Page 15 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

"So you'll forgive me if I'm not exactly thrilled to have some... outsider waltzing in and stirring up trouble," Paige continues, each word a carefully sharpened blade. "Especially one with a penchant for going after other women's husbands."

Anger flares hot in my chest, but I tamp it down, refusing to take her bait. "For the last time, I had no idea Ian was married when I met him. He never?—"

"Save it," Paige cuts me off with a disdainful flick of her hand. "I don't want to hear your pathetic excuses. The fact is, you're nothing but a little tramp who tried to seduce my husband. And mark my words, you'll pay.”

Paige's words hang heavy in the air, and that last threat lingers like a bad smell. I brace myself for whatever venom she's about to spit next, my fists clenched at my sides.

But before she can unleash another round of insults, Mel steps forward, her chin raised in defiance. "That's enough outta you, Paige."

Mel's voice has a steely edge that I haven't heard before. Gone is the sunny, playful girl from just moments ago—in her place stands a woman who means business.

Paige arches one perfectly groomed eyebrow, her lips curving into a mocking smile. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Mel says, her tone leaving no room for argument. "We all know the kind of reputation Ian's got in this town. So why don't you save the righteous act for someone who actually believes it?"

A titter of laughter ripples through the small crowd gathered to watch the show. Paige's cheeks flush an angry crimson, but she holds her ground, glaring daggers at Mel.

"How dare you?—"

"How dare I what?" Mel cuts her off, taking another step forward. "Call out your bullshit? Please, Paige. We've all seen this song and dance before."

There's a heavy silence, the weight of Mel's words seeming to press down on the entire street. I can't help but stare at her in awe, this woman I barely know standing up for me against Paige's vicious attack.

Finally, Paige lets out a huff of disdainful laughter, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "You'll regret this, Melanie."

"Whatever you say, Paige. Just do us all a favor and take your drama somewhere else?"

With one last withering glare, Paige spins on her designer heel and stalks off down the street, her minions scurrying to keep up. The little crowd slowly disperses, the excitement over for now.

I let out a shaky breath, feeling like I can finally uncurl my fists. "Damn, Mel..."

She turns to me with a wry grin, the fire in her eyes already fading back to that warm, playful glint I'm getting used to. "What can I say? Someone's gotta keep that one in check."

I laugh, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep in my chest. "Girl, you're a force to be reckoned with, you know that?"

Mel winks, looping her arm through mine once more. "You're just figuring that out? Come on, let's blow this popsicle stand. I could use a strong cup of coffee after that little showdown."

As we head off down the street, I can't shake the feeling that I just witnessed the first round in what's sure to be an ongoing battle with Paige. But for now, I've got an ally in my corner.

And something tells me Mel's the kind of friend you want on your side when the claws come out.

Thirty minutes later, we settle onto a bench outside the café, steaming mugs of coffee cradled in our hands. I take a sip, letting the rich, bitter flavor wash over my tongue.

"So," Mel says after a few beats of comfortable silence. "You wanna tell me what that was all about back there?"

I pause, the mug hovering halfway to my lips as I study her expression. There's no judgment there, just open curiosity and maybe a hint of concern.

With a sigh, I set the coffee aside, bracing myself. "You mean with Paige and her whole 'homewrecker' song and dance?"

Mel nods, her gaze steady and unflinching. "Yeah. And the blow-up at the bus station the other day... what's really going on?"

A part of me wants to deflect, to brush it off with some sassy quip and change the subject. But there's something about Mel—something disarmingly honest that makes me want to level with her.

"All right, you want the truth?" I say, meeting her eyes squarely. "The whole truth is, I had no damn idea Ian was married when I met him."

Mel's brows knit together, but she doesn't interrupt, just nods for me to continue.

"It all started a few years back," I explain, the words tumbling out in a rush now that I've started. "My twin brother, Kendrick, is locked up, and he introduced me to his friend—Ian."

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