Page 194 of Mountain Boss

As we walk back to the truck, I drop my hand on Fisher’s shoulder. “Appreciate what you did tonight.”

He dips his chin. “We’re the Black Mountain family. We look out for each other.”

“That we do.” I nod. Then I nod again before I crack a smile. “You meant the rope,” I say with a lightly mocking tone.

Fisher grins.

Showeredand dressed in new clothes, I climb the steps to Courtney’s front door.

I type my master code, and the deadbolt unlocks.

But I don’t enter.

Not yet.

Watching that man lunge up these steps… That was the scariest thing I’ve ever witnessed.

And I’m so glad… so fucking glad Courtney didn’t see it.

I take a deep inhale of the night air.

I don’t know if it’s the right call, but I’m not going to tell her.

Knowing what almost happened won’t help her.

And I want to tell her to listen better. To be aware of footsteps behind her.

But I don’t want her to be afraid.

I don’t want her to look at every guest with suspicion.

I don’t want her to not feel safe.

I take another breath.

The visual of him following her is going to haunt me.

But the way he fell face-first when I dragged him off the stairs…

That was satisfying as fuck.

My knuckles throb as I flex my fingers.

I’ve had enough pain and violence for the night. It’s time for comfort.

I open Courtney’s door.

Chapter 147

Courtney

Cool air flows around me,and I groan, reaching for my moving blankets.

“Shh.” The sound is low.

“Sterling?” My voice feels scratchy.

“Go back to sleep, Honey,” my boss whispers as his body settles against mine.