“I’m not going to hurt you, love,” the man says.
Duke growls low and snowflakes hit my lips as I stay rooted to the spot, watching him through the door.
“Who are you?” I ask, understanding his visit wasn’t by chance. This man wasn’t just a tourist. Has he been here this whole time? Is this why I’ve felt uneasy? Dread rises as I realize I should’ve told Asher about him. I should’ve trusted my gut. I study his features from my spot outside and, the way the light illuminates his face, I realize this man is related to Asher. I can’t believe I didn’t see it before.
“I hadn’t consideredyou,” he says, tilting his head to the side.
I don’t reply.
“Sorry, how rude of me not to introduce myself. I’m Peter Donovan, Asher’s uncle.”
I blink for a moment. His uncle who runs his father’s business …
“Asher isn’t here, is he, love?”
I hold Duke tight. If this man threatens me, Duke’ll rip him limb from limb.
“No, he’s not.” My voice is shaky as I start to back up. “Why didn’t you introduce yourself that day in my shop?”
“I didn’t want to make my nephew suspicious; it’s my job to observe first, dear. I had to wait for the right time. He hasn’t exactly been interested in seeing me.”
Peter smiles at me, though even that terrifies me. “I think I’ll wait. This reunion is a long time coming. Maybe you inviteme in?” He nods to the house and Duke growls again.
Hell no. Make an excuse.
“Why don’t I call Asher?” I pull my phone out, showing him I have it. “See if he wants me to invite you in?”
“Don’t,” he warns, and for the first time since I found out I was pregnant with Asher’s child, I realize how stupid I’ve been not to ask more questions. Because standing in front of me isn’t just a man who runs a ruthless business. Everything about this man screams danger, and I feel the intense need to know exactly what kind of family I’m bringing my baby into.
Peter moves closer, and I take a step back in response.
“If you know what’s good for you, lass, you will let me in.”
I take another step but trip and stumble as I do, almost falling backward before I steady myself against the rain barrel outside the door.
Before I have a chance to dart for the house, I hear Asher’s truck careening down the long drive and turn to see snow flying from his winter tires. He must see Peter in the shop, because when he gets in view of the barn he speeds up. Slamming to a halt in front of us, he’s out of the truck in seconds as Peter sets down the briefcase he was holding and moves even closer to me. So close I can smell the heavy musk of his cologne as he stands beside me.
“Duke!” Asher orders in the tone that stops Duke dead in his tracks, though he remains at my side.
I watch Asher’s fists flex open then close. He doesn’t move, or come closer, or even blink as he watches Peter. The look in his eyes isn’t something I’ve seen before. His expression is dark and terrifying. It’s ruthless.
Deadly.
“Pete,” Asher greets him through clenched teeth.
“She tripped on her own, clumsy little thing.” Peter grins. “I’m not going to hurt her, don’t worry.”
“You’re fucking right, you aren’t.” Asher’s voice is puregravel.
Pete holds up one hand. “I’m only standing so close to her so you don’t pull yer Glock out and shoot me before you listen to the reason I’m here.”
Asher smirks, but it’s not the smirk I love.
“I don’t carry a weapon in this town.” Asher’s steaming as he moves closer, and I feel Pete tense, like he’s prepping to stand his ground. “And I don’t need a gun, Pete. I’ll rip your throat out with my fucking teeth and my dog will eat your remains if you don’t step away from the mother of my child. Right. Fucking. Now.”
CHAPTER 60
Asher
