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“Why didn’t she go to the police in her town?”
“Because the chief is apparently in cahoots with this creep. It would’ve gotten her nowhere.”
I gave Champ a final pat, and she lay down on the floor.
“Shit. We have to inform Kyle. He’s going to want to know there’s a drug dealer in town after a young woman.”
“I’m already ahead of ya.” I pulled my phone out of my pocket and wrote a text message to the police chief of our town. He and I had gone to high school together. In fact, we were on the same football and wrestling teams. I knew him very well and trusted him. He would do justice by Miranda if Declan decided to try anything here. He’d also be discreet and only share this information with those who had a need to know.
“Excellent,” Luke said and paused for a moment. It looked like he was toying with an idea in his head. When I was about ready to tell him to spit it out, he said, “I know you said to keep this between us, and I already let the men know about Declan, but I didn’t specify why. But I think we should tell them about Miranda. They’re honorable men, who can help protect her.”
I wasn’t the biggest fan of that plan. Miranda was scared enough with Luke and I helping her out. I didn’t want to frighten her further by telling more men about her being here. On the other hand, Luke had a point. It would be beneficial to have more sets of eyes looking out for her. Plus, if they happened to see her, I didn’t want them guessing what she was doing here or try and approach her. The decision was easy after all.
“All right. Tell them about Miranda and why Declan is after her. But,” I said, standing and putting my hands on either side of the table as I stood over Luke, “make it clear to them if any of them go telling anyone else about her and it results in her getting hurt, they’ll have to deal with me personally.” I didn’t think my men would ever cause her harm whether intentionally or not, but one could never be too careful.
“Trust me, boss, the threat of you will be enough to keep everyone from talking. Once they get to know her, I’m sure you won’t need the threat anymore. Just one look at her will make each of the hands protective.”
“I agree,” I admitted as I pictured the woman in question upstairs in my library. I wished I could be there right now with her. Her light-brown hair tucked behind her ears as her hazel eyes scanned all the stories. I wondered which she was going to choose to read first.
“She’s something special, isn’t she?” Luke asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Yeah. I’m not sure why, but something about her makes me want to take care of her and give her the world.” I felt so cheesy for admitting that, but it was the truth. She was special.
“Looks like you found yourself a keeper,” Luke said.
“I—” Before I could finish my sentence, Miranda appeared in the doorway. She looked beautiful as ever in my red shirt that fell to her knees. I wished she could keep wearing my clothes her entire time here, but I knew it wouldn’t be practical being on a ranch. We were going to have to get her some new outfits sooner rather than later. I would send one of my men tomorrow to tow her car to us. That would solve her wardrobe problem.
“Am I interrupting?” She was biting her lower lip and, with her hair tousled slightly, she looked incredibly sexy.
Luke turned to face her and Champ got up and went to her. She squatted to pet her.
“No, you aren’t interrupting,” I said as it felt like I got doused with a bucket of love. There was something so sweet about her petting Champ. She was so small. The desire to whisk her off to an island and let all her worries melt away as I took care of her was strong. She’d admitted to being interested in age play. Maybe she’d enjoy acting as my Little girl.
“We were going to go heat up some dinner. Right, Austin?” Luke asked.
I shook my head slightly to focus and looked at Luke. He had a giant grin on his face like a cat that had gotten hold of a canary.
“Yeah.”
“Sounds like a good plan. I’m starved,” she said, as she patted Champ’s head one more time before standing.
“Well, let’s go get something to eat,” I said and followed her and my best friend out of the room. One thing Luke was right about. She sure was something special.
Chapter 5
The three of us ate dinner and got the serious discussion out of the way first. As of tomorrow, all of the ranch hands would know who I was, why I was here, and to keep an eye out for Declan. I wasn’t thrilled bringing more people into my problem, but both men assured me it was for the best. I knew they had a point. It would be harder for Declan to lurk around or try to trick one of them to get to me.
Furthermore, they both agreed one of the employees would tow my car here, so I could have my possessions back. I couldn’t wait! Wearing Austin’s clothes was fun and made me feel like a kid again, but it’d be nice to wear an outfit that was my size.
Once we got all of that settled, Luke was kind enough to tell me hilarious stories of Austin from when he first took over the ranch. What was even funnier to me was when Austin’s cheeks blazed red. I never thought I’d see a cowboy blush.
“I think we’ve heard enough from you for one night,” Austin said, as he opened the porch door for his friend and motioned for him to leave.
“I’m not so sure. I do have one or two more stories I could share,” Luke said, picking up his hat and putting it on.
“Good night, Luke,” Austin said, curtly, and I knew there would be no more sharing tonight.
“Good night, Miranda. Keep this man in line for me.” With a tilt of his Stetson toward me and a pat on his boss’ shoulder, he left. Austin closed and locked the door behind him.
