Rope the Moon (Runaway Ranch, #2)(86)

I chuckle. “Yeah, it was.”

On a yawn, she stretches out in the bed, her stomach sharking beneath the sheets.

“Listen, baby. I want to get back to the ranch as soon as we can.”

She sits up, eyes flashing. “Aiden?”

“I’m gonna head to the station, dig into it.” I scrape a hand over my scalp. “At least see where this bastard’s been.”

“You think he’s here?” Her hand goes to her belly, cradling it.

As a Marine, I try to rein any emotion back. Her words from last night unsettle me. Aiden plays the long game. Vague threat or truth? I can’t be sure. That’s why this can’t wait. Because what if he’s already here? What if he’s been here?

The thought has a cold sweat slicking over my skin.

The idea of her getting hurt or taken is unthinkable.

“You’re safe on the ranch,” I tell her. “I’m going to get eyes on King. If we can keep tabs on him, we have the upper hand.”

Defiance flashes in her eyes. “I hope he comes after me.”

“No.” The word is sharp, causing her to still.

“I hope I kill him.”

On a growl, I pluck her from where she sits and settle her on my lap. “He will never lay a hand on you again. I need you to understand that, Dakota.”

She tries to press against me, but I tighten my hold, refusing to budge.

So damn stubborn. She scares the hell out of me.

“You told me his name. Now, trust me to protect you.” I nudge a finger beneath her chin, force her gaze to mine. “I won’t lose you to this.”

She sighs and curls into me, resting her head against my collarbone. “And to think this whole night started with secrets.”

Secrets.

There’s one I haven’t given her yet.

“Listen, Cupcake. There’s something I have to tell you.”

She sits up, her hands going to my shoulders. “Another secret?”

I grip her tighter, terrified she won’t understand. “Another secret.”

I close my eyes, my chest heavy and tight. I’ve told Dakota more than I’ve ever told another person in my life. She’s heard about the darkest parts of me, and still brings me into the light.

“I killed a man.”

She smiles, amused. “You’re a Marine, Davis.”

“No. This was last year.” Her lips part in surprise. I go on. “The man who tried to take our ranch, who started the barn fire, who hurt Ruby…he came back. He came back to hurt us.”

Her fingers sweep over the soft scar on my shoulder. “And you killed him.”

It’s said so calmly that for a second, words fail me.

The knot in my throat refuses to budge. “I did.”

She stares at me without fear, and says, “They’re your family. You just got Charlie back. I would have done the same thing.” She says it simply, as if it hasn’t set off an atom bomb in my heart.

This woman’s going to be the death of me. She knows what I went through with my team. She knows about Charlie. And she knows this. And she isn’t afraid.

This strong, fearless woman.

This woman who is mine.

“He’s buried on the ranch,” I say. “It’s a protected reserve. No one can dig without getting tied up for years in permits. They’ll never find him.”

A contemplative nod. “Good. That’s good.”

“What do you say, Dakota?”

“I say…I love you, Davis Montgomery.” Her voice cracks. “And I’m so honored that you let me see you.”

“Only you.” The words wrench deep from my soul. I cup her cheek, stroking a thumb over her full bottom lip. “All these years, baby, I’ve been careless with your heart. Forgive me.”

She flashes me a grin. “Nothing to forgive, Hotshot.”

I kiss the top of her head, my heart still aching. “Never again. Rest of my life you’ll know where I stand.”

“And where’s that?”

“In love with you.” I lay her down on the bed and devour her mouth.

She gasps out a laugh and winds her arms around my neck.

At the ping of my phone, I growl impatiently.

Charlie again.

Dakota arches a droll brow. “The ranch calls.”

Groaning, I fall to my elbow beside her. Kiss her lips. “It does. I have to get back. Straighten out some things.”

“Like what?”

A muscle pulses in my jaw. “My brothers.”

Dakota rolls her eyes. “You know, you could bark at your brothers, Hotshot, or you could try to listen for once.”

A chuckle vibrates in my chest and I blow out a breath, considering it. With Dakota, she makes everything sound so easy.

My hand drops to her belly. “Could be good practice.”

She leans into me and smiles. “The best practice.”




Charlie’s in front of the stables saddling up Winslow when Dakota and I pull into the drive. With laughing eyes, she mouths, Listen, and disappears into the lodge.

Gritting my teeth, I stalk up to my brother. “What’s the damage?”

Charlie squints into the morning sun and loops the rein over the saddle horn. “Caught Wyatt puking in the bushes this morning. Kid tied one on last night.”