I can fix this. I just need to get Ericson alone and explain to him that this is none of his business. Mentally psyching myself to talk to a complete stranger about my sexual escapade with Jack is not something I thought I’d be doing today, but here I am. I need to do this.
Jack is right. If Ericson feels what’s going on between Jack and me is wrong, he can report us and then I’ll be taken away. I can’t let that happen. Not only because I want to leave on my own terms but because it would traumatize Amanda and Alex to see someone else they love leave them like that.
We’ve been winding up the mountain for a while and even though it’s dark, I can see why Hunter likes it up here. There’s nothing but wilderness and the idea of being surrounded by nothing but nature is extremely appealing.
After going around another bend, the truck veers into a path cutting deeper into the mountain.
“We’re here.” Jack announces while looking out the windshield. He hasn’t looked at me since we first took off and I can only imagine what’s going on inside of his gorgeous head.
The thicket of trees clears and gives way to a small clearing where a substantial sized cabin sits. Wow. It’s stunning. I thought his home would be a little more rugged than this, but it’s like a larger version of the cabin by the waterfall.
Same massive windows adorn the home and I can only imagine how this place looks in the winter, sitting on one of the couches and staring out into the blanket of white powdery snow.
The truck comes to a complete stop, signaling it’s time to face the music. Jack gives me one quick glance before assuring me once again that everything is going to be alright. “Don’t worry, Pen. I can see the wheels turning in your head. It’ll be fine.”
I chuckle. “You didn’t talk to me the entire ride up here and you’ve managed to read my mind how?”
His eyes focus on me, narrowing just a touch. “I know you, Princess. I studied your every facial expression for five years, watching for any signs of distress caused by the new relationship your mom had formed with my brother. You were this little spitfire with such a big heart, and I couldn’t stand the idea of anything tarnishing that.” His eyes cut to Ericson who’s getting out of his truck. “I’ve always loved you, Pen. Maybe not always like this. Definitely not like this. But my heart loved you just the same.”
Before I can say anything in response, Jack is opening his door and stepping outside. I’m left sitting there in a daze at his words. Was that a declaration that he loves me now? Romantically?
Loud boisterous men cut into my thoughts and I see that Jace and Matt are pouring out of the cabin, both surrounding Ericson with warm greetings. It looks like they all know each other. Good. Hopefully, this will help my cause, and let him see I’m not in any danger and definitely don’t need any rescuing.
I’m staring at the men when my door flings open and Jack is standing there, holding out a hand to me. “You coming, Princess?”
His words make me flush, remembering my coming on his pant leg. My eyes quickly dart to the area, making me heat even further. It isn’t until Jack’s clearing his throat that I realize his friend is staring straight at us. Right. I need to get on with my plan.
Taking Jack’s hand, I step out of the truck and toward the rest of my uncles. As soon as I’m within range, each one surrounds me with a bear hug. “Ease up guys. I can barely breathe,” I muffle through their various limbs.
“But we missed you,” Jace teases. “How’s Stalin treating you? Still giving you shit about your coffee?”
Jack grumbles behind me. “It’s unnatural. Nobody should drink it cold unless they have to.”
Ericson releases a snort, making my heart flutter with hope. Maybe he’ll see things our way.
Untangling myself from the group hug, I face Jack before answering. “Jack has his moments, but I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else. Even if he doesn’t agree with my choice of coffee.”
Matt grabs at his chest, “Not even your Uncle Matt?”
Jack growls, but I simply laugh. “And be subjected to the parade of women you’ll bring around? No thanks.” I tap him on the chest and make my way toward Hunter’s front door.
“Where’s Hunter?” Ericson asks.
Matt grimaces. “He’s out checking the perimeter. Been doing that a lot since we arrived. Didn’t take the news about Austin well. The guy blames himself like there was a way he could’ve stopped Austin from—”
Jack elbows his brother, cutting off his words. “Watch it.”
All three men turn to look at me, Matt’s lips turning down in a frown. “I’m sorry, Pen.”
I raise my hands, palms up. “Hey, there’s no need to treat me like a fragile princess. Besides, Ericson here doesn’t know the full story. We should probably fill him in.”
My eyes cut back to the park ranger, trying to convey that I’m fine. His eyes meet mine and I can see that worry lurks behind them. I’m just not sure if it’s for me or for what happened with Austin.
Maybe it’s a little of both.
“Let’s get Pen inside. It’s too cold for her out here.” Jack sidles up to me, his muscular arm pulling me into his side in a protective manner, making me melt a little inside.
‘Definitely not like this.’ His words from earlier come to mind and I wonder if the love he has for me now is the kind that a man has for a woman, not a little girl.
Matt coughs awkwardly, his eyes darting back and forth between Jack and me. “Right. Pen, you must be freezing. Let’s get you inside.”
Jace chimes in from ahead as we all walk toward the cabin. “Yes. What on earth would possess you to wear that little dress up here?”
Jack snorts while I roll my eyes and groan. “I thought we were going down valley.”
Something tells me I’ll never live this wardrobe choice down.
Stepping out of the cold and into the cabin, I’m surrounded by warmth. My eyes fall on a massive fireplace, roaring with a fire in the hearth. Immediately, I plant my butt on the chair closest to it, enjoying the heat it provides.
Not two seconds later, a blanket is being placed around my shoulders and a kiss is being pressed to my head. “Get warm, Princess. I need to talk to the guys real quick.” Looking behind me, I see Jack’s worried expression.
Matt coughs again, making me turn. He’s got this funny look on his face I can’t quite place. It’s a cross between constipation and choking. I’m about to say something when Jack cuts me off. “Matt, Jace, I need a minute with you. Ericson, if you don’t mind keeping an eye on Pen. I don’t want to leave her alone.” He looks out into the dark night and a shiver runs through me. Am I still in danger? “As soon as I’m done talking to the guys, we’ll fill you in on everything.”
Ericson’s eyes are narrowed on Jack, and despite whatever he might be thinking, he gives Jack a nod before coming to sit in the chair directly across from mine. “She’s safe with me.”
There’s an edge to his voice that would indicate I’m not safe with Jack and he doesn’t miss it. Jace, not being one who’s comfortable with awkward tension, cuts in. “Alright, let’s get this party started so we can all get down to the ranch. My stomach is mad at me for letting it put up with Hunter’s culinary skills and I can sure use some of Mary’s home cooking right now.”
“Don’t talk about Mary’s cooking right now. I’m serious when I say I dream about that woman’s roast.” Matt’s stomach grumbles and we all chuckle, ending the strange tension if just for a moment.
With Matt’s plea, all three Crown brothers disappear into a hallway, leaving Ericson and me alone.
As soon as the men aren’t within earshot, I turn to my current guard. “Listen, I know what you’re probably thinking, but the reality is far from it.” He chokes back a snort, but I ignore it and continue. “My mother worked two jobs and went to night school. I don’t even remember my dad. My point is I had to learn how to fend for myself from a very young age and I can tell the difference between someone taking advantage, abusing, or genuinely caring.”
Ericson’s face turns red, “But you’re so—”
I hold up a finger, cutting him off. “I’m not done. Because if all that wasn’t enough, within the last month I’ve been abducted by a cartel, held in dismal conditions for a week, and watched my mother be raped and decapitated in front of my very eyes.”
“Jesus.” Ericson’s face turns green at my words.
“My mother’s dying wish was that I look after my little brother and sister, who also bore witness to her suffering. As you already know, Jack is our guardian and if you so much as hint at any mistreatment by him, including whatever you think you know is happening between the two of us, then you’ll not only tarnish your friendship with him but you’ll also be making sure I’m torn away from my little brother and sister. That would traumatize them further and you’d be making me break my promise to our mother.”
Ericson swallows hard. “I see…”
“So please, I politely ask that you keep any thoughts to yourself and stay out of our business.”
A clearing of someone’s throat has me whipping my head around and I come face to face with a towering lumberjack. Hunter’s muscular six-foot-three frame is standing behind my chair, an unreadable look on his face.
“Hunter!” I squeak, jumping out of my seat and wrapping my arms around him in a hug.
Despite Jack staying away these past four years, Hunter visited us at least twice a year. He may be a recluse, but he’s a consistent and dependable recluse.
His brawny arms wrap around me, his chest vibrating with his words. “Hey shrimp.” He looks over my head and nods at his friend. “Ericson. Where are they?”
“Hello to you too, asshole.” Ericson shakes his head, but the smile on his face says this is normal for them. “They went that way. Said they had to discuss something before they fill me in on what happened.” He drops his gaze to me still in Hunter’s arms. “But I think your shrimp here filled me in on everything I need to know.”
Hunter nods his head twice, his face as stoic as ever. Finally releasing his hold on me, he walks toward the hallway. “I’ll be back.”
“A man of few words.” I chuckle awkwardly at Ericson. Now that I’ve said my peace, I don’t know what else to do but wait out the Crown men.
Seeing a chessboard on the console table, I make a truce offering. “Up for a game?”
