Page 128 of Thaw My Heart

Markus begs to make it stop, trying to kick at Bandit, but then Bandit squeezes harder, and he cries. I’ve never heard him cry.

“Ryker,” Kit calls out.

Ryker, Blake, and Wes step through the door. How long have they been out there?

Kit takes off his navy Carhartt and helps me put it on, covering me in the sight of my silky blue bra before they can see. I’m too shocked to have even noticed that I was practically naked, but I’m thankful that Kit did.

“So, this is the piece of shit,” Ryker spits on Markus.

Wes curses, kicking him hard in the ribs.

Markus whines.

“I think he thinks this is pain,” Blake laughs. “Boy, you have no idea what pain is.”

A soft finger on my jawline brings my eyes back to Kit. “I need you to go outside.”

“What?” I say through my tears.

Kit nods to Ryker, and then he takes off. Blake picks up Markus’s gun and tucks it away, circling him like a vulture.

“We need to get that burn taken care of. Cole is outside waiting to take you to his place,” he finishes.

But I don’t want to leave him. “Kit, I⁠—”

His hand brushes my jaw. “Do you trust me?”

“Of course,” I nod.

He smiles and lifts me into his arms, carrying me outside into the snow, where he gently places me in Cole’s truck. My body is still shaking as he pulls the seatbelt around me. “I’ll come get you in a few hours.” Snowflakes land on his flannel, quickly covering him.

“Hours?” I blurt out, eyes widening.

Kit nods, unfazed.

“What are you going to do to him?” Not that he doesn’t deserve it, but it still bothers me. And I need Kit right now. I don’t want to be alone.

“Well, I’m not going to commit murder. Though I’d like to,” Kit smirks, rubbing at the scruff on his chin. “But you will never see him again. I promise.”

With that look in his eyes, I believe him.

“I know a good lawyer,” Cole chimes in, offering me a warm smile. “You have nothing to worry about, Sadie.”

Ryker walks up holding Foxie, who’s ecstatic to see me. “Thought you might need this,” he smiles, placing her on my lap. She peppers kisses on my face as she settles. I’m so thankful she’s safe.

“Thank you so much, Ryker.” Tears fall onto Foxie’s soft orange fur.

“Tell Averie I say hi,” Ryker blushes, tipping his black cowboy hat before walking back to my cabin.

“Averie?” My eyes snap to Kit.

Kit glances at his wristwatch. “She should be at Cole’s at any minute.” He meets my eyes, softly smiling. “I thought you might need a friend. I hope that’s okay.” If my heart hadn’t already fallen for him, I would’ve fallen right here in this moment.

I eagerly nod, confirming my happiness.

“I’ll find you,” he taps Cole’s truck, stepping back. And for the first time, I don’t question those words.

I know he will.