Colters' Woman (Colters' Legacy #1)(51)

He’d been lax, they all had, but it wouldn’t happen again. He’d sworn to protect Holly from the moment she’d appeared in their lives. And already he’d failed her.

* * *

Holly eased out of the bed, wincing as her leg bore the full brunt of her weight. She contorted her body, looking down at the dark purple bruise and the tender gash that slanted diagonally from her hip.

Warped amusement burbled up. Her first thought had been she felt like she’d been hit by a car. At least now she had good reference for the old cliché.

She stretched and rotated her shoulder. She felt old and decrepit, as stove up as a ninety-year-old woman. But at least she was alive. No thanks to Mason.

She limped toward the bathroom, wondering where the guys were. The digital clock on the bedside table told her it was early. She carefully dressed, brushed her teeth then ran a brush through her hair. She still looked like hell, but at least she felt marginally better.

A noise at the door caused her to look up. Ryan stood in the doorway to the bathroom, staring intently at her.

“I thought I heard you. How are you feeling?” he asked.

She smiled. “Stiff and sore, but considering the circumstances, it could be a lot worse, so I’m grateful.”

Warring emotions swirled in Ryan’s eyes. Anger, concern, and what looked like fear. She put down her brush and walked silently into his arms. She wrapped herself around him, hugging him tightly.

“I’m okay, Ryan. Really.”

Strong arms nearly squeezed the life out of her. Against her cheek, his heart thudded in his chest.

“I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you,” he said hoarsely.

She leaned back, tilting her head up to look at him. “But nothing did,” she said lightly.

He cupped her cheek in his hand then leaned in to kiss her.

“I love you,” he murmured against her lips.

She opened her mouth to respond, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she kissed him back, allowing their tongues to mingle and swirl.

He pulled away then rested his forehead on hers, their noses and mouths barely an inch away. “I haven’t felt that kind of fear since I left Iraq,” he admitted.

She reached up and tangled her hand in his hair, smoothing it over his ears. She bumped and rubbed her nose to his playfully. Then she kissed his lips. “Let’s put it behind us and go home,” she said.

Fire ignited in his eyes. “Home sounds damn good to me. Adam and Ethan have already packed.”

“Let me get the rest of my things then,” she said.

“You go on out and let the others know you’re okay. I’ll finish packing for you,” he offered.

She smiled and ran her hand over his cheek once more. He caught her hand and kissed each fingertip before allowing her to pull it away.

She left the bathroom smiling. Not even the pain and stiffness in her hip could overshadow the happiness she felt. When she entered the living area of the suite, Adam and Ethan both looked up from where they sat.

Ethan stood and met her halfway, enfolding her into his arms. “How are you feeling today?”

“I’m okay, just a little sore.”

He urged her over to where Adam sat, and she curled onto the couch between them.

“Sorry to cut our trip short, baby, but I think it’s best if we head home this morning,” Adam said, regret creasing his brow.

“I’m ready to go home,” she said firmly.

He smiled. “I’m glad. Glad you think of it as home.”

Ryan trudged out of the bedroom, suitcase and carry-on bag in hand. “Everything’s out of the bedroom,” he announced.

Adam turned back to Holly. “I thought we could get something to eat on the way. I’d like to get out of town as soon as possible.”

“That’s fine,” she said. “I’m ready when you all are.”

She eased up from the couch. Ethan stood beside her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Ryan and I’ll go down with the luggage and warm up the Land Rover. Give us a few minutes then meet us out front. I’ll pull around to the entrance,” Adam said.

Ethan nodded, and Adam and Ryan collected the bags and walked out.

“You sure you’re feeling okay today, doll?” Ethan asked.

She nodded. “I’m sore, but the more I move, the better I feel.”

He kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry we didn’t look out better. It should have never happened.”

She scowled at him. “It’s not your fault. Any of yours.” She sighed and leaned further into his embrace. “I just hope it’s over soon.”

“It will be, doll. It will be.”

Chapter Twenty-One

They arrived in Clyde by noon and Adam pulled into the small parking lot of the sheriff’s office. Holly looked less than thrilled when she realized where they’d stopped.

“We need to tell Lacey what’s going on so she can be on the lookout for Mason,” he explained. “If she sees him, she can let us know. Added protection.”

“But will she?” Holly asked softly, turning her wide eyes on him. “Tell us, I mean?”

The question hung between them, hovering in the air.

“I don’t see why we need to involve her,” Ryan spoke up.