Page 34 of The Mountain Man's Mail Order Surprise
Rosco's hand settles on my back, warm and steadying, but I can feel the tension radiating from him.
"We're married now," I say, forcing my voice to stay level. "That should prove stability."
"To some trailer park local who probably doesn't even have a college degree? Gia, darling, you can do better."
"Rosco is worth ten of you."
"Maybe. But he's not the father of your child."
"Yes he is."
Zack's laugh is cold, calculated. "That's where you're wrong. You see, I've been doing some research on your new husband. Kane Construction has an interesting safety record. Several violations, a few accidents. It would be terrible if something happened to disrupt his business right when you need stability most."
The threat is clear. He's not just coming after me anymore. He's targeting Rosco, threatening everything we've built together.
"You bastard."
"I'm practical. Just like our arrangement is going to be." His voice drops to that dangerous quiet I remember too well. "You have twenty-four hours to come home, Gia. Alone. Or your mountain man's business suffers some very unfortunate setbacks."
"I'm not going anywhere with you."
"Yes, you are. Because if you don't, I'll make sure Kane Construction never gets another permit in this province. I'll have safety inspectors crawling over every site, insurance companies denying claims, clients canceling contracts. How long do you think your marriage will last when you're the reason he loses everything?"
Panic floods my system. Zack has the connections to do exactly what he's threatening. Old money, political influence, the kind of power that can destroy a small business with a few phone calls.
"Twenty-four hours," he repeats. "I'll send a car."
The line goes dead, leaving me staring at my phone with shaking hands. Beside me, Rosco is already reaching for his clothes.
"Pack a bag," he says grimly.
"What?"
"We're leaving. Right now. If that psychotic fuck thinks he can threaten my family, he's got another thing coming."
"Rosco, no." I catch his arm as he starts to stand. "You don't understand. He has resources, connections. He can do exactly what he threatened."
"So do I." His eyes are deadly serious. "And I've got something he doesn't."
"What?"
"A family that doesn't abandon people." He sits back down, pulling me into his arms. "Gia, I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"
"Of course, but..."
"No buts. We're not running, and you're sure as hell not going back to him. We're going to end this, once and for all."
Twenty minutes later,we're dressed and driving toward Iron Vine Estate. I've tried arguing, explaining, begging Rosco to understand that Zack isn't just some local bully who can be intimidated. But he's not listening. His jaw is set in that stubborn line I'm learning means his mind is made up.
"This is insane," I say as we pull into the estate's driveway. "You're going to lose everything because of me."
"I'm going to keep everything that matters because of you." He parks the truck and turns to face me. "Gia, I meant what I said in our vows yesterday. You and our baby are my priority. Not my business, not my reputation, you."
"But if he destroys Kane Construction..."
"Then I'll build something else. But I'm not letting him terrorize you into submission."
Before I can argue further, the front door of the main house opens and Noah appears, followed by Talia, Silas, and what looks like half the Kane family. They're all dressed like they're heading to a business meeting with serious expressions and determined bearing.
