“Kassie called me. You mentioned I spent the evening with you, and Leo asked if you might stay here until they figure out how Jeremy got on the mountain undetected. It’s tightly secured and doesn’t make any sense. Don’t worry. You’re safe here.”
“I know,” she said, rubbing her neck.
“Kassie said she gave you something for the pain. It’s turning purple and blue.” Ty said, inspecting her wound. He went to the kitchen and pulled a bag of frozen peas from the freezer. Wrapping it in a towel, he held it to her neck.
“Why don’t you rest while I bring in your things? I have a guest room across the hall from my room,” he said. “I’ll put a bed in there for Ice.”
“I can help,” she said when he placed a hand on her shoulder. Scarlett winced.
“I know you can, but it’s only a couple of bags, dog food, and toys. It won’t take me long,” Ty said as he crossed the room to enter the garage. Pulling the items from the truck, he took them inside the house.
Ice whined and pawed at Scarlett’s leg. His chin rested on her knee while he gazed at her with soulful eyes.
Scarlett absently stroked his fur, yet her mind seemed elsewhere.
Ice glanced between the two of them as if hoping Ty might have the answers to console his mistress.
Ty picked up the peas and took her hand. “Why don’t I show you to your room? You’re exhausted. I have an extra charger you can use. Did you call Rocker?”
“Shit. I forgot. My phone broke,” she said slowly.
“I’ll call him to give him the updates and tell him you’ll contact him in the morning or if you hear something tonight,” Ty offered.
“No. Rocker will lose his shit. It’s best if I do it,” she said as he took her to the bedroom. Ice walked to his bed, rolled up into a ball, and whined.
“Allie said he didn’t have a scratch on him. I don’t know what he’s whining about,” she said, sitting on the bed.
“He senses your stress. I’ll give you some privacy while you speak with Rocker,” Ty said, punching in Rocker’s number and handing her his device, before leaving.
Scarlett waitedfor her brother-in-arms to answer.
“Hello?” Rocker answered.
“It’s me,” she said hastily.
“Hey, Sassy P. It’s late. You doing all right?” he said, sounding as if she woke him up.
“It’s Sledge. A man came into our cabin and shot him. The bullet hit his spleen. Kassie sent a plane to pick up Kim and her family,” she blurted out.
“Wait. Slow down. What the hell happened?” he growled.
“He told me to lock the door. I didn’t do it because Sledge called and said he was on his way back. I called Rayne, and he got in. It’s my fault,” she cried.
“Hold on, Sassy Pants. What the fuck?”
Hearing her distress, Ty hurried back into the room and took the phone from Scarlett. Wrapping one arm around her for comfort, he said, “Rocker, I’m Ty Bradshaw. Scarlett will be staying with me until they catch the person responsible for the attack on her and Sledge in their cabin. She’s on pain meds because the bastard tried to strangle her. Sledge was shot, and they took him into surgery. Kassie said they’ll call when he’s out. I’ll call if we hear anything. Right now, Scarlett needs her rest.”
“Tell her I’m on my way. I dropped her off at the hospital to receive treatment, not at a dude ranch,” he growled.
“Last time I checked, Scarlett’s a grown woman. She can make her own decisions, except for this evening. She needs her friend, not someone yelling at her when she’s barely able to comprehend what happened herself. She’s in pain. You have my number, and the Winters family can vouch for me. Until then, I suggest you speak to her with some respect.” Ty hung up the phone.
Scarlett stared blankly at him in shock. Heswept the hair away from her face. “Do you need help getting into your pajamas?” he asked.
“No. You can go to bed. I don’t think I'll be able to sleep. What if he dies?” Tears ran down her cheeks.
Ty took her hand and tugged her to stand. He placed a hand on her back and waited at the door for Ice to join him.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked.
