"What exactly did they ask?"
"If he knew of any blonde women living alone in the mountains. Said they were looking for someone. A friend who'd gone off the grid." Pavel pauses, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he's remembering something. "But here's the thing. Earl said they asked about that, but then they kept pushing. They wanted to know if anyone lived with her. If there was a man staying nearby. They kept asking about who was around, who came and went. It was weird. They seemed more interested in that part, come to think of it."
I feel Maya's body go still beside me.
"A man?" I ask carefully. "They specifically asked about a man living here?"
"Yeah. They didn't give any explanation, though," Pavel said with a shake of his head. He adjusts his glasses. "Now I'm thinking maybe they weren't looking for you at all, Maya. Maybe they were looking for…" He glances at me with accusation.
"Did Earl give them anything?" My jaw clenches so hard, it aches.
"No. Earl's good people. He told them most folks up here value their privacy and he doesn't keep tabs on his customers." Pavel shifts in his seat. "But they didn't leave right away. They sat intheir vehicle for a while, looking at something on a tablet or phone. Then they drove off toward the mountain roads."
The coffee turns bitter in my mouth.
"I came as soon as I could," Pavel says. "I had to have my car worked on, so I couldn't come sooner, but I wanted to warn you."
"We appreciate that," I say, my tone making it clear the conversation should be ending.
But Pavel doesn't take the hint. He leans forward, addressing Maya directly. "You should come stay at my place. It's closer to town. Easier to get help if you need it. Safer."
The word 'safer' grates against my spine like sandpaper.
"She's safe here," I say flatly.
Pavel's jaw tightens. "With all due respect, you're the man they're looking for. If these people are serious, if they come looking, you'll need backup. My cabin has better sightlines. I have a radio. I can call for help."
"She's. Safe. Here." I repeat each word like I'm explaining something to a child.
Maya's hand finds mine under the table. Her fingers are cold, but her grip is firm. "I appreciate your concern, Pavel. Really. But I'm staying here."
Pavel's face flushes red. His eyes drop to where our hands are joined, and something ugly flashes across his features. Jealousy, raw and obvious.
"You barely know him," Pavel says, his voice rising. "I've been your neighbor for years. I've helped you. I've been there when you needed things."
"And I'm grateful," Maya says softly. "But I'm not leaving my home."
Pavel stands abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "You're making a mistake. When those men come back, and theywillcome back, you're going to wish you'd listened to me."
I rise slowly, deliberately. I have four inches and at least forty pounds of muscle on Pavel. I let him see all of it, let him understand exactly what kind of man he's challenging.
"Thank you for the warning," I say, my voice dropping to a dangerous quiet. "We'll take it from here."
Pavel's eyes meet mine, and whatever he sees there makes him step back. Good. He should be intimidated. He should understand that Maya is under my protection now, and I don't share.
"Fine," he mutters, grabbing his coat. "But don't say I didn't warn you."
Maya walks him to the door, murmuring polite goodbyes. I watch Pavel's eyes track the sway of her hips in those worn jeans, the way her sweater clings to her full breasts. My hands curl into fists.
The moment the door closes behind him, Maya turns to me. "He means well."
"He wants you." The words come out harsher than I intend.
"Maybe." She crosses her arms, and the gesture pushes her breasts up in a way that makes my mouth go dry. "But I don't want him."
Amazing how much those five little words drain some of the tension from my body.
I clear my throat. "We need to secure this place."
