Page 19 of Claimed By The Mountain Man

“What? Are you okay? Did he try to⁠—”

“I’m fine,” she rushes to assure me. “I’m okay. Hudson was there, and he scared off your dad.”

“Was he alone?”

“From what I could tell, yes. He’s in rough shape, though. His face was bruised. He had a busted lip and black eyes.”

“Shit,” I say, though I’m not surprised.

I figured they would hurt my dad when he couldn’t pay them back or offer me in exchange for clearing his debts. It still stings to know that he’s in danger, but not enough for me to go back or want to contact him ever again.

“I’m so sorry, Hazel. I hate that you’ve been dragged into this.”

“It’s not your fault,” she tells me gently.

“It feels like it. I mean, he’s my dad. I can’t stop thinking that if I’d left years ago or taken you up on your offer to move with you, none of this would have happened. We could’ve avoided all of this.”

“Scout, be for real. Your dad was going to use you whether you were living with him or not. At least this way, you got out. You met Carter, and you’re safe.”

“I’m scared he’ll find me and drag me back there,” I admit.

“Scout, no,” Hazel coos. “You’re safe with Carter. He won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I know, but I can’t stay here forever. I can’t hide forever.”

“You can stay with Hudson and me anytime you want to, but from what I’ve heard from Hudson, Carter isn’t going to kick you out anytime soon.”

“Yeah, he said he likes having me here, but I can’t stay and sponge off him forever. I need a job and a place to stay and a plan.”

“You’ll get all of that in time.”

We’re both silent for a beat.

“I need to get away from here,” I whisper. “Maybe if I’m on the opposite side of the country, he’ll stop looking for me.”

“Then you’ll be on the opposite side of the country from me too,” Hazel protests.

“What other choice do I have? He won’t stop.”

“We’ll think of something. In the meantime, try to stay positive. How are things going with Carter?” she asks, her tone changing to playful.

“Good. We went out last night for dinner, and it was… perfect.” I sigh dreamily. “We just click. It’s crazy, but it feels like I’ve known him for years and not days.”

“Sounds like someone is starting to fall in love!” Hazel singsongs.

My smile freezes on my face.

Am I?

Oh my gosh, I am.

“What are you up to now?”

“Carter is making us dinner. He bought candles,” I whisper.

She cheers. “Aw! So romantic! Okay, well, I won’t keep you any longer. Go enjoy your date, and I’ll talk to you later.”

“Thanks. Stay safe.”