Page 1 of Marked by the Mountain Man

Chapter One

HUDSON

Love sucker punches me.

But what do you expect when an angel’s headed straight for the door of your tattoo parlor?

I watch her float through the parking lot, wearing a slinky, black, knee-length dress with long sleeves and a V-neck that hugs her abundant curves. Curves for fucking days. And a thick head of platinum blonde hair that reaches well past her shoulders, the curled ends caressing her decolletage and turning my insides out.

She’s stunning. Perfection.

Her ivory legs are thick and shapely, round calves inviting me to palm her flesh, feather her body in a thousand whispered kisses. Tiny feet squeezed into black stiletto heels, she looks good enough to eat.

I shake my head, trying to clear the delectable thought from my mind as I stand at the window, licking my lips. My heart hammers against my ribs. In forty-two years on this planet, I’ve never felt anything this overpowering.

“Motherfucker.” Drew frowns next to me.

“What?” I grumble, barely listening to the asshole.

“What in the fuck is Hadleigh doing here?”

“Wait, you knowher?” I ask, instantly jealous.

Drew’s a piece of fucking shit. Deceitful, manipulative, and weaselly. He shouldnotknow this woman. They shouldn’t even exist on the same plane. I may not know a thing about her, but I can already tell she’s too good for him.

But then again, I have a serious axe to grind with Drew. He’s the reason I should never take pity on fellow addicts not committed to change. Because nine times out of ten, they’re not ready to do the hard work that I did to make something of myself. To come back after getting strung out on opioids.

The VA handed scripts out to me like candy … along with anti-depressants, sleeping aids. Shit that had me messed up as fuck until I found a new reason to live and move forward, thanks to my buddy, Roscoe Vaughn.

He owns a massive, off-grid property in the mountains above New Brunswick, which he has transformed into a community for veterans and wounded warriors. I fit into both categories and have made nature my solace ever since. Replacing the drive for a quick fix or emotional and physical numbing with outdoor living and a business and lifestyle I can be proud of.

“She’s my little sister,” Drew grumbles. “A little goody two-shoes who does no wrong. A mama’s girl. I can only imagine what she’s here for.”

Mentally, I slam him against the wall and shove a finger in his face, warning him never to say another off-color word about this breathtaking woman. But the last thing I need is a bad first impression with her, especially since I doubt she knows the kind of mad shit her brother talks behind her back. He’s two-faced like that.

Head spinning and too overwhelmed by the crazy feelings still gripping me, I shift my weight, glued to the spot. I let out a deep warning growl that Drew won’t get. He has the social know-how of a puddle of mud.

Last minute, the woman veers, shuffling quickly toward a black Lincoln Corsair parked near the back of the lot. She greets two men who hop out, popping the hands-free tailgate.

Drew scowls. “See? She’s always sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“One more word out of you,” I grumble, stroking my beard and despising the sight of her talking to other men. “Who the fuck are they?”

He shrugs, face bitter. “The wrong crowd,” he says, using his fingers to make air quotes, his voice disparaging.

“What’s wrong with you?” I scold, glaring at him.

Drew shrugs. “She won’t let me lead my own life. Always has to mess in my business. Usually on Mom’s behalf.”

“You should be happy you have a mother and sister who care at all,” I reply, frowning. “And she knows those guys, too?” I ask, my gut twisting. Something’s off about this situation … from Hadleigh’s body language to how the guys eye her. I beeline for the door, Marine instincts kicking in. “Answer me, Drew,” I bark.

“Just associates?—”

The man to Hadleigh’s left shoves her into the back of the Lincoln, slamming the tailgate. I burst through the door, roaring as their tires squeal and peel out of the parking lot.

My feet hammer on the pavement, eyes straining to read the California license plate. My stomach knots as Hadleigh lifts her head, palms pressed on the glass of the back window. Her eyes catch mine for a split second that feels haunting, timeless. I have to save her, no matter what.

Drew stands next to me, hands on his head. His face looks anguished. “Shit. I told her not to get involved?—”

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