Chapter 10
KODIAK
Once we hit open country, the truth settles in—ain’t no turning back.
We’re in it together now.
Alice sits beside me, staring off, looking low. Can’t blame her. She blew her life apart, and I supplied the dynamite. Ain’t a word I could say to ease her, though I’ve turned it over for miles. Just wish there was something I could do.
That’s why I’ve always gone alone. No one needing, no one feeling, no one taking more than they give. Don’t have to wonder if they’re true or fixing to sell me out the first chance they get.
But Alice… Since the first time she turned them wide, unguarded eyes on me, I ain’t been right.
Locked up in that room, I thought on her skin till it near drove me mad.
Soft hands. Sweet mouth. Tits heavy enough to fill both my palms. Thought of her baring one to feed my young near broke me.
And the work it takes to make young—her body clutching me tight, trembling.
Just the thought made me hard as iron. I’d spill blood from here to kingdom come to make her mine.
But sweating and patched up from a blade wound ain’t the time.
And sitting up here with the reins, catching how she’s gone all downcast, I know taking what I want would only make it worse.
Already spooked her enough. I’ve seen fear before—men facing the barrel, women when I step in their path.
I love that fear. Tells me I’ve done my job.
But on her? Don’t sit right. She’s too pure for this crooked world. That’s why I call her little lamb. Feels like fate. Like the future I never reckoned I deserved.
But I got to take care. Move too fast, I’ll break what little trust she’s given.