Nash: A Rough Romance Piper Stone (ebook reader for comics txt) 📖

I would never forget the knife he held into the warm glow of the fire, twisting and turning the steel blade as he laughed.

Reaper’s snarl brought me back to reality.

“From the sounds of it, you’ve got a serious situation on your hands,” Scorpion said. “You didn’t kill the assassins?”

“No. I didn’t have the opportunity,” Reaper answered.

“That’s a shame. You might have left them on the mountain, but they won’t be there for long. Four men coming after her? That’s telling.” While Scorpion wasn’t judging, deep concern remained in his tone of voice.

“Yeah, you don’t have to tell me something I know. Okay if we stay here for a couple days?” Reaper asked.

I glanced in his direction, cognizant he was watching me intently.

“Sure. I take it you didn’t bring anything with you. I’ve got some clothes you can wear, and I know Caroline left a few things here that should fit your girlfriend.”

Reaper exhaled as he turned his gaze in his buddy’s direction. “We’re not dating.”

“No, we’re definitely not dating,” I added.

“Your body language tells me otherwise,” Scorpion said before laughing as he looked back and forth between us.

“Yeah, well, I’m just on edge. Who is Caroline?” Reaper’s look as he gazed up and down the length of me created a wave of electricity. Just like his gorgeous eyes had from the moment I met him.

Seductive.

Dominating.

A full stream of butterflies rushed through my tummy, my legs quivering. Why the hell did this dominating, controlling, arrogant asshole of a man have this kind of effect on me? I purposely looked away, refusing to be drawn into his controlling ways.

And I hated the fact my nipples were fully aroused. Damn it.

“We have a lot to talk about, dude,” Scorpion continued. “The second bedroom is down that hallway. There’s a bathroom next to it. Why don’t you consider taking a shower while I gather up some clothes? I’m sure you might even find a razor in the medicine cabinet.” Scorpion didn’t seem like the type to take no for an answer. “After that, I’ll rustle up some food. We’ll need to get a tarp for the truck. Another couple of inches of snow are rolling in tonight.”

“I appreciate it, buddy. Not sure when I can get back up to the cabin,” Reaper said so damn quietly.

“I think it’s best to stay away for now, at least until we know what we’re dealing with.”

I was surprised to hear Scorpion wanted to get mixed up in the shit that had become my life.

“Wise advice but not something I can live with for long,” Reaper answered, turning his full attention in my direction. “Do you want to shower first?”

“No. Go ahead.” I’d yet to be able to get warm. I noticed the odd look the two men gave each other. What the hell was I doing here? What in God’s name was I doing with my life? Everything had been taken away from me. All because of my stupidity.

Reaper nodded before taking a gulp of his drink and getting up. While he could have moved behind the sofa, completely avoiding me, he chose to walk past the fire, brushing his hand against my cheek. “It’s going to be all right. We will figure this out.”

The conviction in his voice as well as the touch of his hand further embroiled my senses. I had no answer, no truthful way of acknowledging him. How could it be all right? The only scenario in my mind was that we’d both end up dead.

“I’m looking forward to meeting this Caroline,” he added, chuckling under his breath.

Scorpion grinned like a kid in a candy store. “She’s a handful.”

“Aren’t they all?” Reaper asked, shooting me another heated gaze. I could swear I was able to read his every thought, hunger that remained even after I’d almost gotten him killed.

I closed my eyes as Reaper walked away, trying to will away the entire day’s events. A full ten seconds passed.

Twenty.

Scorpion remained in the room.

“He’s a good man,” Scorpion said half under his breath.

“I don’t know him.”

“Don’t mean to call you a liar, Mitch, but I think you do. If you don’t then that makes you a stupid woman and I gather you’re not.”

I was forced to look at him. “You’ve known him long?”

“Since I was a teenager. He’s not the warmest guy, but I can tell he likes you.”

“And he almost died because of me.”

Scorpion studied his drink, his eyes half closing as he took another gulp, obviously savoring the flavor. “He’s the kind of man you want fighting beside you. The truth is he was the type of soldier who showed no mercy. He did what was required of him without second guessing, at least the majority of the time.”

I had the distinct feeling there was a compelling and very sad story around his words. “Why is he called Reaper?”

“Did you tell you the reason?”

“He mentioned it was a moniker from the military.”

Nodding, his eyes twinkled as he smiled. “Yeah. The Marines. He got that name because when he was assigned to whatever situation his unit was forced to face, he had a knack for taking out the enemy. The man pretty much never missed a shot. He also had little remorse, which is what’s needed in a battle situation. The name suits him well.”

I shivered just hearing him tell a small part of whatever situation they’d shared together. “I can’t imagine. That’s why he knew what to do when those men attacked.”

“Yeah,” he said, studying me as if I was some kind of specimen. “You know, Mitch, while I heard the details of what you two went through and why, my guess is there’s more to tell. You just need to realize that he will have no hesitation protecting you. Or dying for you if necessary. I hope you’re ready to handle the responsibility that comes along with that knowledge.”

What in the hell was I supposed to say to that? I realized I was trembling all over, the chill