Goldie glances back up at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “He was supposed to be my husband.”
The growl rumbling in my chest is pure animal. I feel thefur itching to break out over my skin, and my teeth sharpen at her words. Jealousy and possessive rage fill my soul, and I know without a doubt this woman will never escape me. And this supposed husband will have to face a very deadly brown bear if he attempts to take her back.
3
GOLDIE
The incredibly handsome man’s growl reminds me of my empty stomach.
“I don’t want to be a pain,” I say, my cheeks warming from my embarrassment, “but do you have anything to eat? I was just about to do my best Bear Grylls impersonation and eat sticks when I saw your cabin.”
Kieran’s mood shifts from anger over my situation to amused affection. His crooked grin is downright dangerous to my mental well-being.
“Of course, sweetness,” he purrs. “Is there anything you don’t eat?”
I can’t help but grin back. “Bugs and sticks, thanks to you.”
His chuckle wraps around my ovaries and tugs insistently. I’m in so much trouble. Surreptitiously, I check for a ring on his finger.
Phew.Nothing. No gold band or tan line. And he did only mention brothers.
Wait, there are more of him? Hubba hubba.
I shake my head like I can dispel the lecherous thoughtsand follow him to the kitchen. When I notice his backside is as gorgeous as the front, I give up the ghost. I’m just going to have to keep a straight face while I perv over him.
Kieran looks a bit older than me, but not by too much. Maybe early thirties. His hair is brown with hints of red and sandy blond, and his eyes are a gorgeous deep honey color. He’s a lot taller than I am, though that’s not hard to achieve since I’m a pocket princess. He’s also fit and muscular without being bulky or overtrained. Both the jeans hugging his firm ass and I agree he’s just perfect.
“Does porridge work then?” he asks, pulling me out of my reverie. He must have caught me ogling him, because his pleasant grin turns a little bit wicked.
“Porridge sounds amazing, thank you,” I say breathily, like some sixties movie starlet. “Oh!” I exclaim, remembering I didn’t come here alone. “Bonnie’s outside, and she must be hungry as well. You wouldn’t happen to have some oats for her too, would you?”
Kieran frowns and looks at the window. “Bonnie is… your daughter?” he asks, scratching his head just under his floppy manbun.
I giggle at the presumption and my poor communication skills. “Almost! She’s my beloved horse.”
“I see.” He makes an exaggeratedwhewgesture. “I was worried for a second you left a toddler outside. Wolves know better than to go near our cabin, but you never know.”
My eyes bug out. “There are wolves in this forest?”
“Oh yeah.” He grins, showing his even, white teeth. “And bears.”
I shudder, wrapping his blanket around me tighter. “I’m glad I didn’t run into any.”
“Sure,” Kieran drawls. “Adrian and Marcus should be back soon, and we’ll take care of both of you girls.”
Am I blushing? Why am I blushing?
“Are those your brothers?” I ask as I watch him slowly stir oats into the pot on the stove.
“Near enough to be,” he answers casually. “Adrian’s parents adopted me when I lost mine, and they were always tight with Marcus’ family, so we all grew up as siblings even though we’re not related by blood.”
“I’m sorry about your parents,” I murmur, looking at the floor. My parents are cold and calculating, but they had their moments. Maybe now that Father saw Thomas aim a gun at Bonnie and me, he won’t insist I marry him anymore.
“Thanks, sweetness. It was a long time ago,” Kieran replies with a sad smile. “Anyway, Adrian and Marcus’s jobs take them out into the woods daily. I’m more of an indoorsie guy. Except when it comes to my garden, that is.”
“What is it that you guys do?” I ask curiously, sliding into one of the barstools lining the kitchen island.
“I’m the resident nerd,” he says with a self-deprecating smile. “I work with computers. Adrian’s a logger, and Marcus is in charge of the rangers for the national park.”
