Chapter 27
Scarlett walked into Ty’s home with Ice at her side. She crossed her arms in front of her as if soothing herself.
“Why don’t you take a seat on the sofa, and I’ll make you something hot to drink. You’re shivering,” Ty said, pulling items from the fridge. A few minutes later, he handed her a cup.
Recalling her mentioning her love for cinnamon, Ty made her hot apple cider.
She sniffed the warm concoction, her eyes widened, and she sipped.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“You’re welcome,” he said, placing a blanket around her. Ty sat beside her, giving her time to process everything.
“How did you know where to find me?” she asked.
“Kassie called me. You mentioned I spent the evening with you, and Leo asked if you might stay here until they figure out how Jeremy got on the mountain undetected. It’s tightly secured and doesn’t make any sense. Don’t worry. You’re safe here.”
“I know,” she said, rubbing her neck.
“Kassie said she gave you something for the pain. It’s turning purple and blue.” Ty said, inspecting her wound. He went to the kitchen and pulled a bag of frozen peas from the freezer. Wrapping it in a towel, he held it to her neck.
“Why don’t you rest while I bring in your things? I have a guest room across the hall from my room,” he said. “I’ll put a bed in there for Ice.”
“I can help,” she said when he placed a hand on her shoulder. Scarlett winced.
“I know you can, but it’s only a couple of bags, dog food, and toys. It won’t take me long,” Ty said as he crossed the room to enter the garage. Pulling the items from the truck, he took them inside the house.
Ice whined and pawed at Scarlett’s leg. His chin rested on her knee while he gazed at her with soulful eyes.
Scarlett absently stroked his fur, yet her mind seemed elsewhere.
Ice glanced between the two of them as if hoping Ty might have the answers to console his mistress.
Ty picked up the peas and took her hand. “Why don’t I show you to your room? You’re exhausted. I have an extra charger you can use. Did you call Rocker?”
“Shit. I forgot. My phone broke,” she said slowly.
“I’ll call him to give him the updates and tell him you’ll contact him in the morning or if you hear something tonight,” Ty offered.
“No. Rocker will lose his shit. It’s best if I do it,” she said as he took her to the bedroom. Ice walked to his bed, rolled up into a ball, and whined.
“Allie said he didn’t have a scratch on him. I don’t know what he’s whining about,” she said, sitting on the bed.
“He senses your stress. I’ll give you some privacy while you speak with Rocker,” Ty said, punching in Rocker’s number and handing her his device, before leaving.
Scarlett waited for her brother-in-arms to answer.
“Hello?” Rocker answered.
“It’s me,” she said hastily.
“Hey, Sassy P. It’s late. You doing all right?” he said, sounding as if she woke him up.
“It’s Sledge. A man came into our cabin and shot him. The bullet hit his spleen. Kassie sent a plane to pick up Kim and her family,” she blurted out.
“Wait. Slow down. What the hell happened?” he growled.
“He told me to lock the door. I didn’t do it because Sledge called and said he was on his way back. I called Rayne, and he got in. It’s my fault,” she cried.
“Hold on, Sassy Pants. What the fuck?”
Hearing her distress, Ty hurried back into the room and took the phone from Scarlett.
Wrapping one arm around her for comfort, he said, “Rocker, I’m Ty Bradshaw.
Scarlett will be staying with me until they catch the person responsible for the attack on her and Sledge in their cabin.
She’s on pain meds because the bastard tried to strangle her.
Sledge was shot, and they took him into surgery.
Kassie said they’ll call when he’s out. I’ll call if we hear anything. Right now, Scarlett needs her rest.”
“Tell her I’m on my way. I dropped her off at the hospital to receive treatment, not at a dude ranch,” he growled.
“Last time I checked, Scarlett’s a grown woman.
She can make her own decisions, except for this evening.
She needs her friend, not someone yelling at her when she’s barely able to comprehend what happened herself.
She’s in pain. You have my number, and the Winters family can vouch for me.
Until then, I suggest you speak to her with some respect. ” Ty hung up the phone.
Scarlett stared blankly at him in shock. He swept the hair away from her face. “Do you need help getting into your pajamas?” he asked.
“No. You can go to bed. I don’t think I'll be able to sleep. What if he dies?” Tears ran down her cheeks.
Ty took her hand and tugged her to stand. He placed a hand on her back and waited at the door for Ice to join him.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked.
“You’re sleeping with me in my room.” He let go of her hand long enough to pull the covers down. He set her on the edge. “I’ll be back.”
A minute later, he carried in a water bowl, placing it in the bathroom along with Ice’s bed. The dog seemed to know Ty had everything under control and returned to his slumber.
Ty pulled her up, took off all her clothes except her panties, and tugged one of his T-shirts over her head. Plugging in the charger for his phone, he went to his side.
Scarlett felt him slide into the bed, his arm wrapped around her, and he pulled her close. His hand stroked her hair. “Let your mind relax, Sparky. You’ve experienced one damn long day. It’s time to let your body rest.”
She turned to face him. His fingers continued to stroke along her face, relaxing her.
“Remember when you asked me what I missed? I detest the fact I can’t protect myself. Ice alerted me to someone in the cabin. I didn’t lock the door. When will I learn? I’ll never be safe again. I didn’t see his gun. Why did he try strangling me instead of shooting?”
“You won’t know all the answers to your questions. Jeremy has lost his mind. The team will find him, and he’ll pay for what he’s done. Tomorrow, my mother will join us for brunch, and then you and I will catch up on the things you’ve missed.”
Scarlett buried her head into his shoulder. “I forgot about your mom. I’ll have to take a rain check. I’m returning to the hospital.”
“Leo doesn’t want you there. Anyone can follow you back here. I know you’ll worry about your friend, but we’ll figure something out. Tonight, I’m taking care of you,” he said firmly. “Close those beautiful, blue-green eyes and let your guard down. I’m on watch tonight.”
His words and light touches lulled her to sleep.
She prayed Sledge made it. He survived four tours, and it didn’t seem right for him to die when he barely knew his precious little girl.
Rocker most likely booked his flight as soon as Ty hung up on him.
Surprised by his protective nature, Scarlett snuggled closer, letting his body heat warm her.
He already stoked something inside her, and she only hoped she figured it out before Jeremy doused the flame.