12 - High Country Hero: Brotherhood Protectors Colorado by Elle James

Author:Elle James [James, Elle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Brotherhood Protectors Colorado#12
Publisher: Twisted Page Inc
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

After the sheriff came and took their statements, Laurel didn’t resist when Rico led her to his truck, opened the passenger door and handed her up into the seat. She was too tired to argue and too shaken to want to.

Though Laurel hated to admit it, having Rico there was a godsend. At this point, her choices were to accept his protection or move in with her brother and Mallory.

Devin and Mallory had just found each other again. Laurel didn’t want to crowd them in their rekindled love. She wanted to live independently, but someone was making it difficult.

Rico’s protection meant he’d be with her every hour of every day.

Her heart skipped several beats, and a swarm of butterflies erupted in her belly.

It wasn’t as if she had a house with two or more bedrooms. Hell, she didn’t even have a separate bedroom. Her apartment was fine for her alone. But having a man stay with her…in her apartment…

Her imagination raced ahead, inventing an entire scenario.

Rico would fill her apartment with his broad shoulders. He’d want to get a shower, which meant he’d have to get naked. Behind the bathroom door, of course. Just a few feet away from her bed.

While he was in the shower, she’d change out of her dress into something more suitable to sleep in.

He’d finish his shower and step out before she was fully dressed. He’d see her scars. Rico would know what they’d done to her. He’d be disgusted at the very thought of touching her. She’d be crushed and curl up in the fetal position and never be able to look him in the eye again.

No.

She wasn’t ready.

Her pulse sped. By the time Rico parked at the rear of her shop, Laurel was in full panic mode.

She hadn’t been alone with a man since…

Rico shut off the engine, climbed down from the truck and came around to open her door for her.

Laurel sat with her hands in her lap, staring at the building, not seeing it.

“Hey,” Rico spoke softly. “Are you okay?”

Laurel pressed a hand to her chest, her breath arrested in her lungs. “I—I. Can’t. Breathe.”

“Oh, babe. Does it bother you that I’ll be staying with you?” He shook his head. “I don’t want to cause you even more stress. I just want to make sure you’re safe.” He ran a hand through his hair and looked up at her apartment door. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll sleep on the landing outside your door. You’ll have your apartment all to yourself.”

Still, she couldn’t move. Couldn’t catch her breath.

“Hey, Laurel,” he coaxed. “Look at me.”

If he had touched her, she would have flinched. But he didn’t. He stood a safe distance from her, giving her the space she needed without abandoning her.

“Look at me, Laurel,” he insisted.

Slowly, she turned her head, her gaze connecting with his.

“Breathe,” he whispered. “Like this.” He drew in a deep breath.

He waited for her to follow suit.

Laurel focused on his words, on his motions and drew in a shaky breath.

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