Page 100 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

I hear a drawer open, then the unmistakable sound of a gun being cocked. My blood runs cold.

"Paige," Ian's voice shakes. "Put the gun down. You don't want to do this."

"Don't tell me what I want!" she screams. "You lost that right when you threw away our marriage for this... this homewrecking whore!"

My mind races, desperate for something—anything—that might break through Paige's fury. But just as I'm about to speak, a deafening crash reverberates through the cabin, making the walls tremble. And my heart drops.

Chaos erupts around me.

The sound of gunshots rings out, sharp and jarring, mingling with the shouts of men and mayhem. I can’t tell who’s who in the room, and with my blindfold tight against my skin, my world is reduced to sheer terror.

I’m gripped by absolute dread and the overwhelming certainty that I might not make it out of this alive. But I'm not dying in this fucking cabin with these psychos.

“Everett!” I scream, my voice hoarse and trembling, choked with fear. "Everett, I’m here!"

I push the words out, each one laced with desperation, praying against all odds that he can hear me above the noise.

I twist in my chair, the ropes digging into my skin as I struggle against my restraints. Every noise creates a jarring thud in my chest—bodies slam against the walls, and the sound of frantic footsteps echoes ominously nearby.

I squeeze my eyes shut beneath the blindfold, trying to block out the nightmare unfolding around me, and keep screaming.

“Everett! Everett! Everett!”

Suddenly, hands grab me. I thrash wildly, terrified it's Paige coming to finish what she started.

"I got you, baby," a familiar voice rumbles in my ear.

Relief floods through me. "Everett," I sob, going limp in his arms.

His fingers work quickly, untying the ropes. As soon as I'm free, I throw my arms around his neck, burying my face in his shoulder. He pulls off the blindfold, but I keep my eyes squeezed shut, overwhelmed by the sudden light and the emotions crashing over me.

"You're safe now," Everett murmurs, his arms tightening around me. "I've got you. You're safe."

I can't stop crying. They pour out of me, hours of fear and uncertainty finally breaking free.

Everett just holds me, one hand stroking my back as he whispers soothing words.

"I'm sorry," I hiccup, trying to pull myself together. "I'm getting your shirt all wet."

Everett chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Love, I couldn't care less about the shirt."

I finally open my eyes, blinking against the light. Everett's face comes into focus, his blue eyes intense as they scan me for injuries.

"Are you hurt?" he asks, his voice rough with concern.

"Just some rope burns and bruises. I'll be okay."

Paige slapped me so many times that I know I must look like a blowfish. But I'm alive.

His jaw clenches, and I see a flash of anger in his eyes. But when he speaks, his voice is gentle. "Let's get you out of here."

Before I can protest, Everett scoops me up in his arms. As we step outside, I'm surprised to see a group of men in tactical gear. They turn as we approach, and I notice the way they defer to Everett.

Who are these guys?

"All clear, Ghost," one of them says. "Targets are secured."

Ghost? I look up at Everett, confused. He meets my gaze and sighs. "I'll explain everything later, I promise."

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