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The way she listened and talked about her life only means she’s desperate for affection.
That’s all. Nothing more. And the sooner I get that into my head, the better.
Chapter Five
Lainey
I don’t know how long I’ve been asleep when I hear the loud banging coming from outside. For a second, I wonder if someone is shooting, then I realize it’s more a metal-on-metal sound. It’s almost like there’s someone working on the roof of a shed nearby, but that doesn’t make any sense because it’s dark. No one would be putting on a roof in the dark.
Climbing up from the bed, I pull back the shade and tuck my arms into the second flannel Niko dropped by for me to sleep in. All I see is darkness, but the clanking sound gets louder.
I pull the handgun from my purse and hold it close to me before stepping into the hallway. I won’t be able to sleep until I know what this noise is, and I’m not asking anyone for help…especially not from Niko.The guy might look like a fantasy, but he doesn’t act like one. The fantasy man I’m dreaming of, would hear the noise and already be out to check on me. He’d say something rough, but I’d know he meant it from the bottom of his heart and then he’d push me up against the wall and ravage me in the dirtiest, darkest, filthiest of ways while we ignored the clanking metal because, surely, it’s just the wind.
My clit throbs thinking of that reality. A reality where maybe this mouthy, country boy sees me less as a little rich girl, and more like a capable woman. That said, aside from the gun in my hand, I’m not feeling all that capable. In fact, I feel likeI’m spiraling out of control. This isn’t the direction I saw my life going in. Not ever. I don’t want to be out in the woods, hunting a bear with two grumpy mountain men, while I run for my life. I want to be in a little cabin of my own, somewhere by the river with a job in town. If I can’t be a seamstress, maybe I’ll try waitressing. That looked fun. I could talk to everyone in town, keep up on the gossip, and I could serve people. No one would believe me, but I like taking care of folks.
“Put that thing away. You’re going to kill someone.”
I turn back toward Niko who’s standing shirtless in the hallway.
Shirtless. As in,no shirt.As in, big, huge, hairy man with no shirt.
My clit throbs and my chest tightens. I’m sure he’s asked me a question or something, but I’ve already forgotten it. His shoulders are strong and wide, and his pecs are tight. He holds his own gun over his shoulder.
“You putyourgun away.Youcould kill someone,” I retort.
“Get back in your room. I’m going to see what all that noise is. I don’t want to worry about where you are.”
I realize this is the protectiveness I was fantasizing about a second ago, but in reality, I can defend myself.
“No, I’m fully capable of seeing what’s down there. Why don’t you go back toyourroom.”
He laughs. “You’re the size of a chihuahua. I’ve got this.”
I roll my eyes and step down the stairs, gun drawn and aimed, safety off. “Everyone is a chihuahua compared to you.”
Niko groans in disappointment behind me. “Why are you here if you can defend yourself?”
“I need the backup,” I lie.
“And what if your dad is down there?”
“Clanking against metal? I doubt it. He’s an asshole, but he’s not dumb.”
When we’re on the ground floor, Niko stares at me and nods toward the back door. I assume that means he’s taking the front, and I should take the back… so I do as I’d planned and head toward the front door.
A moment later, Niko is coughing. Not because he’s sick, but because he’s trying to get my attention. I guess this by the narrowed bulging of his eyes. This man doesn’t like folks not taking his orders.
I roll my eyes again and smile, heading for the front door. Again, there’s no real plan in my head, aside from disregarding everything and anything the fantasy man is offering.I know I need therapy.
The banging is louder now, but I’m sure it’s because we’re closer to the source down here. And though I love this defiant, carefree, badass, gun wielding version of myself, my gut is turning in circles. Sure, I’ve been trained to use a gun. I’ve shot at targets, and I’ve even watched a man die once,I have my father to thank for that,but I’ve never in my life shot at a living thing, nor could I.
I sigh and redirect my gaze out the front window. There’s no one out there. It’s the wind. I know it’s the wind.
Niko stomps through the house toward me. “Get upstairs, lock that door, and don’t come out until I tell you.” His tone is rough.
I sigh. “We already talked about this. I’m going out to help.”
“You’re not listening. I can’t have you not listening. We have guns.”
