Daddy in Cowboy Boots (Montana Daddies Book 9)

by Laylah Roberts

  He didn’t like that.

  Not. At. All.

  12

  With a yawn, Marisol turned down her driveway.

  It was her late night at the spa, so she’d driven to work. Even her aunt didn’t insist that she walk home in the dark and cold.

  She was so tired that she nearly crashed into a car parked to the side of the driveway.

  “Mierda!” She straightened the car, pulling it over into the middle of the driveway. “Shit. Shit. Shit.”

  There were several cars and motorbikes parked along the drive. Her aunt was having a party. Why hadn’t she told her? Normally, she’d let Marisol know so she could either hide in her bedroom or make herself scarce. Her aunt didn’t like her appearing at her parties.

  Which suited Marisol just fine.

  Now she’d have to find somewhere to spend the night.

  Marisol’s stomach tightened. What should she do? Usually, she’d sleep in the car or go to a late-night café. It was cold here at night and she didn’t have a blanket or warmer clothing if she was going to sleep in the car. She tapped her fingers against the steering wheel as she thought.

  Maybe you should ask Linc if you could stay with him?

  She blushed at the thought. What would he say if she were to ask? Would he say yes?

  What if he said no?

  He’d told her that he liked her. That still made her smile. Until she remembered that she couldn’t have anything with him. That she had to leave.

  This is why she shouldn’t let herself get close in the first place. She knew this already. Never get attached. People always left. Rosalind always moved them on to somewhere else. Only this time, she’d be moving on alone.

  God, she was so scared.

  Stop being a coward, Marisol.

  She probably should have left already, but she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to those evening calls, when he’d put her to bed. The funny texts he’d send her in the day. She’d just wanted to feel like she was special, like she was loved.

  Silly, Marisol. He doesn’t love you.

  He was so sweet, though. One of the most caring men she’d ever met. The way he’d fussed over a simple bee sting, texting her to check on her that night. Wanting her to take the next day off and rest. She had reassured him that her foot was back to normal the next day. Which was sort of true. But he’d never know that she’d stretched the truth.

  It hadn’t taken long for the swelling to go down and the redness to fade and there was no way Rosalind would ever let her take the day off work because of a bee sting.

  Hell, she’d have to be in hospital or half-dead for that to happen.

  She couldn’t call Linc. Telling him what was going on would just put him in danger.

  She didn’t know who was at the party. She sent up a prayer that it wasn’t Saber and his guys. However, she didn’t like her chances.

  She needed to get her stuff. Her stash of money. Her extra insulin. Snuggly and Princess Nana. Which meant that she was going to have to sneak in.

  Just get in, grab some stuff, then get out.

  Simple.

  After climbing out of the car, she slipped around into the garage. Carefully, she opened the door leading from the mud room into the kitchen. Nobody was in here. Okay. She took the opportunity to grab her extra insulin out of the fridge, stashing it in her handbag. There was music blasting through the house. As she stepped into the hallway, cigarette smoke assaulted her nose. She coughed a bit.

  Great. How long had these people been here?

  A loud scream made her jump in fright. Two men burst their way out of the living room. One punched the other in the face. His head flicked back, blood spurting from his nose.

  Shit. Shit. Shit.

  Her breath came in hard pants. One had long, straggly hair, the other’s head was shaved nearly bald. They rolled around on the floor, fists flying, grunting and screaming.

  Where was her aunt? Why was she letting this happen?

  Maybe these people weren’t here for a party. Maybe they’d broken in? Even now, her aunt could be tied up somewhere. Mierda! Perhaps she should call the cops.

  The two men rolled into a side table and the vase on top smashed to the ground. A familiar screech reached her ears. Okay, so her aunt was here somewhere.

  “What did you just do! Look at the mess!” Rosalind stomped her way into the foyer, her face filled with anger. So at least she wasn’t tied up somewhere, being tortured.

  The two men froze. Marisol watched on, her heart in her throat. These didn’t look like the type of men who would take being told off by a woman well. Would one of them go for her aunt now? What would she do if they did? She couldn’t let her be hurt.

  “Babe, jeez, what’s the problem?”

  A familiar man stepped forward.

  Oh shit. Fuck. It seemed she’d stupidly stayed too long. She should have gotten out when she could.

  “The boys are just having fun. Letting off steam. They’ve had a tough few weeks. Leave them to it.” Saber wrapped his arm around Rosalind’s waist, leading her away. The two idiots got up and followed them, now laughing with each other as if sharing a huge joke. She let out a sigh of relief, grateful they’d slammed the door shut behind them. Music roared through the house, it practically rocked the house on its foundations.

  She stepped forward, ready to fly upstairs when her wrist was grabbed. She let out a small cry as she was shoved back against the wall. Her other wrist was grabbed, her hands pushed above her head.

  Oh no.

  No. No. No.

  He was here. One hand held both of her wrists while he ran a finger down her cheek, smiling evilly.

  “Hello, Marisol. I’ve been waiting for you.”

  After getting out of the shower and drying off, he checked his phone. Time to call Marisol and tuck her into bed.

  He loved this time best. He tried to text her when he could. But his nighttime calls to put her to bed were the favorite part of his day.

  However, it wasn’t the same as having her with him. As seeing her sweet smile. Hearing her laughter.

  Slipping on a pair of cotton pajama pants and a sleeveless T-shirt, he picked up his phone and headed into the living room. He hadn’t pushed her for an answer about whether she wanted more than friendship. He thought that was best left until he could see her in person and use his powers of persuasion more fully.

  With a grin, he pressed on her contact number. It rang then flipped to voicemail.

  Huh. That was odd.

  Marisol’s breath sawed in and out of her lungs. Panic made her stomach revolt. She was close to vomiting or passing out. She wasn’t sure what. She felt a vibration from where her handbag was pushed against her side. Her phone was ringing.

  Linc.

  Oh God. Linc. What she wouldn’t give to have him walk through that door right now and save her. Because she sure as heck didn’t know how to save herself.

  She always felt safe around him. And she very much needed that right now.

  “What’s wrong? Haven’t you got a greeting for your brother?”

  “You’re not my b-brother.”

  Stay strong, Marisol.

  He wrapped his free hand around her neck, pressing against it until she could barely take in a breath.

  Please stop. Please stop.

  Tears filled her eyes as she tried to fight him, to free her hands. But he was too strong for her. If anything, her pathetic attempts to free herself seemed to stir him on.

  He pressed his hard cock against her, grinding himself as he choked her. Finally, when dark spots danced in front of her eyes, he eased his hold around her neck.

  She took in gulping breaths, her entire body shaking. She didn’t think he was going to stop.

  “Do you need a demonstration of my ability to control you, Marisol?”

  Oh God. Oh God. Where was everyone? Why was no one walking past? Not that they’d probably help her. No, in all likelihood, they’d spur Tiger on.

  “
Get on your knees, babe. It’s time to suck my cock. It’s time to show you who is really in charge.”

  Tears leaked out of her eyes and she cried out again as he started to tug at his jeans. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be happening.

  No one is coming to your rescue. Fight, Marisol! Fight!

  By now he had his jeans and boxers down over his hips, his disgusting cock was bared, the tip gleaming with pre-cum. She was going to vomit.

  He took a step back, loosening his hold on her hands. This was it. Her chance. Pulling her leg back, she drew it up, bending her knee as she slammed it into his dick. Hard.

  For a moment she thought it hadn’t done anything. Then he let out a noise like a pig squealing. He let go of her, both hands reaching down to cup his balls. Marisol didn’t think. She ran. But instead of heading out the door, like she should have, she raced up the stairs.

  She couldn’t leave Princess Nana and snuggly behind. Racing into her bedroom, she locked the door behind her. Her hands shook so hard, that it took her longer than it should have.

  Focus Marisol.

  She flew to her closet and pulled out snuggly, Princess Nana and her trinket box with her savings, stuffing them into a bag. Out. She needed to get out of here.

  There was a rattling at the door and she froze.

  Oh no. Oh no.

  “Marisol! Open this fucking door!” Tiger roared.

  Mierda!

  She stared at the door. That was all that stood between her and her nightmare.

  “I’m going to fucking kill you!” He banged against the door. It wasn’t going to take much more before he got through the door.

  Out. Get out.

  A sob broke free. What to do? She looked over to the double doors. There was a small balcony out there. She was still up on the second floor, but maybe she could climb over the railing and drop.

  Damn it.

  “Marisol! Let. Me. The. Fuck. In. Fucking cunt!”

  She had to go.

  She opened the door and climbed out onto the balcony, shivering in the cold. Her heart raced. Fear flooded her. She needed to calm herself. Closing the door, she moved to the railing and looked over. She was at the back of the house, but there didn’t seem to be anyone out here who would see her climb over. She stuffed her handbag into her backpack then put it over her shoulders. Putting her leg over, she held onto the balustrade then moved one hand down to a bottom rung then the other and let herself drop.

  Her arms burned as she dangled in the air. Oh God. What was the best way to fall?

  She had no idea. So she just let herself drop before she could overthink it.

  To her shock, she managed to land on her feet. Then she stumbled backwards a few steps, falling onto her ass. Graceful as always.

  Getting up hastily, her legs shaking beneath her, she raced away from the house. She didn’t know how long she had until Tiger broke into her room. But after discovering she wasn’t hidden anywhere inside, he’d likely figure out that she’d gone over the balcony.

  She wanted to be long gone before that happened. She rushed towards the trees at the back of the property, breathing a bit easier once she was hidden amongst their depths.

  There was just one problem now.

  What was she going to do next? If she could, she’d take the car. But it would be a risky move to head back to the house. The car was parked out front with all the other vehicles. What if she ran into someone? What if she ran into Tiger?

  She shuddered and leaned against a tree to catch her breath. Her body continued to shake, flooded with adrenaline.

  Okay, options.

  Reaching into her backpack, she drew her phone out of her handbag. She tried to turn it on.

  Blank.

  Oh no. No, no, no. She let out a sob, despair filling her.

  Calm down, Marisol.

  Calling anyone was out. She couldn’t get to the car. She had her emergency stash of money, so the only thing to do was walk into town and hope she could get a room in the local motel.

  Good. A plan. That was all she needed.

  Making her legs work, she jogged towards the road. If she moved around the edge of the property she could head around the front, hopefully without running into anyone.

  The sound of yelling from the house made her jump. She had no idea if it was another fight breaking out.

  Or if Tiger was coming for her.

  But she wasn’t waiting around to find out. She wished she had a flashlight. The moon was out, giving her some light, but she was a city girl. Walking around the countryside in the dark wasn’t her idea of a good time. Pushing away thoughts of wild animals, she made herself move.

  She had to wonder what the neighbors thought of all the noise and yelling. Managing to stick to shadows, she quickly snuck her way around the front of the property.

  She kept away from the driveway, staying close to the fence line. Once she made it to the road, she started breathing easier.

  Moving briskly, her gaze roamed up and down the road. Would he come after her? God, she didn’t know but she had a feeling that he might. Fear and cold had her teeth chattering as she wrapped her arms around herself. Noises in the shrubbery made her jump.

  There’s nothing there. Everything is fine. There’s nothing there.

  She could do this. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

  She silently sung Christmas carols to herself to cheer herself up. Maybe it sounded silly, but singing Jingle Bells and Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer managed to keep her from completely losing it.

  Christmas was magical, right? And right now, she could use a bit of magic. Or luck. Or something.

  Lights shone in her face, headlights headed towards her. Instead of moving, she froze.

  Marisol, dive.

  The car was coming from the wrong direction, heading towards the house. So it wasn’t Tiger searching for her. But that didn’t mean it wasn’t one of his buddies heading to the party. Her heart pounded, blood rushing to her head.

  Please don’t stop. Please don’t stop.

  The car slowed and came to a stop. She was hidden behind a tree, too scared to go further into the forest but terrified to reveal herself in case it was one of Tiger’s friends. A car door opened. Footsteps crunched on gravel.

  Go away. Please, go away.

  She was going to throw up or pass out. Calm down, Marisol.

  “Hello? Is someone there?”

  Her legs gave out beneath her as she recognized the voice.

  “Hello?”

  “H-hello, sheriff?”

  13

  “Marisol? Is that you?”

  The footsteps drew closer. She forced herself to move out from behind the tree and stumbled as she made her way towards him, her legs nearly giving out on her.

  “Whoa there, honey. Are you okay?” Ed leaped towards her, grabbing her around the waist to hold her steady.

  “Y-yes,” she managed to say through her chattering teeth.

  “Shit. You’re shaking. What happened? Did someone hurt you? Marisol? Can you tell me what’s happened?”

  She opened her mouth and tried to speak but nothing came out.

  “Okay, honey. Take a deep breath in. Let it out slowly. In. Out. You’re okay. I’m here. You’re safe. That’s it. Nice slow, deep breaths. Good girl. That’s a good girl. Come on, come sit in the car and let’s get you warmed up. You’re freezing. And in shock, I’m thinking.” As he spoke, he led her around to the passenger side of his vehicle as one might lead a frightened child.

  His voice as he spoke was low and soothing. No sudden movements. He opened the door and then helped settle her in so she was sitting side on, facing him. Crouching in front of her, he studied her under the car’s inside light.

  “You’re a bit pale and shaky. I have a blanket in the trunk of the car, but first I need you to tell me whether you’re hurt anywhere.”

  “No, I’m not hurt anywhere.”

  “You wouldn’t lie to me, wou
ld you, Marisol?”

  She shook her head, trying to hide her wince as the movement pulled at her sore neck. Shit would that bruise? “I’m not lying, I promise. I’m not hurt. I just . . . I had a fright and it made me feel shaky and scared. Then I was walking in the dark along the road and I’m not used to all the noises in the forest. I’m fine. Really.”

  “All right, I’m going to go get the blanket. Don’t move, hear me?”

  She nodded shakily, not wanting him to leave her sight.

  You’re safe.

  He returned quickly with a blanket. “I’m just going to put this around you then I’ll take your pulse, all right?” He continued to talk in that soothing voice. The blanket was tucked in around her lap. She didn’t even jump as he took hold of her hand and placed his fingers over her pulse.

  His touch didn’t do anything to her like Linc’s did. But she did feel calmer now that she was with him.

  And safely away from Tiger.

  “Good girl. You’re doing so well. Your pulse is a bit fast. Ready to tell me what’s going on yet?”

  She shook her head, and took a shuddering breath.

  “I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s happened, Marisol. That’s my job. To help the people living in my town.”

  She huffed out a breath. “That h-hasn’t been my experience w-with cops.”

  “I’m really sorry to hear that. I take everyone’s safety in my town seriously. If someone hurt you or scared you, then I need to know so I can take steps to protect you. And to stop that from happening to someone else.”

  “I’m okay,” she replied. She didn’t think anything good would come from her telling him about Tiger. Ed was just one guy. There had to be thirty or so Devil’s Sinners members at the house. He didn’t stand a chance on his own. And she wasn’t sure if they’d care that he was the sheriff.

  “Right. Well, I was headed out to your aunt’s place. We received a noise complaint. Do you want me to drive you there?”