Page 84 of Pick Your Spot

He chuckled. “I imagine there are a few aches and pains in there as well.”

She shrugged. “Nothing major. None of it matters because you found me.”

He rolled to his side and looked down at her, tracing his thumb over her face.

“I wish he’d put up a fight. He deserves to have his face smashed in for hurting you.”

This man was such a protector. “I’m glad he didn’t. He’s the kind of idiot to try to sue you because he doesn’t see that he’s done anything wrong. Do you think his mind snapped?”

Knox shrugged. “I’d say there’s some sort of issue along with a healthy dose of fear. Even in the first meeting, he didn’t show signs of actually hearing you. He seemed to believe his own bullshit. But he also yammered about needing to pay back someone.”

Thea nodded. It had been so weird. “He never said a name but he was afraid of the man. He sounded so jumbled, as if he knew he was kidnapping me because he needed money one minute. Then, saying he was bringing me home, that he was helping me.”

When she shuddered, Knox leaned down to kiss her, surrounding her with his presence. Reminding her she was safe. And loved.

“I love you, Knox.”

His eyes gleamed with emotion. “I love you, too, Thea. So damn much. I’ve never been so scared in my life as I was once I realized you were missing.”

This time, it was her offering the comfort. “It was a dumb plan to try to kidnap me when we had a dozen people helping us.”

“A dumb plan that nearly worked.”

“But it didn’t. You were smarter.”

He grinned. “And you were tougher. You were fighting with everything you had. I’m so damn proud of you.”

That filled her heart with pride. “I wasn’t letting him take me without a fight. Not when I have so much here to live for. I figured even if he got me in the trunk, once he had me back in Iowa, he needed my cooperation. I’d have found a way to get away.”

His smile grew. “You’re damn right you would have. I think you were wearing him down right there. My warrior.”

He kissed her again. Harder. Demanding. Then he lifted his head and shook it with a wry grin. “Change of plan. Your muscles need to recover. And while you don’t have a concussion, your head has to hurt. Later. We’ll celebrate all the things later.”

She wasn’t having any of that. “Hot water is good for aching muscles. How about a shower?”

His answering grin had shivers running over her skin. He rose from the bed and scooped her into his arms before she’d even blinked.

Once they were in the steaming water, he sank to his knees. Seeing this true warrior in front of her with love in his eyes filled her heart. Against all the odds, she’d found love and security. Things she’d never believed possible for her.

Knox coasted his fingers up and down her legs and then between them. “You’re amazing, Thea. I love you more than I thought possible. Now, hang onto my shoulders while I show you.”

It didn’t take long before stars swirled, and she was soaring into the universe.

A while later, they headed outside. She wanted to see the farm. Make sure Triple-A hadn’t screwed up anything.

Outside, she was surprised to see a few vehicles in the driveway. Along with Ford’s truck, there were two other vehicles.

As if sensing her worries, Knox’s arm immediately came around her. “Marcus said he wanted to come out in the daylight to check for more evidence. We also have to give him our statements.”

She hadn’t thought about that. She’d been so glad it was over and she hadn’t thought about the next steps in the process. “And the other vehicle?”

“Not sure, but I’m guessing the local doctor. Marcus said she’s a friend, and he’d bring her out.”

Thea didn’t remember those conversations. Either they’d had them out of her hearing, or she’d been too stressed to listen. If Knox wasn’t worried, she wouldn’t be either. It wasn’t like another criminal was lurking, trying to take her. Even if there was, he wouldn’t park next to the farmhouse.

Knox took her hand. “Take the truck?”

She shook her head. “I’d rather walk. I want to walk the farm without looking over my shoulder for Andy, without waiting for him to ruin things.”

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