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He smiled down at her and squeezed her hand. Really stupid. Whatever his reasons for coming for her, they were together again, and it felt right. Once they got past this little hurdle of Flint’s threats, he’d make sure they stayed together. He’d rescued her from Flint in Jackson, and he wanted to rescue her not only from Flint but also from the poverty she’d obviously grown up with. He didn’t know how she would take that.

They made it to the truck and saw Ridge sitting up front talking to Caleb. That was fine by him. He pulled open the back door and helped Breeze climb in. She smiled back at him so sweetly that he thought coming here was the smartest thing he’d ever done. Sliding in next to her, his leg brushed hers. He felt like he was back in middle school and getting high as a kite from a simple leg brush.

“What are the dirt bikes for?” She tilted her head toward the bed of the truck. “Just can’t live without one?”

He smiled and laid his arm along the seat back. “Those were Caleb’s idea.”

“Speaking of,” Caleb spoke up from the front seat. “Let’s get those unloaded and then we can talk about the plan.”

“So, there’s already a foolproof plan?” Seth asked.

Caleb pumped his eyebrows. “You know I always have a plan.”

Seth chuckled.

“Hey, how about Ridge and I unload the bikes? Give you two at least a minute alone.” Caleb winked and pushed open his door. Ridge followed suit and the quad cab was suddenly very quiet.

Seth turned to Breeze. It wasn’t very quiet or romantic as Caleb banged open the tailgate and rolled the ramp out. Seth didn’t want to waste any time with Breeze though.

He glanced down at her, not sure what to say. He’d told her he missed her, and she hadn’t given him much.

She preempted him by saying, “Thank you for coming. I can’t imagine facing Flint without you here.”

“I won’t let him hurt you.” Seth felt those words deeply and he figured this was his moment. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and turned her toward him. She came willingly, pressing her hands against his chest then sliding them up around his neck and sighing sweetly.

“I know you won’t, Seth. Thank you.” She lifted her face to his and Seth didn’t need another invitation as he bent down and pressed his lips to hers.

A rock pinging off the back window yanked them apart.

“Caleb,” Seth growled, glancing out the rear window at his brother who was behind the truck.

“Backpack,” Caleb mouthed.

Seth’s gut tightened. All thoughts of romance fled as he whispered to Breeze, “Flint’s here.”

Her eyes widened in horror. Seth grabbed the backpack at his feet, pushed open his door and jumped out. Breeze hurried down after him. He caught her around the waist and helped her down.

“He’s here?” Seth asked, looking to his twin who was pushing one of the Honda 450 CRFs. They were good bikes for speed and durability and if they went into the mountains, they’d still perform well.

“I heard vehicles approaching without lights, luckily they parked in the field on the other side,” he whispered. “Let’s hunker down and listen.”

He handed the dirt bike off to Seth and took his backpack. Seth held on to the handles and followed his brother’s advice. Ridge came around with the other bike and stopped next to them. The truck and darkness sheltered them from whoever was over at Breeze’s house.

Breeze stayed close by his side, her anxiety rolling off her and her breath short and heavy.

“It’s okay,” Seth whispered to her, hoping to calm her down. “It’ll all be okay.”

“Okay,” she repeated, “It’s okay.” She wrung her hands together and leaned against his shoulder. “What if they destroy my house like they did yours?”

Seth wished he could wrap her up and comfort her, but he could hear vehicle doors opening and shutting and many feet shuffling around. He concentrated and tried to listen but couldn’t distinguish any of the words they were muttering. He also didn’t know how to tell her, but if one cigarette butt was thrown wrong, that trailer would go up in flames. Her house would most likely be destroyed.

“Phone,” Caleb whispered to Ridge.

Ridge balanced the bike with one hand and dug his phone out of his pocket, typing in the passcode and handing it over to Caleb. Seth watched Caleb dial 911 and then heard him say, “My name is Ridge Cain. My address is …” Ridge whispered it and Caleb repeated the address. “There are intruders outside my house. A lot of them. Please come, please save my sister. I have to hang up so they can’t hear me.” He hung up the phone and made sure the ringer was off. “They’ll try to call back, ignore it,” he said as he handed the phone back.

Seth squinted at the house. He could see them piling stuff around it. Bales of straw? He could also see from the porch light somebody tying the door closed. Were they planning on burning Breeze and Ridge alive? His gut tightened in anger. What if he hadn’t come? Ridge had been warned by his friend, but would he have known what to do? One look at Breeze’s face said she was as terrified as she should be. Flint was an egomaniac jerk, but he wasn’t to be underestimated.

“Okay,” Caleb motioned them closer, speaking in hushed tones. “Ridge, I’ve seen you ride so I know you’re a stellar dirt bike driver but are you comfortable with me on the back?”


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