Page 69 of Wrapped in Winter


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I throw him a look as I try and dial it down. My steps slow, certain Levi took my well-meaning advice to heart and will never bother her again. But my lungs are still working hard, my body feeling hot and primed for action. If I wasn’t on a self-imposed abstinence, I could’ve taken it out on Winter’s body.

“Yeah, well, this guy only answers to bullies. I need to make sure he never shows up unannounced again.”

“He won’t. He practically shat himself just then.”

A satisfied laugh rumbles deep inside my chest. “I fucking hope so.”

“You sure know how to empty a street of pedestrians too,” he adds dryly, casting a quizzical look around him. There’s not a soul in sight.

We stop for a full minute, making sure Levi doesn’t backtrack. When my need to protect Winter doesn’t wholly consume me, when I’m certain her ex isn’t going to suddenly reappear, we return to the car. Winter’s concerned face is visible from the open passenger seat window. That means she probably heard every word I threw his way.

Shit. I hope she doesn’t think it was too much. ThatI’mtoo much. Apparently, she hates possessive guys.

Our eyes lock, so I nod, trying to comfort her. In reality, I think I’m trying to comfort myself, so I concentrate on our open discussion in the rink lobby. Hopefully, the careful look she’s giving me right now is because she was worried about me and Roo. About us getting hurt in some way, though both of us could handle that dweeb with an arm tied behind our backs.

Yeah, that was a damn good talk. I’ve never doubted Winter’s affection, but it’s clear she’s doubted mine. Putting the record straight felt good. I have to hope my behavior hasn’t gone against me.

“You good?” Luca checks as we settle in the back seat.

I slam the door shut. “Yeah,” I reply, control returning.

Twisting in her seat to see us, Winter’s peridot-colored eyes roam over every part of my face. “He didn’t hang around long. Your talk must’ve been highly motivational.”

Her dry humor makes me smirk.

Roo says, “He ran like the first little piggy did on seeing the big bad wolf.”

Winter grins, her eyes bouncing between us. “Thanks,” she murmurs. “He made my existence real shitty for a while.”

“Now it’s our turn,” I reply.

She grins. “Here’s hoping. In the meantime, it looks like you found a business opportunity as a motivational speaker.”

Luca grunts.

“Very funny,” I tell Winter, enjoying the way her eyes sparkle. Earlier, when she was being held against her will, they looked terrified. Dark and angry. Knowing I’ve helped put a smile back on her face is all the reward I need.

Luca sets off in the direction of Stein Hotel, the streets quiet as we enter the village. For a second, my mind diverts to how Levi’s gonna get back to Glenwood Springs, but then I decide it’s not my concern. If he hassles her again, I’ll get the police and courts involved. He’ll never bother Winter again from prison.

“You know, youcouldstay an extra night,” Winter suggests. “The cabin isn’t booked again until New Year’s Eve, Luca.”

It will take me all of five minutes to pack. I’ll just gather up everything in my arms from the drawer and dump it in my open suitcase. Then I’ll grab my ski gear out of the closet and chuck that on top. If Winter wants to help me, it’s a bonus, but staying an extra night isn’t possible.

To prove my point, Luca confirms, “I have an early meeting tomorrow. Ideally, we need to return tonight.”

“Yeah, of course,” she replies softly, turning to look out the car window.

“How are you feeling?” I ask her.

“Okay. Unnerved, but glad you guys came when you did. Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. But if he reaches out to you in any way, if you see him while we’re gone, you let me know. I’ll take care of him.”

“In a legal capacity,” my eldest brother provides, his lips hitched.

With her chin brushing her shoulder as she peers at me between the seats, Winter grins impishly. If I had totake care of himby way of a ravine and a hiking accident, I don’t think she’d mind.

We pull up the small hill toward our cabin, partially hidden by some tall pines. Once Luca parks, we jump out, Winter opening up the door.

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