Guarding Hope

“Well, then, there’s only one ranch nearby, but the owner’s a grumpy bastard. You can ask him. Other than that, I’m afraid you’re wasting your time.” Ray knew something was off about the suits, and his cousin would be aware of who they were.

“Thanks. We’ll make a stop over there.” They shook the sheriff’s hand, then jumped into their SUV and left. They passed a sign that read:

Gibson Cattle Ranch—2 miles

“I bet that’s the one he’s talking about.” They drove up to the ranch, ignoring the “No Trespassing” sign. Just as they stepped out of the SUV, the cowboy they ran into earlier walked out onto the porch.

“I’m guessing you can’t read. It says no tres…wait…weren’t you the guys at the gas station?”

“Yes, we were told to come here. Did she show up here?”

“No. I haven’t seen the woman you’re looking for. It’s dark out, so she better be somewhere safe. If she’s out on my fields, she won’t last the night. Good luck, and get off my property. My new bull is a little restless if ya know what I mean, and he don’t take kindly to interruptions.” He winked at the two guys. His cousin had given him a call telling him that there were two guys looking for a missing woman.

“Sorry about that.” Gage nodded and waited for them to get in their vehicle, but they first passed his SUV, looking into the back seat for her. Now I’m glad she grabbed her shit.

“This has been a fucking waste of a day. Where did that bitch go?” Jimmy ranted before he entered the driver’s side, unaware that voices carried in that part of the front yard. Gage heard his words, and so did Hope, who hid behind the door, shaking.

Hope felt Gage’s arms wrap around her as she shook. “I’m not going to let them get to you. Ever.”

“You know that I can’t stay here.”

“Yes, you can, and you will. They won’t be back, and tomorrow this place will be littered with men installing some high-tech gadgets. If I catch them on my property again, I can put a bullet in their heads. Come on. Let’s get you ready for bed.” Gage led her upstairs and to her room.

When left alone, Hope sat on the bed and just lost herself in thought. She knew that her attraction to Gage was once in a lifetime, but was it fair to be here when danger crept right up on his doorstep?

A loud sound of crashing pots and pans startled her out of it quickly. She jumped up and ran down the stairs to see what was wrong.

“What happened?”

“Baby, what are you doing down here?” He grabbed her around the waist and carried her over his shoulder back upstairs.

“Put me down,” she shouted and pounded on his back.

“Be quiet.” Gage marched her to her bedroom and closed the door with his foot. Then he unceremoniously dropped her onto the bed while standing over her with a scowl. “Don’t ever run to investigate a noise. I don’t give a fuck what it is. Until this shit passes, I’m not letting you risk getting caught.”

“So what am I supposed to do? Be a prisoner here like I was with my father? Will I be stuck inside this room with no contact with anyone?” she challenged, puffing out her chest.

“You want contact? I can give you contact.” He leaned forward and placed his hands on the bed beside her, trapping her in. The air between the two of them was charged with sexual tension as they stared into each other’s eyes. His body pressed her down into the mattress; their chests both heaved with hunger. Gage’s cock jutted into her stomach, grinding back and forth while his mouth ravaged hers in a deep kiss.

Needing air, Gage pulled back and stood up.

“So is that how you’re going to keep me under lock and key?”

“I’m not going to keep you trapped forever.”

“You don’t know how long it’s going to take.”

“Well, no, but soon, I’ll take the main reason for the sale off the table.” His intent was read loud and clear. He planned to take the two-million-dollar price tag for his own. The vision of that popped in both their heads and they equally groaned and adjusted their heated bodies to the image they created.

“And I’m supposed to trust you?”

“Who the fuck else you got to trust?” She raised her brows at him, waiting for more. “Besides, I’m not just going to leave you in here. I want you ready to protect yourself, should I be out on the pastures.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m going to teach you some self-defense.”

“Really? Like, you’re not bullshitting me, are you?”

“I’m for real, and if you’re a good girl, I’ll show you how to shoot. Have you ever fired a gun before?”