Page 8 of Iron Willed Warrior

I replayed what I’d just said. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Sure you didn’t. That’s why you were gesturing at your crotch. Very subtle.”

“Hold on, I wasn’t—” I’d meant my prosthesis. But I didn’t owe her my life story. “You’ve got this wrong.”

“I doubt it. I noticed how you were checking me out.”

My jaw clenched. I’d definitely been checking her out. “Relax, you’re not my type,” I lied.

“You’re not even close to mine. I don’t go for assholes who pretend to be sweet.”

“I wasn’t pretending to be anything. Least of all sweet.”

“That’s good, because if you were, your act isn’t anywhere near convincing.”

“Then why are you still standing here? Your car is fixed. Nobody’s forcing you to stay and gripe at me.”

“You’re right.” She stalked to her car, got in, and drove away.

“Shit,” I muttered. How had that gone downhill so fast?

I looked forlornly at the other half of my cigarette on the ground, regretting that I’d crushed it.

No. Good. Deed.

Dammit.

CHAPTER THREE

Brynn

Despite the detour,I made good time getting to Silver Ridge after the flat tire debacle. I followed the directions programmed into my GPS and found myself at a cute little house not far from Main Street.

My car pulled up to the curb, and I heaved a sigh. Thank goodness I was here.

Earlier this year I’d been to Hartley, the county seat, to visit the headquarters of the Protectors. Silver Ridge was about half an hour away from Hartley, and its architecture was just as charming. An eclectic mix of western, Victorian, and newer construction, combined with historic streetlights and signs that proclaimedWelcome to the Hart of Colorado. Cutesy puns were not usually my jam. But even I had to admit the ambiance of Hart County was inviting.

You’d never expect that a vigilante group like the Protectors had faced off with Stillwater not that far from here. An idyllic setting wasn’t guaranteed to be peaceful underneath.

Grabbing my bag, I headed for the front door, not sure who this place belonged to. All I knew was that River had sent me this address. But it wasn’t his, since River’s apartment was over in Hartley. Also, this house was way tooadorable for him. It was painted a cheerful blue with a white porch, and its driveway and sidewalks were meticulously shoveled free of snow. There was even a little gnome waving from the porch steps.

River opened the door as soon as I knocked. He took my bag and held out his other hand for a fist bump. “Hey, come in. How was the trip down?”

I couldn’t hide my scowl. “A little drama. But no big deal.” I took off my coat. For the drive, I’d worn a soft, long-sleeved Henley top and a pair of black jeans. So much more comfortable than my usual FBI dress slacks and blazer.

“Uh oh. If it put you in a mood, then it was clearly a big deal. What happened?”

“Youusually put me in a mood,” I pointed out. “And yet, I get over it.”

“Exactly. I’m extraordinary. Therefore, whatever happened to get under your skin is worth hearing about.”

“Your logic is frightening.”

He grinned. “Thank you.”

I hadn’t been a fan of River Kwon when I’d first met him. The man had shown up to protect Charlotte, and I was protective of my best friend. Also, River was beyond cocky, and that tended to rub me the wrong way.

Okay, I could be a touch cocky at times myself. But I liked to know the score. When River had appeared on the scene, I hadn’t known what to make of him. In the months since, he’d become a close friend. How could I dislike a man who made my friend so happy and treated her like a queen?

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