Page 35 of Rescued

He'd come prepared to be her protector, telling himself he would resist the temptation to be more. What he hadn't been prepared for was the vulnerability he saw in her expressive eyes as she'd recognized him. On the one hand, he should be happy she hadn't been afraid of him. Considering how far he'd pushed her out of her comfort zone the last time they'd seen each other, he wouldn't have blamed her if she'd run screaming fromhim.

The engine roared louder as he picked up speed. Traffic thinned once they were outside of the congested tourist area. As he banked around a corner at the entrance to the expressway, he reveled in the way his beautiful passenger hugged him tighter. The press of her breasts against his back revved up hislibido.

Before he merged with the northbound traffic, Ryder brought the bike to a stop along the edge of the highway. He shook out of his leather jacket, turning his body to wrap it around Khloe'sshoulders.

When she didn't move to put her arms through the sleeves, he prodded her. "Put it on." There was noarguing.

She eyed him suspiciously, but followed his directions. He should tell her to zip it up, but he was a dickhead, preferring to feel the chilled nipples he could see straining against her evening gown pressing against his black T-shirtinstead.

Their eyes met. He saw so many questions there. Questions he wasn't sure he had answers to. He couldn't resist the urge raise her visor, cupping her rosy cheek through the opening as he gave her the only information she needed at themoment.

"We're heading north about twenty miles. Hang on tight,Princess."

"Ryder..." He saw her confusion at his suddenappearance.

"I know. We have a lot to talk about. For now, just try to enjoy theride."

He lowered her visor and waited until she'd wrapped her arms around his waist again to pull the powerful machine out into fast movingtraffic.

It had been a while since he'd ridden. He'd forgotten how much he loved it. Like it or not, motorcycles were an important part of his life. Having Khloe riding with him made it close to perfect, yet as much as he enjoyed the warmth of her body pressed against his back, he couldn't entirely ignore the nervousness growing in his gut with every mile he put behind them. Figuring out how to protect the celebrity on the back of the bike without getting dead first was just one thing weighing onhim.

Three years. That's how long it had been since he'd been home for a visit, if he could call it that. He'd been home less than twenty-four hours last time before he'd packed his bag and left. As he passed an exit with several low-end motels, he contemplated changing his plan. No one was expecting him. They could check-in to a seedy hotel and none would be thewiser.

But Khloe Monroe deserved better than that, and like it or not, he needed to try to clear the air with his father before it was too late. He'd pretended his aunt's emails hadn't impacted him, but the truth was that facing death so many times in the last year on the job had forced him to face his own mortality, something deep cover agents normally avoided at allcosts.

By the time they reached their exit, he had his emotions in check. He observed the town he'd grown up in with reserved interest. Southern California expansion had reached Santa Clarita, making it a medium sized city now. New mixed with old, bringing back memories, both good and bad. There was no avoiding The Office as it was on the main highway that ran through the heart of the town. He slowed, but didn't stop, observing the dozens of motorcycles parked in the oversized parking lot of the building he'd spent most of his formative yearsin.

Except he was no longer welcome there and that was fine withhim.

He turned onto Canyon Ridge Trail. The road in front of them inclined sharply as he began the last leg of their trip for the night. The path was dark, street lamps few and far between on the edge of the protected federal parkland where hiking trails were more common than paved streets. Up ahead he saw the bright lights of the last all-night gas station they'd pass. He pulled in, parking at the door to the small but well-lit convenience store attached to thestation.

They were plunged into silence as he turned off the engine. Despite stopping, Khloe still clung to him and he almost hated to break their connection. His hands found hers at his waist, twining their fingers together for a few seconds before gently pulling her arms apart, He took off his helmet, but as she moved to do the same, he stoppedher.

"Leave it on. I don't want anyone to recognize you." Even through the visor, he saw understanding in her brown eyes. "Stay here. I'll only be inside a fewminutes."

She argued, "I don't want to be alone out here. Can't I comein?"

"In your elegant gown? I don't think so." He reassured her. "It'll be okay. Ipromise."

She didn't lookconvinced.

He unbuckled his duffle bag from the back of the bike and headed inside. They'd need supplies for at least a few days. True to his word, it only took him a few minutes to pick up what they'd need and pay. He could see the relief in his passenger's eyes when he returned, enjoying the extra tight hug she gave him once he was seated again. After months spent apart, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was finally home, but he suspected the feeling had nothing to do with their physicallocation.

She feels perfect againstme.

The final few miles to their destination were so different from the first few miles of their trip. Thick forest and ground brush surrounded them where concrete and buildings had been in the city. Even in the dark he could tell that the recent rain had greened the area nicely; the smell of spring flowers was evident as winding turns replaced flat streets. Here, the near-full moon was the only light besides the single headlight of his bike. They didn't pass another vehicle the final two miles of their trip, reminding him of how remote the family homesteadwas.

Family. The word could be misleading. In this place, family was linked by loyalty, not blood. He may have the right blood flowing in his veins, but he wasn't stupid. Many here would not be happy for his return, which was why he'd like to keep his presence under wraps for as long as he could and that meant going to see the one person he was pretty sure would be happy he washere.

He pulled into the dark parking lot of The Canyon Ridge Resort, the last public establishment before hitting the private family compound. A few older model cars were parked at the far edge of the lot, lookingabandoned.

In the distance he could see the campfires of the residents of the neighboring RV park that sat along the smaller of the two lakes on the property. Once he cut the engine, he could make out the laughter of people havingfun.

Ryder turned his attention to the mammoth A-frame lodge in front of them. It hadn't changed at all. The log frame, gigantic windows and wraparound porch called to him. He washome.

Or closeenough.

Like at the gas station, he got off and told Khloe to stay put, but she was ready for him thistime.

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