Mac (Mountain Men 2)

My driver flinches, and I can hear Leith’s sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line.

“Suppose I don’t.”

I run a hand across my brow and pinch the bridge of my nose. “I’m on my way to the airport now. She’s under supervision back at my house. I’ll call back after my meeting and report.”

“Aye. And Mac?”

“What?” I ask wearily.

“You’ll be paid well for this.”

“Thanks.”

Like I fucking care.

I hang up the mobile and shove it in my pocket. I scowl out at the night as we drive to the airport.

I don’t want the money.

I want her.

Chapter 18

Bryn

I can’t believe he broke up with me.

He’s ruined everything.

I knew this could never work out. I knew it. We come from rival clans. We’re star-crossed lovers, as it were, and no matter what, we can’t be together.

I know this now.

And yet…

The way he held me when he thought I was sick.

The way we’ve made love.

The way he laughs at my stupid jokes, holds my hand when I’m scared, the way he’s fought for me.

I can’t… it wasn’t all a hoax. I know it wasn’t.

I pace the chalet, acutely aware of the guard outside. I blindly swipe at tears that blur my vision, the knife in my heart twisting with every memory of what just happened.

I shake when I think about what I have to do. What will happen to him if he goes all the way to Paris without me?

Oh God.

Oh God.

My father’s expecting me to go. If I don’t… he’ll have someone take my place.

I have to stop him. I have to find him. If I don’t, Mac’s life is in danger.

Fuck, we’re all in danger.

How could he leave me?

I need to act, but I’m paralyzed with pain and fear.

He said he loved me. Then why would he do this? Why?

I’m not worthy of love. I feared it was true, and now I know it.

“He doesn’t love me,” I whisper to myself. “If he did, he wouldn’t have left me.”

Do I love him?

Can I love someone who doesn’t love me back?

Of course I can.

Of course I bloody well can.

I look around his chalet, the memories of everything he’s done and said while we were together playing in an endless loop, threatening to tear me in two.

I never knew what it was like to be loved. Not until Mac.

And if you love a person… you will do what’s best for them.

I need help. I have to save Mac, and I need help.

I walk to the door and grab the handle, only to find it locked.

He left me here.

I wring my hands, trying to think of what to do.

I shake, looking around me, and pull out my mobile. No texts. My father doesn’t know yet, then. If he sees Mac went to Paris without me, he’ll think I betrayed him. If he thinks I’ve betrayed him, he’ll send someone else after Mac.

I look out the window and see the men out there. Jesus, how can I get past them? I pace, looking about the room for a weapon, but there's nothing here I can use. I need help. I don't know who to go to. I don't know how.

Maybe I can sneak out through the bedroom window?

My phone buzzes. Another message from my father.

Dad: He’s expecting Mademoiselle Black to show at midnight at the bar. Mademoiselle Black will be dressed appropriately in all black with a silver bag. You’ll act this part. He’ll know it’s you when he sees you.

Easy enough, then. I grab a little black dress from a hanger and slip it on. My black heels will do as well. I grab a silver clutch and my mobile and peek out the window. No one’s there.

I pry it open as far as it goes, yank his end table over to me, and use it to give me enough height to get out.

It’s low enough to the ground I can make it.

I throw my heels out first, then quickly shimmy out the window and slither to the ground.

From here, I can run up to the main house. I need help. I hope the girls will be there.

I run up the hill, and when I’m halfway there, I hear a shout behind me. They’ve seen me. Goddammit, my time is so fucking limited I don’t know what I’m going to do next.

I run faster, get to the kitchen door, and pound as hard as I can on it, praying someone will hear me.

What if one of his brothers answers the door?

The door’s yanked open, and Islan stands there, her eyes wide with surprise. She sees the men chasing me over my shoulder.

She snorts. “Oh, God, love, what’d you do now?”

She yanks me inside and shuts and locks the door behind her. She rolls her eyes. “Won’t keep them away for long, but why are you here, love?”