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“I thought we could use a quiet getaway. Unwind and unplug for a bit. The place barely gets cell service anyway.”
Not a total fib–being isolated and off-grid is precisely why secrecy is guaranteed there.
Gemma chews her lip, but she finally quirks a grin. “Well, if haunted cabins are your idea of relaxation, then sure.”
I chuckle, shoulders loosening in relief at her willingness to play along. We can have the difficult talks later. Today, all that matters is vanishing before the monsters find us again.
“Don't worry, I won't let the boogeyman get you,” I tease gently.
She rolls her eyes but smiles, some unspoken trust passing between us.
The drive upstate is a blur of dark roads and endless trees. Gemma dozes fitfully against the window. I keep one hand on the wheel, the other resting near the gun holstered at my side. It's a comfort, the weight familiar and reassuring as we hit the highway.
I glance over at her delicate features, illuminated by the glow of the dashboard lights. It's hard to believe anyone would want to hurt someone as gentle as her. But I know evil exists—I’ve seen it firsthand. And right now, it’s targeting the woman I swore to protect.
She has no idea where we’re going or why. I haven’t told her anything since I showed up and said we needed to leave immediately. Part of me hates keeping her in the dark. But until I figure out who we can trust, the less she knows, the safer she is.
After an hour, the city fades into a forest. The tires crunch on the gravel road as I guide the truck up the mountain pass. Gemma regards the increasingly remote scenery. Her singing trails off as she peers out the window. “Are we almost there yet?”
“We’ve got a while to go.” I sigh, hands tightening on the wheel. “I know this is weird, but I need you to trust me.”
She holds my gaze for a long moment before nodding. “I do, but I don’t understand.”
We share a tense smile. “I promise I’ll explain everything soon.” I need to keep her mind engaged. I put on my best pretend tour guide voice. “Here we have scenic trees, more trees, and if you look closely, even more trees.”
Gemma pretends to take photos. “Stunning! Such majestic pines!”
I spread my arms out to show Gemma the surroundings. She places a hand on my arm, and I flex my muscles.
She fans herself, eyes sparkling with delight. “Do that again, and I might faint!”
“I know CPR,” I warn with a wink.
We’re both laughing now, the tension of the long drive momentarily forgotten.
When we finally arrive, the cabin is as I remember—rustic and inviting, hidden amongst the dense woods. My buddy, Thorne, owes me more than a few favors, and right now, hooking us up with this secluded sanctuary is repayment enough. Thorne assured me he squared things away with Carter, the owner, and he’s on my side. We have his permission to use the cabin for as long as we need while Carter’s out of town.
“Here we are,” I announce, cutting the engine.
She looks at the small, rustic cabin nestled among the pine trees. Her blue eyes are bright with curiosity as she takes it all in. A thin curl of smoke rises from the chimney, the only sign of life for miles.
“Well, this is cozy,” Gemma remarks, but her tone is doubtful. “Let me guess. We’re on a survivalist retreat, and tomorrow’s trust-building exercise is eating worms?”
I chuckle. “Close. Tomorrow, we forage for berries and braid each other’s hair.”
She gasps dramatically. “Do you think they have a sweat lodge? I love a good detox.”
“I’m sure we can build one. But the safe words are ‘platypus’ and ‘rutabaga’ in case things get too intense.”
Gemma pretends to swoon. “Take me now, you rugged mountain man!”
I flex my bicep again. “Can’t resist all this raw masculinity, can you?”
I get out and go around to open Gemma's door, offering my hand. She takes it, stepping down gracefully. “It's perfect,” she says, a smile playing on her lips. “Like something out of a storybook.”
I nod, relieved she approves.
The cold mountain air pinks her cheeks as she looks around. “How did you find this place?”
