Page 43 of The Hero She Loves

He inclined his head then disappeared into the growing darkness.

Back in the bedroom, Jenna changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed. She propped herself up on the pillows and figured she’d wait for Park.

But tiredness hit hard, and she found herself finding it harder to keep her eyelids open.

She was sure Park would be back soon.

Park didanother loop of the lodge grounds.

This was where he did his best work. Alone in the shadows. He paused under a tree, his gaze looking at the way the moonlight hit the lake.

There was no sign of Olson.

Park’s gaze shifted to the honeymoon cabin. To Jenna.

The warm glow of a light shone in the windows. Beckoning him.

Shit. He looked down and dragged in some cool night air. He was no good for her. He should never have touched her, let alone put his mouth on her.

Her sweet cries echoed in his ears.

Damn. And now he was hard.

He spun and forced himself to do another loop of the main lodge. He couldn’t forget how close Olson had come to killing her today.

I am going to stop you, Olson. I won’t let you hurt her again.

In his pocket, his cellphone vibrated. He pulled it out and saw Vander’s name on the screen.

“Vander.”

“How’s the hunt? Have you found him?”

“We’re close.” Park turned and headed back toward the cabin. “He took a shot at us today. Fucking grazed Jenna’s head.”

Vander cursed. “She all right?”

“Yeah.”

“He must be worried if he’s trying to take her out.”

“Well, I’mnotgoing to let that happen.”

Vander was quiet for a beat. “Sounds personal.”

Park didn’t respond.

“Knew you’d like her. She’s tough, smart, and doesn’t take any shit. Figured if anyone could get through that hard shell of yours, it would be Jenna.”

“I’m not in the market for a woman,” Park growled. “You know that.”

“Sometimes, you don’t choose, Park. When the right woman comes along, she makes you feel things, whether you want to or not. Believe me, I know.”

There was a warm note to Vander’s usually cool voice, and Park knew the man was thinking of his wife.

“I…you know I don’t like being touched. What happened to me…” He didn’t need to share the gory details with his friend.

“You telling me you don’t like Jenna touching you?”