It happened fast.
From the first moment I saw her to the minute she called me to let me know she was in trouble, she intrigued me. No woman has ever intrigued me like that. Not the ones I had one-nightstands with in the military, not my high school girlfriend who thought I’d come back to Grizzly River for her. None of them. There’s something about those light-blue eyes of hers against the long black hair on her head.
Before I can get to the door, it swings open, and I’m greeted by Lennon. Two sisters never looked so different. Where Atlee has light eyes, dark hair, and curves for days, Lennon has light hair, dark eyes, and is small with not much shape. But those eyes of hers? They’re worried.
“Is she okay?” she blurts out immediately.
I nod and push her back toward the entrance so we can take this inside. I’m sure neither one of them really wants their personal business out here in public if they can help it. The Walsh family has a reputation, and these two have done their best to get out from under the cover of that. “She’s okay,” I assure her as I shut the door. “Is there somewhere we can go to talk privately?”
She nods, turning to walk down a hallway, then peels off into what appears to be a conference room. “Atlee sent me a picture.” She wrings her hands in front of her. “Her face looks bad.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “He did a number on her, but her spirit is there. It’s still kicking. He didn’t break it.”
Her laugh is hollow. “It would take more than a man like that to break either one of our spirits, considering how we grew up. I’m worried about her, though. There were things that happened in her childhood—she may not remember them, but this might bring them up. Please be on the lookout for that. Did the guy who hurt her get out of jail?”
I’m not supposed to know anything about the guy, but I have my sources, and I’ve put them to good use. “He’s held on bond. I don’t think he, or anyone he knows, will be able to get him out. Nobody’s touching her while she’s under my care either, so you don’t have anything to worry about.”
Her body deflates as she lets out a breath. Going over to a corner, she grabs two bags and brings them over to me. “She asked for some things to wear and toiletries. I think I got everything she may need, including her laptop.” Lennon pushes a piece of hair back from her face, and her eyes pin mine. “I know she’s staying with you, and I don’t want her to get bored.”
Memories of last night flow through my mind. “She is, and as soon as she’s ready, I’ll bring her home. I just don’t think it’s a good idea for her to stay by herself.”
There’s tension between her sister and me as Lennon tilts her head to the side. “How do you know she lives by herself?”
Fuck. “I make it my business to know most of what goes on in this town. It’s good to be prepared.” There’s no reason to tell her that Atlee and I have been talking off and on. I’m a little too old for her, and Lennon is a little too protective.
“I don’t know if I truly believe you or not, but I’m gonna let it go, only because I agree. I can’t be with her all the time. The fact of the matter is, she doesn’t want me with her that much anymore. She’s learning to live on her own, and I’d hate to take that independence away from her.” She wipes under her eyes. “Just let her know I’m here if she needs me.”
I’m an older sibling too. I know where she’s coming from. It’s hard to let the younger ones grow and not need you as much anymore. Walking over to her, I put my hands on her shoulders. “I promise. She’s good. She’s safe with me. No one is going to hurt her while I’m around, and while I wouldn’t do this for anyone else, you can come out whenever you want to.” This goes against everything I’ve thought since I moved out into my own place. I left the main house because I needed some time to myself after coming home. There were nights when I’d wake up in a cold sweat, sometimes screaming.
“Thank you, Devlin. I appreciate it.”
Shrugging, I bend to grab the bags. “I gotta get back to the ranch, but if you need anything, let me know.”
Leaving the law office, I grit my teeth. I’ve talked more in the past twenty-four hours than I have in the last couple of years.
“Hey, Devlin.”
Turning, I raise my eyebrows at her. “Yeah?”
“If you ever need anything, let me know. I owe you for what you’ve done.”
“Don’t mention it.” But in the back of my mind, I tuck the fact that she works for one of the best attorneys in South Dakota in my pocket. Who knows when I might need it.
FIVE
ATLEE
Being alonein Devlin’s space is different from what I imagined it would be. I always thought if I were given the chance, I’d be nosy and try to figure out all his secrets. Instead, I can’t seem to make myself leave the bed. It smells like him, and I feel safer here than I have anywhere in my entire life.
Glancing around, I wonder what his plans were when he decided to move in here. Had he been planning to invite a woman? Was it done for one in particular? Was it always his plan to be alone and just invite women when he had an itch to scratch? All stuff I’ve thought about, but never been able to ask.
I’m not used to lying around all the time. Back when I lived at home with my parents, I would’ve gotten my ass beat had I decided to do that. So I make myself get out of bed and head to the bathroom. A shower is exactly what I need, but since I don’t have any clothes to wear, I go back and forth on what I should do.
Worst comes to worst, I can get in Devlin’s clothing and get at least a shirt and a pair of shorts.
When I get into the bathroom, I’m surprised. The house is little more than a cabin with one bedroom, a living area, and akitchen, but the bathroom? This must be where Devlin spends most of his time. The bathtub is huge, a walk-in shower sits to the side with what looks like a steam option and a seat to relax on, and there’s a hell of a view of the mountains from the picture window right above the tub.
This must be how Devlin relaxes after long days of hard work.
