Dark Lonely Lies (The Denton Family Legacy 6)

“It’s not the first time I’ve seen a dead body. I’ll be fine.” She’d seen a lot in her life and even though it freaked her out to admit it, she wasn’t going to fall. She wasn’t some victim. This was her life as well.

Jade bent down and checked the back of the neck. “They’re not ours. Bounty hunters.”

“We need to get cover.”

“Let’s hope he didn’t see us,” she said.

“Why would it matter if they saw us? They’re dead.” Tulip felt the beginnings of a headache, and an odd feeling she really should have stayed with Landon’s family. It might have been easier for her.

“I’m supposed to be dead. Landon kidnapped me. He was going to kill me until I convinced him I wanted to be free. We were supposed to be married. I’m the reason Sarah got killed. The Denton and Castillo families would make us one hell of an empire.”

“Let’s not forget the deal he struck with the Savona for my sister,” Landon said.

“Yes, three messed-up families, united as one through marriage. If anyone was crazy enough to do it, it would have been Maddox.”

“This is all great, but we have to find shelter. I’m not going to be at the mercy here of whatever creatures live in this forest.”

“Bears and wolves mostly. Believe me, we want out of here,” Jade said. “You lead the way, boss.”

Landon held her hand and they walked back toward the house. The gates were open and there was a single black truck parked a few feet down from the house.

“Let’s use their ride,” Landon said.

“We need to load up on ammo as well,” Jade said.

“Where did you learn to shoot?”

“Landon taught me. If he wasn’t going to kill me, he didn’t want to have a liability on his case. He taught me to shoot.”

“She’s pretty good at it too,” Landon said.

“Then you’re going to need me to learn. There’s no way I’m going to have my face planted in the dirt while you two are fighting. I’ve got to fight back.”

“Not happening.” Landon opened the truck door and checked inside. There were more guns and ammo. Jade looked happy about that, sliding in the back.

“Are you kidding me right now?”

Landon shoved her in the passenger seat, and she moved across so she could sit behind the wheel. The keys were already in the ignition. They were on the wrong side of the vehicle, but that was supposed to be the norm in this country. She hated this place.

“I’m not kidding. You don’t need to fight.”

“I’ve just been in the middle of a little fight t

here that tells me you’re so wrong about that.”

“I’ll protect you.”

“You’ll protect me, but what about me protecting myself? There are going to be times when I’m alone and I’m going to need looking after, and I can do that. I can protect myself.”

“You’re not going to be alone.”

“Why?”

“You’re going to be with me.”

“Don’t give me the whole speech about you being able to protect me. We both know that is messed up and so far from being true,” she said.

“I’m not going to let you out of my sight. I’m going to protect you with my life.” He reached out, taking her hand, and she had no choice but to get closer to him or make for a really uncomfortable ride.