Her Rock (Rocky Start)

My good girl nods. “This is Sheriff Marlowe. He helped us get through this maze he calls a path.”

“Well, thank you for getting them here safely, although I’m not sure why they’re here,” Darcy says to me.

“We got a call from your photo buddy Warrick telling us you were kidnapped by some madman and that he took you to his cabin. We called the local police, and they told us that there hadn’t been any report. You only responded to us once saying you would call us later, but you didn’t,” Lydia says.

“That prick. I’ll beat his face in,” Rocky snarls.

“Now, please calm down,” Darcy says, attempting to pacify Rocky, but I wanted to pop that asshole myself for the lies. Although, I should be happy with the little troublemaker because he brought my woman to me.

“Who is this Warrick guy to you, anyway?” Georgie asks.

“He’s the guy I was modeling with when we met up with a wild animal in the woods, but Warrick was afraid of the alpha beast and knew when to run.”

“Oh goodness. You were so lucky,” Georgie gasps.

“She’s talking about him, you big dummy,” Lydia tells Georgie.

“I stand by my words. You were fortunate. Now—are we going to be properly introduced, or are you going to keep our future brother-in-law a secret?” Georgie asks, licking her lips and then wagging her brows.

“Wait. We’re just…we’re not…” Darcy’s flustered, but I can see Rocky’s not the least bit bothered. The fucker has Darcy, and I doubt he’ll ever let her go.

“I’m Bennett Lake. Although many around here call me Rocky.”

Georgie’s mouth falls open and then she says, “Wait. The Bennett Lake? Like the author guy? No wonder she let you have her cookie. That girl has a mad crush on you, and I can’t say as I blame her. Get it, girl. Do you have a brother?”

“No.” A growl comes from a man who walks into the house behind us.

“Welcome, Sean. Why are you here?”

“Because the media is looking for you. There’s a rumor out that you kidnapped and raped a woman. I know it’s bullshit because you’re a fucking celibate hermit, but it’s my job to make sure the rumors aren’t spread around.”

“Hi. You’re only half right. He did carry me away, but I came very willingly and repeatedly. I’m Darcy, by the way.” She sticks out her hand, but Rocky quickly pulls it back.

“Where’s my dog?”

“At the ranch. I rushed over here before the shit hits the fan.”

“You know, that’s a really gross expression,” Georgie ponders. I actually pull my attention away from my little spitfire.

“Hello, beautiful. I’m Sean, and you are?” Damn, even I cringed at that one.

Georgie doesn’t take his extended hand. Instead, she sighs, “Tired and hungry.”

“Then I’ll get you what you need, beautiful.”

“Do you not know any other adjectives?” God, I was right on the money. That woman’s a complete ballbuster.

“I’ll call you whatever you like, little girl, as soon as you tell me your name.”

“It’s Georgiana, but we call her Georgie,” Darcy says, ignoring her sister’s glare.

“That’s cute. You’re definitely a Georgie.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, sweet thing. I need to speak with this fool here. Don’t go anywhere, ‘cause trust me…I’ll find you.”

“Whatever.” Georgie is a tough girl, but she’s eyeing Sean when his eyes leave her for just a second.

“Come on, let’s talk,” Rocky tells Sean and then pulls Darcy to him, kissing her in front of us.

Sean and Rocky leave the room, and the girls are chatting with Darcy. I take my perch against the wooden door, doing my best to keep my distance before I forget myself again because I’m ready to maul Lydia.

Darcy practically snarls as Rocky enters the room again. “What’s wrong?”

“Try not being all sexy in front of the women, will you?” Darcy barks out, marching toward Rocky.

“Well, baby, I’m about to take you out to dinner and wanted to know if they wanted to tag along, but if you want to ditch them, that’s cool too.”

“See? Even that damn laugh is sexy,” Darcy huffs.

“Sorry, baby. I’ll go back to brooding. Now, let’s go get changed because you’re not going out in that.”

“We’ll be back in a few. Behave,” Rocky says.

I get a call, stepping out of the way to take it. Great. I have to leave. I pull Lydia to me. “Give me your number.” She takes out her phone, and I spot the shine of a knife in her pocket. I’m not going to say shit because my little thing needs to be protected when I’m not around. She could easily be snatched up, and I’m betting she already knows it. She reads off her number, and I program it into my phone. “I’ll be seeing you bright and early in the morning.” I can’t wait to see her again, so I don’t know if I’ll make it until morning.