The quiet kind.
The kind that makes entire rooms go still.
His broad shoulders fill the doorway, his dark eyes locked on Mike like a predator that just found something it’s been itching to crush.
Mike pales instantly.
And I realize something I should have expected all along.
Mike might have come here to start trouble.
But he picked the wrong damn place.
Chapter30
J.T
Iwas already on my way to see her when I get the text.
It’s from Mack—the young fucker who works the yard at the mill.
The one who thought he might have a shot with Kelly before I made it real clear whose woman she is.
Mack
Unexpected visitor in the Lunchroom.
That’s all the message says.
But I know exactly who it is.
And instead of driving up the mountain like a civilized man on his way to surprise his bride-to-be, I hit the gas.
Hard.
Gravel spits from my tires as my truck slides into the lot.I don’t even bother shutting the engine off all the way before I’m out the door.
Every step toward that building feels like trying to hold a fucking avalanche inside my chest.
Anger.
Jealousy.
Something darker.
Because that little prick had Kelly once.But she’s not his anymore.And I don’t share what’s mine.
I yank open the Lunchroom door just in time to hear the end of whatever poisonous bullshit he’s been spewing.
“…I leave town for a little while, trying to make a better life for myself, and suddenly you can’t even raise our kid without running off to marry some old lumberjack?—”
“This old lumberjack is about two seconds away from rearranging your face,” I growl.
The words come out low and calm.
Which is the only reason I don’t grab him by the throat immediately.
The room goes quiet.
