Page 53 of Auctioned to the Lumberjacks (Auctioned)

Jack appears in the doorway, blocking the space entirely. His blond hair is messily fastened, and his beard is wild and ragged, as though he’s given up on taking care of himself until this situation is resolved. He heard my question and West’s response.

“I don’t trust Bill, but he knows me. He knows that I won’t rest until this is over, and he can either end up on my side or …” He trails off and doesn’t make any attempt to finish his sentence. Jack’s huge hand grips the rifle and raises it slightly. I draw my own conclusion and a shiver that’s more anticipation than fear passes up my spine.

He’s on my side and prepared to do whatever it takes.

Hope becomes less of a firefly on the horizon.

“And Shona?” I ask.

“She’s here for a chance at revenge,” West says simply. “We won’t let her get into a position where she can hurt you or Hallie.”

“What about you?”

He frowns. “Focus on what’s important.”

I press my palms to my temples, overwhelmed at what’s coming. “You are important, all of you.”

His nod is slow, and his eyes soften. “We know what we’re doing, Skye.”

I focus on each of them: Jack’s jaw that’s set like concrete, Finn’s straight posture and soft eyes, and the concerned furrow between West’s brows. I memorize them like this. Strong and beautiful. Toughened by life but loyal and protective when it counts.

I wish I could do more. Be more. Deal with this on my own as I planned, but I have to face the facts. In a year, Hallie could be long gone. If I wait, I might never get her back.

It’s not something I’m prepared to risk. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll let them become my saviors. I’ll stand by while they do something so momentous for me that I’ll owe them for life.

“I’ll pray,” I say. “For you all.”

I might be helpless, but that’s one thing I can do.

They nod, accepting my small offering gratefully.

When they leave my room, I drop to my knees and whisper to God, the Universe, Fate, or Mother Earth—whoever has the power—to protect the three lumberjacks who bought me for their pleasure but now risk their lives to save me and the daughter I love.

20

JACK

LOOSE ENDS

“There are three of them,” Finn whispers into the receiver. “Traveling in a chrome-colored Cadillac Escalade.” Just like Skye and Shona predicted. Carter doesn’t trust many people. Devon Webster and Keith Morgan are the only ones he trusts enough to get close to the big money.

They’re both known to Bill and are wanted alongside Carter Reynolds.

This setup is as much a benefit to Bill as it is to me. To us.

He agreed to the extra clause I added to the terms and conditions late last night as the only way we can reach equilibrium. Once this is over, we’re done for good.

“You’re done there,” I say.

Finn hangs up, and the line goes dead.

Now we know what we’re dealing with, he can make his way back.

Three hours to go. The tracker Finn placed on the vehicle yesterday will confirm their exact positioning, so there won’t be any surprises.

Except for Carter.

“Give me a whiskey, neat.”

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