Page 20 of Property of Hayride
I’m thrilled for about two seconds until I realize she’s terrified to be alone. That’s fucking unacceptable. I’ll find a way to make her feel safe again. Pushing my thoughts aside, I answer her, “Good.”
Boomer strides toward the door. “You got her?”
“Yeah.”
He steps out and pauses long enough to lock the door before rushing toward the crime scene.
“Hayride?”
“Yeah, gorgeous?”
“I’m tired.”
Adrenaline dump. I’ve seen it before, multiple times. After a traumatic event, there’s a crash, and fatigue sets in.
Some people cry, and others can become irritable. I don’t know what to expect from Nat, but when her knees buckle, I act without thinking and catch her. Lifting her into my arms, I stride back to Boomer’s office. Her head lolls toward my neck while the heat from her breath teases my skin. It stirs my blood in a way I haven’t felt since I lost my fucking virginity at thirteen.
I shake away the thought and keep walking. I’ve been inside this office often, so I know there’s a big leather couch and a couple of blankets that Boomer keeps handy in case he has tosleep here. He likes to keep extra supplies on hand in case of trouble in the forest. People get lost out here and then exposed to the elements. The sheriff’s office handles all emergency calls, even the rescues.
I lower Nat on the couch and reach for the blanket, covering her up as her eyes begin to flutter. She’s exhausted. Purplish smudges darken the skin beneath her eyes. Her fair skin is still too pale as I settle into Boomer’s leather chair and watch her.
I can’t help it. I’m concerned, but I also can’t seem to take my eyes off her. She’s fucking beautiful, but that’s not the only reason. Natalya Scott intrigues me. She’s smart, loyal, and deeply cares for her brother. That already tells me a lot about her. Plus, she loves to ride with me. A thought pops into my head, and once it does, I know I’ll obsess over it.
She’s a natural ol’ lady.
I let Nat sleep and briefly doze off myself. When I wake, it’s close to sunset. Golden hues are disappearing on the horizon. The Fear Farm is already open.
I check my phone, but I haven’t missed any texts from Scythe. He’s leaving me alone to protect and care for Nat. Just in case, I send him a quick message letting him know she’s resting and that I’m with her at the sheriff’s office. Then, as I think about it, I tell him I want to bring her to The Barn in case she’s in danger. Scythe is quick to agree. He doesn’t want any more deaths in Raven’s Crest.
None of us wants to add to the rising body count.
I grab a mug of coffee, kick back in Boomer’s chair again, and wait for Nat to wake up.
“HOW LONG WAS I OUT?” Nat asks in a groggy voice. It’s sleepy and sexy, and I have to think of anything other than the way I want to drop to my knees in front of her and kiss her until she’s writhing and begging for more.
“Close to two hours,” I reply as she sits up. “How do you feel?”
“My body feels heavy and sore like I’ve run a marathon.”
“It’ll get better soon.”
She smooths the blanket over her lap while our eyes meet. “Thank you for staying with me. Has there been any news?”
“About Thad? No.”
“And Madam Serena?”
I slide off the chair and join her on the couch, sitting close enough that our thighs touch. “Boomer is taking care of it.”
“I guess there’s not much else to be done, is there?” Her voice catches, and I hate that Nat is going through all of this. Her visit to Raven’s Crest should be fun. I hate that it’s become dangerous, and her brother is missing.
“Hey, why don’t we grab some dinner and head to the Fear Farm. It’s a good place to find a little distraction, and I can show you around.”
“We’ll still go see Ellie later. Right?”
“Yeah. No worries about that.” Scythe wants me to question Ellie, so I’ll be going with or without Nat. I have a feeling there’s nothing that can keep her away.
Natalya’s stomach rumbles loudly, and I smirk. “See? You need to eat.”
