The threat hummed just below his words. But everyone heard it.
Tyson grabbed Steven’s arm. “Let’s go, man.”
The dark-haired one’s eyes hardened on Lawson. “Shouldn’t be shocked a pig’s trying to silence me.”
“Just trying to keep you from bothering my citizens.”
Tyson dragged his friend toward the door, whispering under his breath.
The moment the door closed, I started to shake.
“Are you okay?” Elsie whispered.
I nodded numbly. “Sorry about that.”
“I’m gonna take her to get some tea,” Lawson said, moving closer.
Elsie flushed. “Oh, yeah. Of course.”
Lawson guided me into the kitchen and began pulling cabinets open until he found what he needed. A few minutes later, he was shoving a warm mug into my hands. The scent of lemongrass teased my nose.
“I think we have grounds for a restraining order,” he said evenly. “You might not get a permanent one, but I’m guessing a judge would give you a temporary one.”
I concentrated on the warmth seeping into my palms. “But then everything would be on the public record.”
“It would.”
I held the mug tighter. “No. It’s not worth it.”
Lawson sighed, leaning back against the counter. “I can have another conversation with them tomorrow if they don’t leave, but they seem pretty damned determined to release this podcast.”
“Roan filled you in?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
Lawson nodded. “Wish like hell you would’ve told me long before now.”
I winced. “I’m sorry. I—”
He held up a hand. “I get having secrets. I’m just glad that you told Roan. That he’s helping. I think you two are good for each other.”
“I didn’t exactly tell him. He showed up when Steven and Tyson were at my house.”
Lawson arched a brow. “And you couldn’t have talked your way out of it? I find that hard to believe.”
He was right. I’d been recognized before. I’d play dumb, come up with a million and one excuses, and always talked people around to my side. But I hadn’t with Roan.
The truth was, I’d wanted to tell him. To open up to someone and let all the burdens go. But I hadn’t gone to a friend. To Maddie, Grae, Wren, or Lawson. I’d gone to Roan.
And I was terrified about what that meant.
19
ROAN
Annoyance had pricked at me all day, making me surlier than usual. I’d snapped at Mindy and had bitten Oscar’s head off until everyone finally gave me a wide berth. It wasn’t their fault.
It was mine. And Aspen’s.
She wouldn’t stay the hell out of my head. I kept thinking about her at the most inopportune times. Like when I should’ve been finishing up paperwork. Or while meeting with my boss.
Sometimes, it was a niggling worry, me just needing to know if she and Cady were all right. Other times, it was a flash of red hair and the gleam of those green eyes—or worse, the way she smelled. A smoky cinnamon with a sweetness I couldn’t place.
I hadn’t missed the hint of attraction I’d seen in those green depths—a look I definitely did not need to see.
I banged a fist against my steering wheel as I stared out at the forest surrounding the Fish and Wildlife office. I needed to get a grip. I’d never struggled with control before. I kept more emotions in check than anyone else I knew. But then again, I’d never been normal.
Turning on the engine, I put my truck in reverse and backed out of my spot. My cell rang as I turned out of the parking lot, so I hit the button on my steering wheel to answer. “Hartley.”
“It’s Law. We’ve got another one. Cougar this time.”
My gut twisted. “Where?”
“Meadowrun trail, half a mile from the south trailhead.”
I cursed. “Getting bolder.”
That trail was closer to town. The kill closer to the parking lot and people. I’d hoped the deer was a one-off. Some freak passing through. But we weren’t going to get that lucky.
“I know,” Lawson said, voice low. “Can you come take a look?”
“I’m already on my way. Probably take me ten to get there.”
“See you soon.”
I hung up without saying goodbye. Pleasantries always felt like a waste of time. A falsity. I had no place in my life for that. I wanted raw and real. To know where I stood with people, not wondering if they would turn around and stab me in the back.