhave your privacyand relax,notworryaboutanythingforamoment.”
Rose had visibly flinched when she said bedrooms. Was she nervous about sleeping close to some stranger? How to alleviateherconcerns?
“Supplieswillbewaitingforyouinsidethefirstdoor”Mercedespointedtoaplainmetaldoorfiftyfeetawayontheroof “Backpackswithwater,snacks,afirstaidkit,achangeofclothesandshoes,aflashlight,weaponsandutilitytools.Alongthe way there are places to refill supplies and water our designated safe sleeping, showering, and eating spots food and toiletriesandcomfortablebedsareprovided.”Herteal-blueeyestwinkledlikeshe’dgiventhemagift.“Safespotsaremarked withaglowingpinkMercedessymbol.Youknow…thethreepointstar.”
Bennettwasn’tcertainhowtotaketheirhost.Sheseemedtobethepictureofbenevolent,model-perfect,happyheiress.If thatwastrue,andshewasn’taphonyplayingforthecameras…someoneneededtoexplainShawn.Whykeepajerklikethat aroundwhenshecouldhaveherpickofgoodguys?
“Sowecanrelaxforabitwhileweeat,sleep,orpee?”Roseasked.
“Forcertain,”Mercedeslaughed “Nobodyneedsasnakecrawlingoverthemwhiletheyeat,sleep,orpee Questions?” “Snakes?”Rosegaspedout.
Bennett almost reached for her hand to reassure her. He’d have weapons. Add weapons to his strength, size, and experience,andhecouldprotectherfromanentireplatoon Thenherememberedthatshe’dsteppedawayfromhistouchagain afewminutesago.Sohedidn’treachforherhand.Hedidturntoher.
“Noworries I’lltakecareofthesnakes”
“Ihatesnakes.I’vehadtoshootsomanyrattlersattheranch.”Sheblewoutabreath.
Hiseyebrowswentup Shewasatruecowgirl Helikedit “Okay,”hesaid.“I’lltakecareofthecottonmouths,you’vegottherattlers.”
“Youcanhavethemall.”Shesmiledathim.Itwasagenuineandbreathtakingsmile.He’dkilleverysnakeinthevicinity forasmilelikethat
“Hooah,”hemurmured.He’dneversaidtheArmycheerthatsoftly,buthemeantitdeeply.He’dprotecther.He’dfightfor her This We’ll Defend
Shesquaredhershouldersandnoddedtohim.“Timetocowgirlup.”
Hechuckledatthat Mercedes’teamhadresearchedhim,they’dobviouslyknownhewasfromahorseranchintheSouth andwouldbedrawntoacowgirl.
“Let’sdoit,”hesaid.Hedidreachforherhandthen.Sheflinchedslightlyathistouchbutthensherelaxed.Wassheafraid ofhissizeorwastheresomethingelsethatmadeherleery?
She glanced up at him, as if tryingto puzzle himout. He smiled and that mayhave confused her evenmore. Everyone seemedtobesurprisedbythehumanmountainanddecoratedspecialopsmajor,whoalwayshadagrinonhisface Eventhe Syrianwarlord who’d tortured himcouldn’tstop Bennettfromsmiling. Until he started killinghis men… He shoved those memoriesawayandsomehowheldhissmile.
HedirectedRosetowardthedoor.
“Goodluck!We’llseeyouSaturdaynightifnotbefore.Hugsandkissesandprayers!”Mercedescalledtotheirbacks.
TheybothlookedbackandRosewavedwithherfreehand.Bennetttiltedhischinup.HecaughtShawn’spenetratinggaze and hoped he’d have a chance somedayto fightthatguy. Itwouldn’tbe anevenmatch, butveryfew were thatBennettwas involvedin Unlesseveryoneofhislimbswerechainedtightlytotheground
Againhehadtoyankhimselfawayfromthepainfulremembrance.Rose’shandinhishelped.
Heturnedforward,walkedwithRosetothedoor,pulleditopenandheldit Airconditionedairpouredout Itsmelled awful.Likerawmeat.
“Goodbye,freshair,”Rosesaidmournfully
Helaughed,thoughheagreed.“Acountrygirlshouldn’tbetrappedinsideabuilding?”
“Exactly.Blueskies,thescentofsageandpine,prairiesandmountainstoroamonMaryLou’sback.”
“I’mhopingMaryLouisyourhorseandnotyoursister”
Shelaughedoutloudatthat.Hehadn’theardherlaughyet.Itwasthesoundofheaven,themostsoothingbalm.Thatlaugh mighthealevenaninjuredwarriorlikehim
“Youneverknow.”Shewinkedandthetropicalsunsomehowbrightened.“Let’sdothis.”
Shestartedtostepintothedimlylitstairwell
“Pleaseletme,”hesaid,steppinginfrontofherwhilestillholdingthedoorajar.
“Idon’tthinksomething’sgoingtoattackusonourfirststepin.”
“Youneverknow”Hedidn’twanttoriskglancingbackather Hecouldn’tseeanyimmediatedanger Itwasfancy,fora stairwell.Thefloorandstairsweremadeofshinybluetiles,thewallsacleanwhite,theoverheadlightingbright.Thelanding was aboutsixbysix Empty The stairs descended twentyfeetand thenthere was a solid wall and doors to the leftand the right.Mostofthebuildingextendedtotherightsoheassumedthatwouldbetherightchoicebuthe’dhavetocheckoutboth directions.
Thereweretwobackpackssittingontheoppositesideofthelanding.
Bennetteasedinfrontofher,guidedherinnexttohim,andreleasedthedoor.Itslowlyswungshut,onsomekindofspecial hinge Hesmiledandtookanotherstep,reachingforthelargerbackpack
Thedoorclosed,heheardaclick,andtheywereplungedintodarkness.
“Bennett?”Rosesqueaked,clutchinghisforearm Therewereeerieredlightsinthecorners Cameras?Theydidn’tprovide anyillumination.
“It’sokay.Mercedessaidtherewasaflashlight.Itwillbeinoneofthebackpacks.”Hecussedhimselffornotfindingthe flashlight before lettingthat door shut, but who knew the closingdoor would turnofftheir overhead lights? Apparentlythe challengehadalreadybegun.
Heheardtheclangofadooropeningbelow andhisneckprickled Thesoftpaddingofsteps,orwasthatpaws,cameon thetilesatthebottomofthestairwell.
He grabbed at the backpack, yanked it open, and started shufflingblindlythroughit for a gunor knife, but he wouldn’t rejectaflashlighteither.Thesmellofmeatgrewstrongerwhenheliftedthepack.
“Bennett?”Rose’svoicewasaterrifiedwhisper.
“Staybehindme,”hecommanded “Seeifyoucanfindaflashlightoraweaponintheotherbackpack”
“Okay,”shesqueakedout.
Thepaddingofsomethingonthestairsgrewcloserandthepantingofananimal Aslightclackingonthetilesaccompanied everymove.Whatevertheanimalwas,ithadclaws.Asitreachedthestepsdirectlybelowthem,Bennettcouldhearorsensea weighttoitssteps
Bennett’shandspushedpastclothes,granolabars,waterbottles,they’dpromisedhimweapons.
Agrowlrippedthroughthedarknessandhisskinprickled.Tooclose.Maybefivefeetawaynow.
“Bennett!”Rosecried
Bennetthadtomakeadecision.Ifhewaitedontheanimal,heorRosecouldbedeadbeforetheyhadachance.Heneeded tostrikefirst
All theU.S.Special Forcesdivisionswerehighlytrainedandsomewhatspecialized.TheGreenBeretsweretheonesto call on for things like unconventional warfare or surviving in various terrains For underwater basket weaving and other submergednonsense,theFrogmenwereyourmen.ArmyRangershitenemiesheadon.Theywereallclosecombatspecialists, andlikedtodobusinessheadon,facefirst,overland,inthewater,orthroughtheair,nohesitation.
“Trytofindtheweapons,”heinstructed,movingherupagainstthewallandputtingbothbackpacksinherhands Ifonlythey’dlethimbringhisGlockandhisTrenchKnife.
Notimetomoanaboutitnow HeeasedawayfromRoseandtowardtheedgeofthesteps,waitingfor whatheassumed wasalargespeciesofcattoreachthestairbelowhim jaguar,tiger,lion itdidn’tmatter.Hewasinforawrestlingmatch andhisopponenthadsharpclawsandteethandwasalmostwithinreach.ProtectingRosewashisfirstpriority,butthefight wouldbefunandunique.
Bennettsmiled,andthenheleapt.
ROSE COULD NOT HOLD
in a scream of horror as she heard Bennett leap away from her and ram into whatever formofmonster had prowled up those stairs The animal howled and Bennettletouta “Hooah!” as theytumbled downthestepsawayfromher.
Whatever she’dbeenexpectingtohappenthis week,itwas wasn’toverwhelmingdarkness,terror sostrongshecouldn’t catchafullbreath,andperiltotheirlivesinthefirstsixtysecondsofthechallenge.
“No,no,no.”Shefumbledthroughthebackpackanddidn’tfeelanythingthatresembledaweaponoraflashlight.Thumps andhowlsandgruntssoundedbelow “PleaseLordhelphim!”
How couldshe possiblyhelpBennett,inthe dark.Waita minute.There was nostipulationtheycouldn’tgobackoutthe door Shecouldatleastopenittogivethemsomelight,butifMercedesandShawnwerestillthere,shecouldbegShawnfor help.Helookedtough.Wouldhehaveweaponsonhim?HeseemedtobetheonlybodyguardMercedeshadaroundandthey were in a third world country and resort area where someone like Mercedes would need bodyguards. He’d have to have weapons.
Shehadn’theardhelicopterrotorsyet.ShawnandMercedeshadtostillbethere.
WouldaskingShawntohelpsaveBennettmakeherlosehermoney?TheRanch Thechildren FrankieandAri Theirsoft armsaroundherneckthankingherfortheirsoftblanketsshe’dmadethem,acookie,arideonMaryLou.
Sheshookherhead Therewasnooption IfitwouldsaveBennett’slifeshehadtomakethatsacrifice
Sheclungtothebackpackbutedgedbacktowhereshethoughttheexteriordoorwas.Thelandingwasn’tthatbig.Banging intothedoorwithhershoulderandhip,shefeltaroundandclaspedthehandle.Shepusheditdownandshoved.
Nothing She thrust and pushed and rammed her shoulder into it Nothing No! Was it barred fromthe outside? Did it automaticallylockwhenitclickedshut?
Thensheheardit Helicopterrotors
“No! Help!” She hollered against the door, banging her fists on the metal surface. The sound of her pounding and the helicopterreverberatedlouderthanthefightdownthestepsfromher
Whatkindofinsanetelevisionshowwasthis?Bennettwasprobablydeadordyingandthemonstrousanimalwho’dkilled himwouldcomeforhernext.
“No,no,no!”Shescreamed,poundingagainstthedoorashardasshecould Nothing.Theycouldn’thearheroverthehelicopter’snoise.
Noonewascoming Shebangedherheadagainstthedoor She couldn’t die not tryingto fight. She had her pepper spray, but didn’t know how that would affect the beast fighting Bennett,andifsheshotthatinclosequartersitcouldincapacitateBennettaswell Didshedareriskit?Sheneededalightand aknifeorgun.
Thehelicoptermust’veliftedoffastherotorssoundfadedaway.Shewantedtocry.Thecamerasseemedtoberecording buteithertheyweren’tliveornoonewasaroundtohelp
Thebattlewasstillragingbelow.Itsoundedlikethey’dthumpedintothewallatthebottomofthelongflightofsteps. Droppingtoherknees,shedumpedtheclosestbackpackinsideoutandfeltthroughtheitems Nothinghardenoughorthe right size to be a weapon. She fiddled withthe backpackand unzipped pockets. Ina side pocket her hands closed around somethingmetal.Aphone?
Sheheldontothesidebuttonanditpoweredon.Yay!Shecouldatleastcall for help.SurelyMercedeswouldn’tallow Bennetttodieforsomecrazyrealityshow.Noway.
Thephonepoweredonandthensheheard adoorslamclosed footsteps andnosoundofbattle and “Rose? Areyouallright?”
Bennett’svoice Hewasalive
Shescrambledtoherfeet,clingingtothephone.Itpoweredonandthelightofthescreengavealittlebitofillumination. Bennett’shugeframecameupthelastfewsteps.
“Bennett!You’realive!”Shedidn’tstoptothinkasshehurledherselfagainsthisbroadchest.
Bennettwastednotimewrappingheruptight.He’dsmelledcleanearliertoday,likelaundry.Nowhesmelledlikeblood and animal fur and she should be grossed out, butshe’d beenraised ona ranch, smells didn’tbother her too much All she caredaboutwasBennett’smassive,tougharmssurroundingherandthefactthathewasn’tshreddedtopiecesbythatanimal.
Sheclungtothephonewithonehand,butwrappedbothherarmsaroundthesinewymusclesofhisbackandheldon Tears raceddownhercheeksandasobrippedfromherthroat.
“You’realive,”shechokedoutagain Therewereripsinhisshirt,stickybloodoozingfromthem “Andyou’reinjured!” Shepulledback.
“It’s okay. I’mokay.” He tenderly pulled her in close again, as if he needed the reassurance of her in his arms. “No worries Justacatfight”Hesmiledathisownlamejokebutthenshe’dneverseenhimnotsmiling “Bennett!Howdidyousurvive?”
“Iwasabletochokehimout,openthedoorhecamethrough,andshovehimbackin Thankfullyitstayedshut I’mhoping hestayspassedoutforaminuteanddoesn’tcomethroughagain.Ithinkitwasajaguar.Iguesswewon’tknowunlessweget upcloseandpersonalagain”
“Ajaguar,”shewhisperedfaintly.Shedidn’twanttobeanywherecloseandpersonalwiththatthing.“Howbadlyareyou injured?”Shecouldfeelripsandsomeblood.Hehadtobeshredded,scratched,possiblybitten,andthumpingdownthestairs wouldn’thavetickled
“Notbad. Afew scrapes and scratches. Future bruises. Nota bad dayatthe office for me. IdoubtIevenearned a new scar”
“Futurebruises?Newscars?”Shecouldalmostfeelhissmile,andshecouldn’thelpthelaughthatburstoutofher.Hewas braverandtougherthananymanonearth.
Heheldherevenmoretenderlyandshecould’veswornheletoutasoftmoanandwhispered,“Iloveyourlaugh.”
Sheshouldregainhersensesandpullaway.Shehadn’tletamanholdherlikethisinyears,butBennett…he’dsurvived andprotectedher andwhoknew whatwascomingupthestairsafter themnext?Sheneededthisreprievefromthehorror of theirfuturechallenges.Hadtheyevenbeeninthebuildinghalfanhour?
Wait!Whatifthejaguarcameback?Herskinprickled
Heclearedhisthroatandshewonderedifshe’dimaginedhiswhisperedwordsfromearlier.“MaybeIshouldn’thavegone offensivesoquickly,butwithustrappedinhereand yourememberthemeatsmellwhenwecamein?” “Yeah.”
“I’mbettingtheyplantedsomemeatbehindourbackpacks.”
“They wouldn’t! I can’t believe this We’re going to die for money No I won’t let you die for my charity We’ll call Mercedesandtellherthisisdone.We’llsavetheRanchsomeotherway.”
Sheandherfamilyhadtriedeverything Thiswasthefinalhope PoorFrankieandAri “No!”shesaidoutloud.“YouarenotgoingtodieandI’mgoingtoexposethiscrazyshow.MaybeI’lltellMercedesifshe doesn’tmaketheothershowssafeI’llexposeherandI’llmakehergivetheRanchthemoneyformysilence.Whatdoyouwant fromourcrazyhost?Howdidshecomeacrosssoniceandthenaminutelatershe’stryingtokillus?”
Bennett chuckled softly and then he did something that shocked her clear to her core. He brushed his lips across her forehead Hislipsweresoftandtantalizingandshecouldnotbelievesuchatoughmancouldhavesuch appealinglips “Rose…yousignedthedisclosuresthatthiswasanextremerealityshowanddeathordismembermentcouldhappen.This is all part of the show I’ll keep yousafe They’re probablyjust tryingto scare us right off the bat and save themselves a milliondollarsifyouquit.”
“Thescareisworking,”shemuttered.
“Idon’tseeyouasthetypetoblackmailsomeone”
Shesighed.“You’reright.”
He chuckled “You’ll be safe” He cuddled her against his muscular chest, his thickarms surroundingher like the most secureandsomehowexhilaratingspotshe’deveroccupiedinherlife.She’dneverfeltmuscleslikehispressedagainstherand around her “Ipromise you, Rose Iwon’tletanythinghurtyou As soonas we find myweapons, nothingwill evenscratch me.”Helaughed.“Thoughitwasakicktowrestlewithajaguar.”
“A kick? Like you’re wrestling with your Army Ranger buddies?” She shook her head. Did this guy take anything seriously? The smile that had beenso appealingshould’ve warned her He was a crazyego-maniac witha deathwish He wrestledwithjaguars,friedthemupforanafternoonsnack,andgrinnedaboutit.
“Forsure Let’sfindthoseweaponsincasehecomesoutthatdooragain” Horror rushedthroughher.Shestiffenedandpulledaway,clingingtothephone.As soonasshewasn’ttouchinghimshe feltanintenseletdownandasensationofvertigo.Likeacliffdiverafterthedropisoverandthey’reflounderinginthewater anddon’tknowwhichwayisup.Bennett’sarmsthrilledandsteadiedher.
No. She was over-exaggeratingthe hugbecause ofthe drama and uncertaintyofthe moment. She couldn’t let downher
guardwithhimagain.ShouldshecallMercedesandcallthiswholenightmareoff?They’dbeenlockedupforprobablytwenty minutesandanybodybuttheultra-tough,skilledincombatBennettwould’vedied.
Whatwascomingnext?
Thejaguarbackoutthedoororsomethingworse?
Fearcoatedherthroatandherheartracedoutofcontrol
Howwouldeitherofthemsurviveaweek?
BENNETT WAS WORRIED ABOUT ROSE,
andhedidn’tlikeheroutofhisarms.Hedidn’tlikeher choosingtomoveoutofhisarms Thatwashardlythebiggestissueofthemoment Theyhadtogetweaponsandaflashlight andgetoutofthisstairwellbeforethejaguarcamebackortheshow’sproducersthrewsomethingelseatthem.
Hetooktheglowingphonefromherfingers,topreventherfromcallingtheshowoffandtoturntheflashlighton.Hehad somescratchesfromthebeasthe’dfoughtwithandhecouldonlyimaginethebruisesformingfromtheirtumbledownthesteps, butnothingwasbroken,thecutsweren’tfedbyanarteryandwouldeventuallystopbleeding,theanimalwasmaybelockedup, andthey’dsurvivedchallengenumberone
Hewonderedhowmanydozensofchallengeswereracingtheirway.Hopefullytheyweren’tallanimals.Ifhehadagunor knifehecouldprevaileasily,buthe’dinflictedenoughkillingandseenevenmoreinhisfifteenyearsinthemilitary Hedidn’t wanttokillananimalforthesakeofatelevisionshow,buthewouldprotectRose.
He was hoping his words to Rose proved true and Mercedes’ people were only trying to get them to quit and save Mercedes a milliondollars. That didn’t make sense though, theywouldn’t have a show if theyquit duringthe first hour. If they’dreallyspentthreemonthsconvertingthisresortintoatwistedfunhousetheywouldn’twanttowastethattimeormoney either Maybetheproducerswereonlytryingtostarttheshowwithabang
Clicking on the phone screen, he swiped from the top corner and pushed the flashlight button. It beamed down on a backpackofsuppliesdumpedonthelanding Hepanneditaroundandasked,“Nogunorknife?”
“No.”
“It’sokay.We’llfindthem.”Hehoped.Hekeptoneearcockedtoanymovementbelow.Allquietsofar.Wouldthatdoor hold ifthe animal regained consciousness? Was the animal evennow nursingits wounds and gettingreadyto come backat them?“CanyouholdthephonewhileIlookthroughthis?”
“Sure”
Shetookthephoneandhedidn’tcommentonthelightbouncingaroundthewalls.Hepickedupthebackpackshe’demptied andsearchedafew morepockets,findingaphonecharger,batteries,andfinallyasmall flashlight Theytradeditoutfor the cellphonetokeepthephone’sbattery.
Thelightwasbrighterandalittlesteadier.HopefullythatmeantRosewascalmingdown.He’dlovetoholdhertohelpher calmdown but she definitely had some walls up, and hurt that shone fromher eyes He’d have to proceed carefully Her throwingherself into his arms earlier had beena gift of happiness and light, the likes of whichhe’d never felt. He’d fight anotherlargecatwithviciousclawsandteethtoreceiveahuglikethat Rightnowheneededtomoveandgethersafelyaway fromthejaguar.
He set the smaller backpackdownand grabbed the other one His stomachturned over at the ripe smell of meat being disturbed. Sure enough, behind the backpack was a pile of red-streaked brown, bloody steak. Gross. He was surprised Mercedes’producerswouldgotosuchdangerouslengths,buttheycouldeditoutwhatevertheywantedandMercedesseemed eccentricenoughtonotcarewhatanybodythoughtofher
Hefocusedontheissueofthemoment.Hedidn’tdarerepackthebackpackshe’ddumpedontheconcreteyet.Whatifthe jaguar came backout? He needed weapons, and quickly He searched the pockets ofthe larger backpack First aid kit, red glasses,probablycomeinhandylater.Theotherpocketshadcandy,Geckogloves,thatfindmadehimalittleleery hehoped Rosedidn’tmindheights andnotmuchelse.
Hestartedremovingeverythingfromthisbackpack.AlotmorecarefullythanRosehaddumpedthefirstone.Hecouldn’t imagineherdesperation.Shewasholdingupreallywell,theflashlightwassteadynowbutshedidn’tsayanything.Hehatedto sayheappreciatedhersilence,buthewaskeepinghisearscockedforanimalsoratrapdooropeningorfirerushingfromthe ceiling.Hedidn’tknowwhathe’dexpectedwiththisweekwherehewasbeingpaidamilliondollarstoprotectandhelpRose wina milliondollars for her charity He didn’t thinkthe show’s producers would tryto kill themonDayOne More like MinuteOne.Hesmiledtohimself.
Hissmilealmostslippedashereachedthelastiteminthelargerbackpackandsetittotheside.Noweapons.Hechecked
thebackpackitselfthoroughlyforhiddenpockets. Nothing.
Mercedeshadsaidthere’dbeweapons Hedesperatelyneededweapons Hehonestlydoubtedtheycouldsurvivewithout them.Unless thatwas the onlypredatoryanimal theywould encounter and the animal couldn’tgetoutagain. Was thatclaws scratchingagainstthedoor?Hisbackstraightened
Wouldhisgunsandknivesbewaitingintheothersupplies?Hedidn’twantRosetocallandquit,buthemighthavetocall anddemandtheybringhimaGlock19withloadsofextraroundsandatleasttwoknives
Hequicklyrepackedthebackpackhe’djustemptied,feelingtheclothesandcheckingeverythingtomakesuretherewasn’t aknifehiddensomewhere.
Disappointmentswelledinhimandhelosthissmileforamoment
Hegrabbedtheotherbackpackandstartedrepackingit.
“Areyouokay?”Roseasked “Sure,”helied.“Why?”
“You’renotsmiling”
Heglancedupatherwiththehugestgrinhecouldmuster.“Better?”
“AbitJoker-ish,butyes.Ilikeyoursmile.”
“Thankyou Ilikeyour laugh”Helookeddown,hopinghehadn’tjustpushedher away Helovedher laughandholding herclose.Thebalmofheavenforcertain.“JustamomentwhileIrepackthis,andthenwe’llgetdownthestairsandfindthe supplyspotwhereourweaponswillbe”
“Whatifthey’renotthere?”
“ThenImakeaphonecalltoMercedes,andImightnotbesmilingaswehaveahearttoheart.”Hewinkedandgrinnedat her.
Shelaughed.
Thatwasafabulousreward Definitelyscratchingandthenalowgrowl. “Bennett?”
“It’sokay.”Heshovedawomen’ssweatshirtin.Itwasmuchheavierthanitshouldbe,andbundledinatightballwiththe sleeveswrappedandtiedtogether. Interesting.
Hehurriedlyuntiedthesleevesanduncurledthesweatshirttorevealwhatwashidden,andfinallyfeltunstoppableagain.
“Nice,”Rosesaidfromabovehim
“Verynice,”headmitted.
HegrabbedoneoftheSigSauerP365s,checkedthatitwasloadedandthemanualsafetywason,andextendedittoher TheSigonlyhadtenroundsandwasacompactgunforconcealing.Thefacttheyhadtwogunsmadehimhappy.Hemightnot cussMercedesout.
Hereyebrowslifted Herfacewaspartiallyilluminatedbytheflashlight “Igetagun?”
“Yousaidyou’dkilledrattlers.Canyoushoot?Doyouwantagun?”Thecatwasstillscratchingatthedoor.Heprayedit wouldn’topenthistime
“IhavekilledrattlersandIcanshoot,butI’mbettinganArmyRangerMajorcanoutshootmeanydayoftheweek.”She didn’tmovetotakethegun,studyinghimasifhewereamarvel Becauseofhistraining?
Hegrinned.“OfcourseIcould,butdon’tfeelbadlyaboutthat.IcanoutshooteverybodyIknow.”Heplacedtheguninher hand. “I’d feel better knowingyou’re armed, especiallyif we get separated or that vicious cats pins me downinour next wrest”Hesmiled,hopingshethoughthewasteasing
Shepalmedthegun,lookeditoverandthensliditintothepocketofherpants.Meetinghisgazeintheflashlightthatwas bobbingslightlyagain,shesaid,“Thankyou,Bennett”
Hehadtoswallowagainsthissuddenlydrythroat.Helikedhisname.Hadneverhadaproblemwithhisname.He’dnever heardhisnamespokenlikethat Itrolledoffhertonguelikesweetnectar Hewantedhertosayhisnameagain
“Anythingyouneed…Rose.”Hetriedtosayhernameasmeaningfullyandappealinglyasshe’dsaidhis.
Shesmiledathim,andthoughhealwayssmiled,hedidn’tknowthathe’deversmiledsogenuinely,asmiletuggedstraight fromhisheart
He could’ve sat there smiling at her in the bobbing light from a flashlight, smelling meat all day. But it was his responsibility to keep her safe and help her win the money and he didn’t fancy another go with the jaguar or shooting the creature.
Hebenttotheweaponsagain.Hopefullytheirsuppliesalongtheroutehadextrabullets.Hehandedoveraswitchbladeto her. She thanked him again, unfortunately not saying his name, and tucked the knife in a different pocket. He put another switchblade inhis frontpocketanda goodoldSwiss armyknife ina lower pocket.Placingthe small guninthe backofhis
waistband,herepackedthebackpackandstood.
LookingtoRose,hefeltlighterandhappier.“Youreadytostompdownthesestairsandconquerthefirstlevel?”heasked.
“Yes,sir”Shesalutedhim
He chuckled at that. He took the flashlight fromher and they each swung on their backpacks, clasped the buckles and tightened them The backpacks stunklike the bloodymeat, but he was almost immune to the smell at this point He’d been sprayedbyaskunkplayinginthecreekwithsomefriendswhenhewasten.Atfirstthesmellhadmadehimvomit,butthenhe grewusedtoit Foraweekhismomhadtoldhimhestunk,buthecouldn’tsmellit
HewantedtotakeRose’shandandleadherdownthestairsbuthepreferredstayinginfrontofhertoprotecther. Please let that huge cat stay put “StayclosebehindmeincaseIneedtoshelteryouwithmybody”
“Withabodyasbigasyoursyoucouldeasilyshelterme,”shesaid.“ButIrefusetoletyoudieforme.”
“Comeon It’sallpartofthegame”Hegrinnedeasilyandstarteddownthestairsbeforeshecouldprotest She stayedone stepabove him,sometimes bumpingintohis backpackandapologizing.Theywere almosttothe landing. Theflashlightrevealedcamerasuphigh Thescratchinggotlouderandthenanotherroar Rose’sbreathwascominginquickpantsbutsheonlypressedclosertohim.
Whentheyreachedthelanding,hegrabbedthedoorhandletohisrightandpusheditdown.Thedoorhadbarelyswungin towardthenextroomwhenthelightscamebackon,thestairsflattenedtoaslide,thelandingtilted,andthewallnexttothem swungwideopenlikeamassivedoor.
Rosecriedoutinsurprise
Bennettclungdesperatelytothedoorhandle,droppedtheflashlight,andgrabbedontothestrapofRose’sbackpack. Thejaguarroaredbehindthem.
The door swung closed again from the pressure of him holding onto it. The exterior wall swung closed, the landing flattened,andthetiledstepspoppedbackup.Interestinglyenough,thestairwaylightsstayedonthistime.
Bennettdidn’tmoveforasecond Hewasstunnedandcouldhardlybelievethathadjusthappened Theycould’vefallen oversevenstories.
“That was horrifying!”Roseyelled “WehavetocallMercedesandgetoutofhere Theywanttokillus” He released the door handle, carefully, and pivoted onthe landing. The door opposite stayed closed, butthe jaguar was scratchingatitrelentlessly.Somebodymust’veopenedittoreleasethejaguarbefore.Wouldtheyagain?
ReleasinghisdesperategriponRose’sbackpackstrap,hewrappedanarmaroundherwaist.Hekepttheotherhandresting onthedoorknobsoifthelandingslopedagainhecouldgrabon.HewantedtocomfortRose,buthewasafraidshewasright. Theshow’sproducerswantedtokillthem Itwasmiraculousneitherofthemhadgoneoutthatholeinthewall Whatwasthis realityshowabout?Whatwasthebenefitofkillingthem?
Roseflungherarmsaroundhisneckandclungtohim Shewasastepabovehimagain,andtheywereclosertoeyelevel thanhe’deverbeenwithawoman.Helovedhowtallshewas.
Hehuggedherback,prayingtoknowwhatheshoulddo.Itwasonethingforhimtofightwithajaguar,butlettingRosefly outaseventhstorywindow?Whatwasbehindthedoor?Somethingworsethanapredatoryanimaloraseven-storydrop?
Hecouldn’tletherdieforatelevisionshow.Evenifitmeantlosingamilliondollarsforherverycharitableranch.
ROSE SHUDDERED
and clung to Bennett, burying her head in his neck. He held her tightly. Neither of them moved,asifafraidtodisturbtheprecariousbalance Shuttingadoorreleasedajaguar Openingadooralmostlaunchedthem totheirdeaths.Whatnext?Thejaguarwasscratchingatthedoorbehindthem.Wasittrapped,orcoulditgetout?Shefeltboth anurgencytorunandastrongerdesiretoneverleaveBennett’sarms.
Finallyshecalmeddownenoughtoliftherheadandmeethisbluegaze.“Whatdoyouthinkweshoulddo?”
Hewasn’tsmiling.Thatwasterrifyinginandofitself.“IthinkweshouldcallMercedes,butifthejaguarcomesoutweare hurlingourselvesthroughthisdoorandtakingourchanceswithwhatever’sontheotherside Allright?”
She feltsucha huge letdownand reliefatthe same time. The letdownwas losingoutonthe moneythatshe desperately neededandhavingtosaygoodbye toBennett Itwas crazythatshe trustedhim She didn’tknow Bennettverywell buthe’d savedherlifetwicenow.
Crazilyenough,shefeltcomforted,exhilarated,andsomehow safeinhisarms.Shelovedhisbigsmile.Thatsmilemade himmorehandsomethananymanshe’devermet.Bennettalsoinstinctivelyreactedtoprotecther leapingdownthestairsat thejaguar inpitchblackdarkness andsomehow grabbingher andholdingontothatdoor handlebeforetheybothplungedto theirdeaths
Italsowasmind-blowingandimpressivetoherthathe’dhandedovertheSigandaswitchbladeknifewithoutapause.He wouldn’tbeplanningonforcinghimselfonherknowinghe’darmedher,right?
“I’mnotsayingwehavetocalltheshowoff,andgiveupyourmoney,”hecontinued.“Butshehassomeexplainingtodo andI’mnotcontinuingunlessIknowthey’renotoutrighttryingtokillyou.”
“Whataboutkillingyou?”shedemanded Hegrinnedthenandshefeltsettled,happy,onfirefrombeinginhisarmsandhavingthatsmiledirectedather.
“Nobodycankill me,”hesaid,all cockyandappealingatthesametime “Andyouaremuchmorevaluable”His voice deepenedandhissmilesettledtoabecomingsoftness.Shewantedtokisshim.
Thatthoughtmadehereasebackfromhisarms
Helookedconcernedforher,buthelethergoandthenhefishedthephoneoutofherbackpack.Shenoticedhekepthisleft handrightnexttothedoorhandle.Sheprayedthelandingwouldn’tturntoaslideagainandthatthejaguarwouldn’tescape. Thedoorbehindthemseemedlikeanormaldoor Hadsomebodyturnedthehandleandlethimout?Shecouldhearthejaguar pacingnow.
“Speaker?”heasked “Yes,please.”
Henoddedandpushedthenumberthathadbeensavedinthephone
ShewasnervoustotalktoMercedes.Whatwouldbethewoman’sexcuse?Wasthistheendforthem?Shedidn’twantto dieandshecouldn’thandleBennettbeingkilledormaimedbutshewasatoughcowgirl.Shedidn’tquit.
Evenafterhersecondattackattheuniversitywhenallshewantedwasthesafetyoftheranch,she’dkeptgoingandfinished herdegree.Afterherthirdattack,andrealizingevenherranchwasn’tsafe,shecouldatleastsaythatshe’dkeptworkinghard fortheRanch,lovingthechildren,especiallyhersidekicksFrankieandAri,andtrainingtoprotectherselfbetter
“’Nobodycankillme,’”shemuttered,hereyestracingoverhiswell-developedandhugeframe. Hegrinned.“It’strue.”
Thecallconnectedsoshecouldn’tteasehim.
“Bennett? Rose? Are you all right? I heard some loud thumps and yells as we loaded up in the helicopter but Shawn promisedthatallthechallengeswerepotentiallydangerous,butnon-lethal”
“Oh, he did?” Bennett’s voice was incredulous and he arched a brow at Rose. “Mercedes. That jaguar could’ve easily killedoneofusandthestepsturningtoaslideandaseven-storydropdefinitelywould’vekilledus”
“No, no, no,” she squeaked out. “Youhad weapons to defend yourselfagainstthe jaguar and he’s old, theysaid he’d be slowwithoutsharpclaws.”
“Old?” Bennettgrimaced. “We couldn’tgetthe weapons fastenough, theywere hiddenina sweatshirt, and itwas pitch black.”
“Oh,no Youweresupposedtohaveguns,knives,andaflashlight I’msoterriblysorry”
Bennettlookedlikehewasgrittinghisteeth.“Whatabouttheslideofdeath?”
“Thereisanet Youdidn’tseethenet?Afunscareisall YouweresupposedtousetheGeckoglovestoclimbbackupto thedoor.”
Bennettmethereyes Itwasoddtoseehimnotsmiling “Didyouseeanet,Rose?”
“No,”shesaidquietly.“Butitallhappenedsofast.”
The jaguar was scratchingat the door again. She wanted to hear Mercedes’explanationand be reassured, but she also wantedtogetoutofhere Theonlyproblemwas thenextdoormightrevealsomethingmuchworse
“Rose!”Mercedescriedout.“Oh,beautifulfriend,I’msorry.Thechallengesaredangerousanddifficult,buttheyshouldn’t belife-threatening I’ll call mypeoplerightnow andmakesuretheygoover everythingagainanditisall safe Pleasedon’t quit.”
Silencemetherpleas Exceptfortheinfernalscratchingfartooclosebehindthem RoseandBennett’sgazeswerelocked.Shequestionedhimwithhereyes.Hefinallyliftedhisfreehand.“It’syourchoice, Rose.I’llfighttothedeathforyou,butyouhavetodecide.”
Fighttothedeathforher?Washetrulythisnoble?She’dknownBennettamatterofmaybeanhourandalreadyshe’dput himonlevel withher dad,grandpa,andall the trustworthycowboys fromher hometownfor honor,loyalty,gentlemanliness, andChristianvalues
Shelovedwhenhesaidhername.Earlierinthequaveringlightoftheflashlight,she’dsaidhisnameandhe’dreturnedthe favor.Soappealing.HersisterswouldtellhertostaysimplyfortheopportunitytobearoundBennett.NeitherLilynorDaisy knew whyshewouldn’tdateanditdrovetheminsane.They’dbothgoinsaneoverBennett.WellLilywouldn’t,assheloved MilesColeville,butshe’dencourageRosetopursuehim.
Whatwas she thinking? She couldn’tpursue this stud ofa manand she was here to save the Ranch She wanted to trust Mercedes, and while it was clear that this weekwould not be easy, withBennett byher side, she had verygood odds of surviving
“Thankyouforbeingwillingtoprotectme,Bennett,”shesaid,staringintohisblueeyesandseeingthathersayinghisname affectedhim.“Let’sdothis!”
“Hooah!”Bennettwhoopedloudly.
“Hoorah!”Mercedesrepeated.
BennettchuckledatthatandRosesmiledathimthenshestartedlaughingtoo “Whoops.Shawnsaysit’shooah,”Mercedessaidinthephone.
“Noworries We appreciate the hoorah” BennettstudiedRose “Rose andIare goingtotackle this challenge I’ll make sureshe’ssafebutyoudouble-checkeverythingfromyourend.”
“I’mcallingmypeoplenow,”Mercedessaid.“You makesureshe’ssafe.”
“Yes,ma’am”
Bennetthungupthephoneandsliditintothebackpackpocket.“Youareimpressivelybrave,RoseLillywhite.”
“It’seasytobebravewithasuperherolikeyouaround,MajorBennettMason,”shesaidback Hegrinned.“Allright.Here’stheplanforgettingoffthestairwayofdeath.”
“There’sanet,”sheremindedhim,hopingitwastrue
“Ah,rightyouare.ButIdon’tfancyclimbingupthesideofthebuildingwithGeckoglovesjusttogetbacktowherewe arenow.You?”
“ThoughIdo enjoya good Spidermanclimb, I’ll save myenergyfor shootingsnakes or walkinga tightrope over lava pits.”Especiallyifthejaguarcameoutagainandjoinedtheminthatnet.Sheshuddered.
Helaughed “Here’shopingtheshow’sproducersdon’thearyouandquicklyinstallsomelavapits” “Oops.I’llstopgivingthemanyideas.”
“Thankyou Okay Iwantyoutostandrightnexttome Let’sgetasclosetothedooraswecan”Theybotheasedinandhe puthis handonthedoorknob.“YouholdontomewithonehandandhavetheSigreadytofireatwhatever’s waitingfor us withtheother.Deal?”
Atremor rushed through her What would be waiting on the other side of this door? They’d only made it through one stairwell. Gettingthroughsevenstories ofdeathsounded overwhelmingand impossible atthe moment. The door shuddered behindthem Wastheanimalrammingit?
Shesaidaprayerandnodded.“Deal.”
“I’ll swingthedoor openhardandfasttoclear apathandgiveusspace.We’ll leapintotheroomassoonasIopenthe door.Thenwe’lldealwiththenext…obstacle.”
“Allright.”Shepulledoutthegunandswitchedoffthesafety.
Bennettwrappedhisrightarmaroundherandclungtothehandlewithhisleft.Sheinstantlyfeltsupported,comforted,and asifshecouldtakeonthedevil,orwhatevermonsterwaswaitinginthenextroomforthem.
Thank You for Bennett,sheprayedsilently “Countingdown.3…2…”HerfingersgrippedthegunandBennett’sshirt.“1!”
Heshovedthedooropen Thelandingtheystoodoninstantlytiltedandthreatenedtospillthemouttheopeninginthewall Thejaguarroaredlouderthaneverasifitknew it’spreywasescaping.Theyleaptforwardtogether,Bennett’sarmassisting her
Theylandedonaconcretefloordustedwithfinesandandslidtoastop.Bennettreleasedherwaist,slidherbehindhim, andyankedouthisgun.
Foramomenttheonlysoundwastheirbreathing,thetwitteringofbirdsouttheopenwallofthestairwell,andthejaguar scratchingatthedoor.
Theroomwaslarge,asbigasafootballfield,withwindowsliningthewalltotheirfarleftandaviewofpalmtreesand the beachand ocean. The other three walls were made ofsimple plaster, painted white. Cameras were placed everytwenty feetorso
Hernervesprickled,waitingfortheceilingtocollapseorthefloortodisappearoraliontoprowloutofasecretdoor.
Aftertheybothsearchedtheroomforaminute,Bennettputhisgunbackinthesmall ofhisbackandarchedaneyebrow. “Maybetheygaveusafreebieafterthestairwellofdeath”Heglancedbackoutthestillopendoororwindoworwhateverthe openingshouldbecalled.“Huh,thereisanet,”hemuttered.
“That’sreassuring”
Bennettclosedthedoorbehindthem.Atleasttheyweresafefromthejaguar.Forthemoment.
Shesmiled,relievedthatMercedes’teamwasn’ttryingtokill her andthenextstretchmightbeeasy,andtiltedher head. “Shallwe?”
Shesteppedforward.Ahornhonked,lightsflashed,Rosecriedout,andsomethingthunderedtowardherhead. Bennettwrappedhisarmsaroundherfrombehindandswoopedherbackagainsthischest
Alargeredwaterballoonlandedwhereshe’dbeenandburstopen,sprayingtheirlegswithsomethingwetandgooey. Herbreathrushedoutandshehadahardtimecatchingitagain Themessintheballoonwouldn’thavehurther,butshe’d ratherhaveitonherlegsandshoesthanonherheadandface.
Therealreasonshecouldn’tcatchabreathwasherpositiontoBennett.Hisarmswerewrappedaroundherabdomen,his strongchestpressedagainstherback,andhisheaddippedclosetoherssohiswarmbreathbrushedthesideofherheadand hertemple.Howcouldbreathonanearmaketimeseemtostandstillandfillherwithalongingshe’dneverknown?
Bennettheldontoherbutreacheddownandswipedsomeofthegoooffhisleg “Pepperspray?Blacktar?Heroin?”
“Areyouserious?”Maybethemessintheballoonwouldhurtthem.
“No Ithinkit’sjustslime Notlife-threatening”
Sheletoutanervous,high-pitchedgiggle.“Smallblessings.Dowedaregoforward?”
“Justamoment.”Hereleasedherandshefeltthesameletdownshe’dexperiencedearlierwhenhereleasedher.Thankfully theirintensesituationdidn’tgivehertimetothinktoodeeplyabouthercrazyreactiontohim Stooping,hefilledhishandwiththesandfromthefloorandthenflungitforwardintotheroom.
Multiplelightsflashed,hornsblared,andmanyceilingtilesflappedopen Halfadozenballoonsdroppedtothefloorand exploded morestickygoo,feathers,redpowder,whitepowder,glitter,shinylittlestarcutouts.
Bennettrolledhis eyes Ofcourse,hewas still grinningather She’drarelyseenhis smileleavehis face Shelovedhis smile.
“IsitokaytoadmitI’malittledisappointed?”heasked.
Shesmiled “Whatwereyouhopingfor?”
“Bombs,scorpions,spiders,throwingstars,throwingknives,atleastsomefirecrackers…somethingexciting.” Sheclappedherhandoverhismouth Hiseyeswidened
“Shushthatmouth,” she said. “Don’tyougive themanyideas.” She tilted her head to the cameras inthe corners ofthe room
Bennettchuckledandshelovedthefeelofhislipsandhisbreathagainstherpalm.Decorumdictatedthatsheremoveher hand. She did, and with a great amount of willpower looked away fromhis captivating smile and that blue gaze that had becomefartoodeepandenthralling
“So…dowejustsprintforitandpraythere’sashoweratoneofMercedes’safezones?”
“While that does sound appealing, Idon’t completelytrust these people They might not be planningto kill us but they definitelywanttoslowusdownorincapacitateus.TherecouldbenastysurpriseswaitingtodroponusthatI’dratheravoid.”
“Whatdowedothen?”
Heslidoffhisbackpackandfishedsomeredsunglassesout.
Shestaredathimandfeltawfulthatshehadn’tnoticedbeforethismoment.Hisshirtandpantsweretornandbloodseeped
fromthecuts.Somecutsonhisarmsandneckhaddriedbloodonthem.
“Bennett!You’reallrippedupandbleedingfromthatjaguar.Wehavetodoctoryouupandtakecareofthosecuts.”
Hechuckledatthat,hissmileasbigasever “Ah,sweetRose I’mfine We’llcleanmeupwhenwestopforthenight All right?”
“Areyoucertain?”
“Yes.Youdoctoringmeupwillbemyrewardafterthiscrazyfirstday.”Hewinked.
“Um alright,”shemanaged Thevisionof‘doctoringhimup’gaveher ashotofenergythatnocaffeinecoulddo Her reactiontohimconfusedher.Shewantedtotakecareofhim.Shewantedtotakethatshirtoffandadmirehismusclesasshe doctoreduphiscutsandtouchedhisskin.Shehadneverbeencomfortablelikethatwithanyman.Shewasdefinitelydrawnto him
Whatwasshethinking?Whatwashappeningtoher?
“Wecouldkeepthrowingsandtoclearthewayandwadethroughthemessor ”Hedistractedherfromherworries He slid the glasses on, grinning. Itwas comical, the red glasses far too small for his face. She hated themcoveringup his blue eyes “Yep”Helookedaroundtheroom “Lasersallrevealed Takealook”
Hehandedthemover.Sheslidthemonandgapedattheredlasersbisectingtheroom. “How’dyouknow?”
“TrainingexercisewhenIwasanewb OurCOsgotakickoutofusall wearingtheseverycuteValentine’sDayglasses they’dboughtatDollarTreeandreplacedthelenseswiththeinfrared.”
Shesmiled,imaginingatroopofmeninValentine’sDayglasses Slidingthemoff,shehandedthemtoBennett “I’llguideyouthrough,”heoffered.
“I’mtrustingyou.”
Shestartled.Sheactuallymeantthosewords.
“Ilikethat.”Hegrinnedather.Theredglassesdistractedfromhishandsomefaceandblueeyes,butnothingcoulddimthat smile Heslidhisbackpackoffandputitonhischest,slidinghisarmsthroughthestraps “Canyoubucklethisupbehindme soit’llstayon?”
“Sure”Shediduptheclasps Oneofthemwasrightoveraripinhisshirt Therewerefartoomanyripsinhisshirtand clawmarkswithbloodtrailingdownthem.Herfingerslingeredonthesmoothskinoverrippledmuscle,nexttoashallowcut wherethebloodalreadydried.
Hesuckedinabreathandglancedbackather.
“Sorry,”shemurmured.“Ihateseeingyoucut.”
“It’sgood I’vebeenthroughworse”Hissmiledimmedandshecouldn’tgetaclearreadonhiseyeswiththoseglasseson Heclearedhisthroatandfocusedaheadofthem.Onthechallenge.“Iwantyoutowrapyourarmsaroundmeandstayclose, stepwhereIstep”
“Icandothat.”Hervoicesoundedlikeshewasoutofbreath.Shefeltfaintsimplythinkingaboutcuddlinginclosetohim likethat.Shehadnochoicebutfoundshewasanticipatingit.
Shefollowedhisinstructionsandmoldedherselftohisstrongback,slidingherhandsunderneaththebackpackheworeon hisfrontandwrappingthemaroundhisstomach.Theridgedmusclesofhisabdomenwereevidenteventhroughhist-shirt.She couldhardlycatchabreath
Hismusclesallstiffenedandhisbreathingpickedup.
“AmIhurtingyou?”sheworried
“No.Yourtouchisthefarthestthingfrompainful.”Hisvoicewassoquietshebarelymadeoutthewords. Whathesaidmadeherwonderifsheneededtobackawayorholdhimtighter.Thehorrorofbeingassaultedbyothermen wasfarawayrightnow BeingclosetoBennetthealedandstrengthenedher Shefoundherselfconsumedwithtouchinghimand wantinghimtotouchher.
“Ready?”heasked
“Yes,”shesqueakedout,relievedthatthiswasnotthetimetoanalyzetheunfamiliarfeelingsBennettstirredinher.
“Allright Herewego”
Hestartedforwardandshematchedhiseverystep.Theyskirtedaround,steppedover,andbentloworevencrawledunder thelasers.Shecouldn’tseeanyofthembutshetrustedthatBennettknewthepath.
Throughitallshestayedascloseaspossibletothisveritablegiant Acolossal,smilingman,whowasprovingtobeoneof themostconsiderateandincrediblemenshe’devermet.
Sheshould’vebeennervousaboutwhatmightfallfromtheceilingorreachupandgrabthemiftheytouchedalaser,butit tookahundredpercentofherfocustomoldherselftoBennett’sbackandmatchhiseverystep.Sheknew hewouldkeepher safe.
Herreactiontothisgoliathofamanwasmind-blowing.Shewasn’tafraidofhistouch.Farfromit.Sherelishedhistouch, andevenmoresurprising,she’dtoldhimshetrustedhim,andshe’dmeantit.Whatwashappeningtoher?
BENNETT
HADadevilofatimethinkingsteady,walkingsteady,ormovingsteadywithRosepressedsoclose,her hands splayed across his abdomen, her warmbreathticklinghis neckwitheachquickexhalation Anyissue she’d had with touchinghimearlierseemedtohavedisappeared.Wasthatonlybecauseofnecessity,herownsafety,orwasshenotrepelled byorafraidofhimanylonger?Hewishedtheycouldrelaxandtalkaboutit,butmaybethatwouldpushherawayagain. Theynavigatedthroughtheredlasers.Theroomwashugeandthetaskseemedtotakefartoolong.Maybetheyshould’ve justrunthroughandlettheballoonsexplodeontheirheads.Yethewasleeryoftrustingthattheywouldn’tbeinjuredorkilled bysomethingthatmightdropfromthatceiling He couldn’triskanyharmcomingtoRose or anythingincapacitatinghim,so theymadetheirwayslowlythrough.HecouldadmitthatheenjoyedeverysecondofRoseclosetohimbutpracticalsense,and his need to win, said theyneeded to move throughthe obstacles quicklyor they’d never get throughsevenfloors and their stairwellsinlessthansixdays.
Finallythedooronthefarsideoftheroomwaswithinreach.
“Almostthere,”hesaidtoRose.
“Oh,thankheavens,”shebreathedout.
Bennettpaused He didn’tlike the wayshe’d said that Was she notenjoyingbeingclose and touchinghim? He glanced backather.Theredglassesheworemadeherbeautifulfaceglow.Herfacewastilteduptowardhis.Itwouldtakeverylittle efforttolowerhisheadjustenoughtoaligntheirlips
“Everythingokay?”shewhispered. “Yeah.”
Theirbreathseemedtomingle Hewouldhaveakinkinhisneckfromcraninghisheadbacktolookather Hedidn’tcare “Weshouldkeepgoing,”shesaid.
“Oh” He managed to puthis smile backonbefore he faced forward “Yeah You’re right” Disappointing, butbetter for himtofocus.“Duckunderthenextone.”
Heduckedandprogressedforward Sheshuffledwithhim Hewasn’tsurewhathappenedbutmaybeherbackpackwastoo highandhitthelaser.
The obnoxious horn blared, lights flashed, a panel in the ceiling opened, and something fell toward them. He dodged instinctivelyforward and he must’ve hitanother laser Somethingelse was comingatthemas the firstballoonoffine white powder explodedbehindthem.Itwassillyaseverythingthathadfallensofar hadn’tbeendangerousbutherushedforward, pullingRosewithhim,justwantingtobedonewiththislameroom,especiallyifRosewasn’tenjoyingcuddlingintohim
They hit several lasers but they were going fast enough they managed to avoid getting direct hits by the balloons. Her backpackandtheirlegswouldbecoveredwithgunk
Maybetheyshould’vejustplowedthrough,sprintingtoavoidgettinghitbyanythingandnotwastingsomuchtime.
TheymadeittothedoorandBennettslowedandstoppedtoreachforthehandle.
Ahuge net swooped out ofthe ceilingand knocked thembothto their knees It was weighted around the edges and the strandsthickenoughhecouldbarelyseethroughit.
Rosereleasedhergriponhim,bowingforwardwiththeweightofthenet Bennettstrainedandlifteditwithhisbackand arms,givinghersomebreathingroom.
“Yougood?”heasked.
“Yes.You?”
He smiled,thoughhe was feelingletdownthatshe hadn’tenjoyedthe snuggle walkthroughthe huge room,andannoyed thatanethadcaughtandtrappedthem
“Alwaysgood,”hesaid,hopinghesoundedoverconfident.
Sheblinkedupathimandsmiled “Goodtoknow”
“Canyoutaketheseglassesoff?”
“Sure.”Sheslidthemoffhisnose,herfingertipsbrushinghischeek.He’dneverbeensoaffectedbyatouchashewasby
hers.“Whatnow?”sheaskedasshestoredtheglassesinasidepocketofhisbackpack.“Cutthroughthenetwithourknives?” “I’lljustliftitoff.”
“Thisthinghastoweighhundredsofpounds”
“SodoI.”Hesmirkedather.“IfIcan’tliftmyownbodyweightIamacompletewasteofspace.”
“Youcanliftthreehundredpounds?”sheasked
“I’mnotonetobragbut…”Hegrinned,absolutelywantingtobragtoher.Hismaxoverheadpresswastwo-seventy-two, definitelyintheelitecategory TylerandJackwerealwaysbugginghimtoenterweight-liftingcompetitionsbutthattooktime andmoneyhedidn’thave.HisteenagebuddieswouldloveRose.They’ddefinitelybepushinghimtoaskherout.
She looked himover as he kneltand held the netaloft, the muscles inhis upper bodyengaged. “Youare the bestuse of spaceI’veeverknown,”shesaidsoftly
Hevaluedthatcompliment.Asahugemanhe’ddealtwithmanyjokesabouttakinguptoomuchspace.Hersayinghewas the‘bestuseofspaceshe’deverknown’wassignificanttohim
“Thanks,”hemanagedthroughatightthroat.Hewishedhecouldsaymorebuthedidn’twanttopushherawayandloseany groundhe’dgainedthepasthourandhewantedthisheavynetoff
“Okay.Stayclose.”
“I’mgettinggoodatthat.”
“Yes,youare”
Heprogressedalongthenet,liftingitasshestayedpressedintohisside.Theymadeittotheedgeclosesttothedoor.The edgeswereheavybuthelifteditupandRosescamperedoutandstraightened Hecouldn’tresistflingingitbackandspringing tohisfeet.Atleasthedidn’tflex.
“Impressive,”shemurmured.
“Ah, thankyou.” He grinned. He wasn’t anexpert onwomen, far fromit, but he was prettycertaintheywere havinga moment.Shewasimpressedbyhim.Theywerestaringintoeachother’seyes.Theywerebothsmiling.
“Allright Readyforthenextroom?”sheasked Somaybe…notamoment.
“Sure Maybe a drinkfirst” His throatwas dryandhe couldn’tswallow pastit Was he parchedfromwhatthey’dbeen throughorthewaysheaffectedhim?
“Sounds good.”Theyswungofftheir backpacks andeachpulledoutawater bottle.Itfeltgoodtohavethebackpackoff andthewaterslidingdownhisthroatfeltevenbetter.Hefinishedonewaterbottle,setitonthefloor,andpulledanotherone out.Downinghalfofithepouredsomeofitintohishandsandrubbedthemtogether,tryingtocleanthemabit,thenhesplashed someonhisfaceandpouredsomeoverthecutsonhisarms
HeglancedatRose.Shestaredathimwithoutblinking,herhalfemptywaterbottleclutchedinonehand.Hesmiledather andsheblushedandlookedaway Sheslowlydrainedtherestofherwaterbottlewhilehepouredtherestofhisonhishands, rubbingthemtotrytocleanthemandsplashingmoreonhisface,brushinghiswethandsthroughhishair.
Hewasaccustomedtobeingdirtyandthirsty.FifteenyearsintheArmymeantmanydaysandnightsinfarworsecondition thanhewasinnow,butfood,ashower,Rose‘doctoring’uphiswounds,andabedwithapillowsoundedgreatrightnow Heglancedatthewindows.Theyfacedeast,towardstheocean,agreatviewofswayingpalmtrees,adesertedbeach,and the bluish-green water He couldn’t see the sun, but the shadows of the building were long They hadn’t glimpsed any of Mercedes’saferoomsyet.Iftheymadeitthroughonemorechallengeroommaybetherewouldbeaplacetorest.Theproblem washedidn’tknowiftheydaredrestuntiltheymadeitthroughatleastonelevelofthemassivebuildingtoday Hefiguredthe roomtheywerenowinmighthavebeenaquarterofthelengthofthebuilding,maybethreetofourhundredfeet.Eachfloorof thebuildinghadtobeaboutfiftythousandsquarefeet.Hopefullyeachstairwellwasn’tasdangerousastheirfirstone.
“Allright”Rosepushedoutaheavybreathandheldupthewaterbottle “Notrashcan DoIputitbackinthebackpack?”
Bennettchuckledandpointedbackattheroombehindthem.Itwasanabsolutemessfromall thefilledballoonsthathad exploded,garbagestrewnacrossthefloor “Idon’tthinkthey’ll mindawaterbottleonthefloorwhentheycometocleanup thisdisaster.”Hecrumpledupbothofhiswaterbottlesinhispalmandhurledthembackatthelasers,targetingseveralmore sensors Balloonsfellfromtheceilingandmorejunklitteredthefloor
Shelaughed.Helovedherlaughter.Crumplingherownbottleandputtingthelidon,shethrewit.Acouplemoreballoons descendedandanotherlargenet.
“Ifeelallreassuredrightnow,”sheadmitted,smilingupathim “Youdo?”Hischestpuffedout.Sheknewhecouldrescueherandprotectherfromanything.
“Nothinglife-threateninginthelaserroom”
“Oh.”Hesmiledandbrushedahandthroughhisdamphair.“Goodpoint.MaybeMercedes’peoplearen’tsadistswhohave ourimmediatedeathsplannedoutforus.”
“Maybe.Sheesh.Thatwasquitethepeptalk.”
Helaughedandthentheysharedasmile.Asignificantsmile.He’dpreferhersayingshetrustedhimtorescueandprotect
her,butthiswasaprettygreatmoment.He’dknownthisimpressiveladyfor maybefourhoursandalreadyfeltclosertoher thanheeverhadtoawoman.Well,besidesHaley,buthetriednottothinkabouthisex.
Sheliftedherbackpackandstrappediton,againbreakingtheirmoment Theyneededtomove Heknewthat Hecouldn’t selfishlywanttofocusondevelopingarelationshipwithher whenshewastryingtowinamilliondollarsfor her ranch.He strappedhisownbackpackonandgaveherawinningsmile
“Bringiton,”shesaid,tiltingherheadtothedoor.
“Bringiton,”herepeated,determinedtoimpressandprotectheruntilshegavehimakissofgratitude Hecouldprobablykeepondreaming.
Heedgedherbehindhimandstoodatthesideofthedoor,pullingoutthepistol.Whateversprangoutatthemhewouldbe readyfor
Hetookabreathandreachedforthedoorhandle.Theknobsingedhisfingertips.Hejerkedhishandback.
“Well,thatwasinteresting,”hesaid,hisfingertipssmartingfromonequicktouch “I’mnotsureIlikethewayyousay‘interesting’.”
“Probablysmartofyou Theknobisscorchinghot”
Sheedgedaroundhim,grabbedhishand,andturneditover,“Bennett,”shescolded.Thensheliftedhisstingingfingertips toherlips,blewonthem,puttheminhermouthandgentlycooledthemwithhertongue.
He was dumbfounded, and his fingertips weren’t the onlythingburning All he could do was stare at her as her mouth soothedhissingedfingers.Hecouldonlyimaginehismamasaying,‘Doyouknowwherethosefingershavebeen?’He’dfought ajaguartodaywiththosefingers
Shedidn’tseemtocarewherehisfingershadbeen,andhecouldn’tfinditinhimtotellhershewasprobablyriskingsome kind of disease via wild animal transmission. She was a cowgirl and had probably put much worse in her mouth. He appreciatedthatabouther.Heappreciatedfartoomuchabouther.
Hedidn’tsayaword.Hedidn’tevensmile.Hewastoomesmerizedbythisvisionofthemostbeautifulwomanhe’dever metinreallifewithhisfingertipsframedbyherlusciouslipsandhersofttonguecoolingtheburningsensationwhiletherestof hisbodyheatedupinaverypleasantway.
ROSE WASN’T sure whatshe was thinking, grabbingBennett’s hand and plunginghis fingertips into her mouthlike that Her momhaddoneitoncetoher whenshetouchedsomehotcoalsatacampfire Until her dadhadrushedover witha waterbottleandheraunthadbroughtacleancloth.
Shewascertainhermomhadnotfeltanythinglikeshewasfeelingrightnow.
Bennett’sfingertipsagainsthertongueweremakingherentiremouthtingle.Thewayhewasstaringathermadeheronfire fromheadtotoe.Itwasmoreintimatethananykissshe’dexperienced.
What was she doing? Withwhat they’d beenthroughtodayshe instinctivelyhad complete faithinthis burly, dangerous ArmyRanger.Thatwasnutsandnaïveofher.Hehadagoodheart,shecouldtellthat,butifsheletdownherguardlikethis andgavehimsignalsthatshewasinterested,suchaslickinghisfingers whatkindofgirldidthat? hemightthinkhehada greenlighttopushherphysicallywhentheyfinallyrestedforthenight.Shedidn’ttrulyknowhim,orhismoralstructure.
Shereleasedhishandfromhermouth,droppedit,andlookedaway.Silencefellbetweenthem.Heavy,awkwardsilence.
“Areyourfingers…”shemanaged.
“They’reokay.Um…thanksfor…coolingthemoff.”
“Sure”
Shestillcouldn’tlookathim.Howawkward.Shepulledoffherbackpackandyankedoutthesweatshirt.“Wecouldwrap thisaroundthedoorhandle”
“Greatidea.”Hetookitfromherandturnedtothedoor.
Roseletherselfappreciatehisbroadbackandthestriatedmusclesofhishugebody.Hewasappealingtoher.Shecould admitthat Butshecouldn’tletdownherguardandactlikeshewantedarelationshipwithhim Thatwouldbetooimpulsive, outofcharacter,andreckless.
Heurgedherbehindhimagainandsteppedtotheside Sheappreciatedhowheinstinctivelyprotectedher Hewrappedthe sweatshirtaroundthehandle,twistedtheknob,andtuggedthedooropen.Hotairsweptoutofthedoor.Bennettwhistled.
“What is it?” She stepped up close and brushed against his arm, looking over his shoulder “Oh, my” Her breathing quickenedandshewonderedwhatapanicattackfeltlike.
Theroomwaslitwitheerieredlights.Theentireareawasapoolfullofboilingredwater.Therewasnoconcreteedge aroundthepool Thewaterfilledthespaceanditwasbig,maybethesizeofahorsearena “Howdowe…?”
Bennett wrapped his hand around hers The simple reassurance calmed her breathing, at least enough that she didn’t hyperventilate.Hepointedhisotherhandupattheceiling.Metalbarswerespacedalongtheceilingcleartotheothersideof theroom Rungsinthewallleduptotheceilingbars
“Howareyouatmonkeybars?”heasked,smiling,buthisblueeyeshadconcerninthem.
“Haven’tdonethemsinceIwasingradeschool,”sheadmitted.
“Okay Pullups?”
She lifted her free hand. “Hey, Iknow Ilooksuper fit,” she tried to tease. “ButIjustworkonthe ranchfromsunup to sundownandtakecareoflittleones Idon’treallyhavetimeforaformalgymworkoutandtheonlygyminmyhometownisat thehighschool.Notreallyheadingtheretopumpironwiththefootballteam.”
“Youdolooksuperfit,andyouaresuperfit.”Hissmilegrew.“You’llconquerthosemonkeybarseasily.”
“IfIdon’t?”Shelookedatthatwater.Wasitscaldinghotorcouldthatbeanillusion?Maybeitjusthadbubblesinitand theroomwasheatedwithsteammistorsomething.Ifthewaterwouldmeltthemalive,howdidthatfitinMercedes’claimsof safechallenges?Wasthereanetiftheyfell?Shewasn’twillingtotestit
“Youwill.”Hisvoice,eyes,andentirebearingweredeterminedandconvincing.Hesqueezedherhand.
Sweatalreadyformed onher backand chestfromthe hotroom Whatifher hand slid onthe bars because theywere so sweaty?Shewasgoodatgrippingbalesofhayorthereinsofherhorse,buttoswingacrossthisbroiling,too-bigroom? Releasingherhand,hesquatteddown.“I’mjustgoingtotestthewatertomakesureit’snotanillusion.”
“Don’tputyourfingersinthat,”shewarnedhim,“I’mnotgoingtolickthembetter.” Hechuckledatthatandshecouldunderstandwhy.Ithadnotcomeoutthewayshe’dmeantit.Howhadshemeantit?She simplydidn’twanthimtogetburnedagain
Heloweredhishandclosetothebubblingwater,butthankfullydidn’tplungehisfingersin.“It’sdefinitelyhot.” “Likeahottub?”shemanaged “Likeapotreadyforpasta.”Straightening,heglancedather.Hissmilewastight.“Idon’tknowwhattheirsafetyplanis here,butlet’snotfindout Okay?”
It was obvious he still didn’t trust the show’s producers and small wonder, his body was scratched and bloody from fightingwithajaguar.Sheshookherhead,overwhelmedandnotsureshewasgoingtomakeitthroughdayoneoftheseinsane challenges
“Bennett…”Sheswallowedandadmitted,“Idon’tknowifIcandothemonkeybarsallthewayacrossthisroom.”
“I’llhelpyou”Hetookoffhisbackpackandshedidn’tquestionasheworked Hetookbothoftheirgunsandstoredthem inzippedpocketssotheydidn’tfallout.Shesecuredherpeppersprayandknifeinanenclosureinherpantspocket.Heeither didn’tnoticeordidn’tsayanything
Hepulledoutalongropeandtieditinashortlengthfromherbackpacktohis,loopingitthroughseveraldifferentstraps beforetyingitsecurely.“Ifyoudofall,I’llcatchyou.Makesureyourbackpack’sstrappedontight.”Hegrinned.
Thenhepulledouttwopairsofweird-lookinggloves Theyweremadeofsomekindofblackrubber substance “Gecko gloves.”Hesmiledproudlyandsetthemtotheside,slinginghisbackpackon,doinguptheclasps,andtighteningthestraps. Rose followed his example, making sure the clasps were secure and the straps were snug If she fell, she didn’t want the backpackcomingoff.
“ArethoseweirdgloveswhatMercedessaidweshould’veusedtoclimbbackupfromthenet?”
“Yes.Wewon’thavetoworryaboutourgripwiththesethingsonorifthemetalishot.It’llbeeasyasdoingthemonkey barsbackingradeschool.”
Shetookadeepbreath “Ready?”
“AsI’lleverbe”Shesaidaprayerinhermindandstraightenedhershoulders He helped her slide the gloves on. Every touch stirred something inside of her. Something she’d never experienced or maybe never allowed herselfto experience. Was Bennettspecial to her or was itsimplyher lackofexperience thatmade a handsomemantouchingherfeellikeheavenhadcometoearth?
Sheshookitoff,andwhenhegesturedfor her togofirst,shestartedclimbinguptherungsinthewall.Thegloveswere incredible Theygrippedwhenshetouchedtherungbutwhenshepulledbacktheyreleased Maybeshecoulddothis.
She scaled the twenty-foot wall and reached the ceiling Bennett stayed close behind her They couldn’t get too much distancetiedtogetherliketheywere.Sweatdrippeddownherbackandfrontnow,moisturestunghereyes.Itwasinsufferably hotinthisroomandevenclimbingthesidewallhadbeenaworkout.
“Allright,Rose You’vegotthis” “HereIgo.”
Shegraspedthefirstbarandhadtoletherfeetswingfree Herbodyjerkedandshewould’velosthergripexceptforthe Geckogloves.Agasprushedoutofherandsheclungdesperatelytothemetalbar,prayingshewouldn’tfall.Lookingdownat thatredboilingwaterwasterrifying
“Youallright?”Bennett’svoicewasfilledwithconcern. “Doingpeachy.You?”
Hechuckled “Perfect Nowdon’tlookdown Focusonthenextrung” “Okay.”
Shelistenedtohisadviceandforcedherselftoreleaseher righthandandswingtothenextbar Shegrippedit,released withher left, and clamped bothonone bar. Pantingfor air, she was alreadyfeelingthe effects ofhangingverticallyand the terroroffalling Bennetthadhertiedtohim Thatwasreassuring “Perfect.Nowthenextone.”
Bennett’svoicewasreassuringbuteachreachfor another bar andreleaseofthecurrentbar wasscary.Shekeptdoingit withBennettcalmlycheeringforhereachtime Theyreachedwhatmighthavebeenhalfwayandthemusclesinherarmsand shouldersscreamedinprotest.Herarmstrembledandthegripinherfingerswastiring.
“Youaredoingamazing,”Bennettsaidfrombehindher “IthoughtIwasinsuchgreatshape,”sheadmitted,reachingforthenextbar. “Youare.It’sjustadifferentmotionthananybodybutgymnasts,littlekids,andAmericanninjawarriorsdoonaconsistent basis.”
“Youdon’tevensoundtired,”sheaccused.
“Well,IamoneofthetoughestpeopleIknow.”Hisvoicewaslacedwithteasing.
“Don’thurtyourback,”sheteasedback.Shekeptmoving,eventhoughherarmswantedtogiveout.
“Myback?”
“Pattingyourselfsohardonit.”
Hechuckled “Iwon’tletmyheadexplodeeither”
“Fromthathugeego?”Shelaughedandreachedforarung.Herfingersbrusheditbutshehadn’treachedfarenough.She criedoutasshehungfromonehand Thankfullytheothergloveheld Shepulledbackandwrappedbothhandstightlyaround thebarshewashangingfrom.
“Youallright?”Bennettasked.
“I Ithinkso”
“Let’stakeabreak.”
“How?”Shesoundedincredulousandwishedshecouldputmoredisbeliefintothatonesyllable Takeabreak?
Hechuckledandthenhedidthecraziestthing.Heswungontothesamebarshewason,hishandsoutsideofhers,hisfront pressingagainstherback Simplyhavinghimcloserelaxedher Wasthishisbreak?Buthewasn’tdone Heliftedhislegsfrom behindherinsomekindofimpressiveabcrunch.Bothoftheirlegsraisedup.
“Threadyourlegsthroughthenextrung,”heinstructed.
She slipped her legs throughthe bar The bar was warmthroughher joggers butnotburninghot Bennettspread his legs widerandslidthemthroughthebar.Thenhecurledhiselbowsaroundthebartheywerehangingfrom,liftingherbodycloser tothe rung She wasn’tholdingher weightanylonger Her backpackwas a barrier betweenthembutshe couldstill feel his strongbodysurroundingandsupportingher.
“Laybackandreleaseyourhands,stretchthemoutandyourarms,”hetoldher,hiswarmbreathticklingherear,hewasso close.
“Areyousure?”
“I’vegotyou,Rose Justrelax”
Roseswallowed,dazedbyhowthosewordsimpactedher.‘I’vegotyou,Rose.Justrelax.’Shehadneverrelaxedaround anunknown,unrelatedman Nevertrustedanymanbesidesherownfathertoprotectandcareforher
Shelistenedtohimandslowlyreleasedhergriponthebar.Shedidn’tslipandfallintotheboilingwater.Herbodydidn’t moveaninch.Bennettfullysupportedherweight.Sheflexedandextendedherfingersandarms,thetensionreleasingfromher shouldersandupperback.Closinghereyes,sheprayedingratitudeforBennett,hiskindness,hisstrength,thefactthatshedid trusthim.Atleastnottoletherfall.Sheprayedforhelpandstrengthtomakeitthroughthesecrazychallenges,forBennettto be able to keep supportingher and beingas good and incredible as he had beentoday To notturninto a hormonal monster whentheywerealonetonight.
Shehadnoideahowlongtheyhungtherebutherlegswouldhaveanimprintfromthemetalbar Thatdiscomfortwasfar lessthanhowtiredherhands,arms,andshouldershadbeen.
“Youokaytostartmovingagain?”Bennettaskedquietly,asifafraidtoshortenherreprieve.
“Forsure Thankyousomuch Didyougetanyrest?Doyouwanttostretchyourarmsandhands?” “Sure.Canyouholdon?”
“Yes,sir”Shegrippedthemetalbarwithherhandsagain Hereleasedonearmfromloopingaroundthebarandshookitoutandthentheother.Thenheslidhislegsoutfromthebar infrontofthemandhungfreebehindher Shefollowedhislead,thetensioninherarms,shoulders,andhandsreturningfartoo quickly.
“Allright,let’sgo,toughRose.Thefasterwegetthroughthisthebetter.”
Sheknewhewasrightandstartedswingingfromrungtorung Ignoringthepaininherhandsandmusclesshekeptarunning prayerinherheadandkeptaconsistentpace.
“You’redoinggreat,”Bennettencouraged “We’realmostthere” Sheglancedfromthenextrungshewasfocusedonandrealizedhewasright.Maybetenmoremetalbarsandthey’dbeto thewall
“Yay!”shecheered.
She swungtothe nextbar andsomehow misseditcompletely.Screaminginsurprise,her other handrippedfromthe bar behind her and she was fallingthroughthe air toward a pool ofboilingwater where her skinwould be melted offlayer by layer. Thenthe rope jerked and she was swingingbelow Bennettfromher backpack. Her feetwere probablya bodylength abovetheboilingpool Shecouldfeelthatheatoozingthroughthesolesofhershoes
“Bennett!”shecriedout.
“You’reokay.Holdon.”
“Towhat?HowdoIgetbackup?” “Noworries.Holdontomylegs.”
