The Ranger's Peace (Army Ranger Romance Book 2) by Bree Livingston

Author:Bree Livingston [Livingston, Bree]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Ex-Army Ranger, Military Service, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Clean & Wholesome, Law Enforcement, Romantic Suspense, Thrillers & Suspense, Mystery & Intrigue, Violence & Crime Story, Protection & Safety, Action & Adventure, Love Inspired, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Hearts Desire, Blessings, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Suspenseful Fiction, Army Ranger Romance Series
Publisher: Bree Livingston Publishing LLC
Published: 2019-01-31T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

As Kolby softly snored, Ivy stared up at the stars. She’d cried herself to sleep once already and then woke up again. For a tiny second, she’d considered striking out on her own, until the smarter part of her brain reminded her that sticking with Kolby was the better choice. Once that was settled, her thoughts drifted to their earlier exchange.

Her mind had never been in such chaos. It was a lie to say her heart wasn’t already in trouble. Whether he left her alone, alive or not, Kolby’s name was slowly being etched onto her heart, starting with that moment they’d shared. By her estimation, the cursive scrawl was halfway through the “L” in his name.

“I can’t,” Kolby murmured. “I can’t get up.” He rolled onto his back, something she’d noticed he’d avoided until now. A tiny whimper escaped his lips, and he rolled onto his side, facing her.

He’d pulled on a beanie to cover his ears since she’d been asleep. She’d noticed she had one on too. How he’d managed to get it on and her not know was a mystery. Although, she had walked a long way. When she’d finally conked out, she was gone to the world.

She rolled to face him, thankful for the moon being so big and bright, allowing her to see him. With his hand curled under his chin, he took a deep breath, and his lips twisted like he was suffering. “No more. No more.”

Was he dreaming about his stepdad? She couldn’t imagine a little boy pleading with an adult to stop.

Kolby whimpered again and then rattled off his name, rank, and serial number.

He said he’d endured starvation. The only reason a soldier would give information like that was if…he’d been taken prisoner. A newfound respect bloomed in her chest. He’d suffered at the hands of his stepdad, chosen to serve in the military so he could help people, and then been tortured? It was just a guess, but it felt like the right one.

He gulped air as if he’d been held under water. “I won’t.” He curled into a tight ball, shielding his head with his arm, and flinched.

Ivy’s heart was breaking. She couldn’t stand to witness him suffering, but she knew if she woke him up, he’d roll over and give her the cold shoulder. It was selfish as it could be, but the overwhelming need to hold and comfort him was more than she could take.

An idea hit her. She unzipped her bag, crawled over to him, and shook him. “Kolby, I think I heard a bear.” She might’ve just been a radio jock, but she’d played a mean “tree number three” in a play when she was six.

Sitting straight up, he looked around, clearly only half-awake. “A bear?”

“Yeah, I don’t see it, but I heard it.”

He yawned. “It probably wasn’t as close as you thought it was. You’ll be okay now.”

“Please let me stay with you,” Ivy said, working her trembling lip as hard as she could.

Kolby rubbed his eyes and yawned again.

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