by Dawn Brower
Cain steered the boat toward the dock. He stopped beside it and killed the engine. He tied the rope around the post and hopped out. The pack he hid with his gear was by a nearby lake house. He didn’t know who the house belonged to. He knew it was rarely used. That was what made it a good place to stash it. He checked his surroundings making sure there would be no surprises. There was nothing and no one around the lake. The summer season was ending and most of the houses were closing up for winter. That would make things easier for him. No one around to report his whereabouts and he could get out of town without incident.
His breathing became more ragged with each step he took. “Fuck and Damnation,” he swore. “I have to keep moving.”
The house was a few more yards up the hill. He cleared the hill and leaned against a tree to catch his breath. He turned and froze. There was a light on in the house. No one came to the lake house this time of the year. Who could be occupying it? This would complicate things. He didn’t have time to wait for them to go to bed for the night. He had to leave the area right then. There was no choice. He had to try to be as quiet as possible and grab his bag without them noticing. Easier said than done. Cain hobbled toward the back porch. The back pack was stashed underneath it. He pushed a board aside and reached in to pull it out. The pain from the actions sent him reeling backward. He hit his head against the porch as the back pack came forward with him.
The ground spun underneath him. He’d been doing so well up until that point. Now he couldn’t see two steps in front of him. Hell, he might actually pass out. Breathe Cain, breathe. The ground kept moving no matter what he did and he fell fully to the ground.
A door creaked open and thuds filled the air as the occupant of the house stepped down the porch. “Who’s out there?”
Shit. He knew that voice. Maybe he was hallucinating. He glanced up and met her gaze in the moonlight. “Are you real?” He winced with pain and clutched his arm around his waist. The wound may be worse than he’d thought it was.
His dream woman froze and stared down at him. She frowned as she studied him. “You’re hurt.” No shit. She was observant. Not her fault, don’t take it out on her. She leaned over him and brushed the back of her hand over his forehead. “And you’re burning up. Come on let’s get you inside.”
“You and who else is going to make that happen? I don’t think I can move.”
He’d come this far, and he should be more willing to aide her in her plan to help him inside, but he didn’t want to endanger her. If he stayed by her side he’d be doing that. He left her three months ago to save her from a situation like this one. What kind of hypocrite would he be to put her right in the middle of it all now? Cain was human enough to admit he was glad to see her. He’d never thought to lay eyes on her again. Now she was here before him and just as beautiful as he remembered.
“Quit being a baby and stand up.” She shook her head. “You can do it.”
Well when she put it like that... Cain stood up and wobbled on his feet. She stepped beside him and braced him as he walked up the steps. They made it inside and to the living room before he fell again. This time at least he landed on the couch.
“What happened to you?” she asked.
Blood stained his shirt. Not that he could tell it was blood against his dark blue shirt, but he knew he’d been shot and the dark stain was clearly a result. “Nothing I can’t handle. The pack outside go get it. I have a phone inside. I need to contact someone for an extraction.”
She put her hands on her hip and glared to him. “I’m not here for you to order me around. How are you hurt? I can help.”
She probably could. Except he didn’t want her to. He’d researched her and had extensive knowledge of her credentials as a doctor. She was one of the best emergency doctors in the country. He could trust her with his life. The problem was he didn’t trust her in his general vicinity. “I need one thing from you. Go get my pack.”
“You’re an asshole.” She rolled her eyes. “If it’s so important to you get it yourself.”
He leaned forward and winced as the pain shot through him again. He fell back against the couch. If she didn’t get his pack he was stuck in the lake house with her. There had to be a way to make her see reason. “I think I liked you better before.”
“Ditto.” She glared at him. “You were much more fun when you weren’t being a dick.”
His lips twitched into a smile. He adored her. “Please get my pack.”
“No.”
“Why the hell not?” His mouth fell open in shock. “I asked nicely.”
She sighed. “You’re not going anywhere. It’s clear you’re injured.” She rushed to the other side of the room and grabbed a bag. “Take your shirt off.” She came back to his side and set the bag down.
“As much as I’d love to get naked with you—” He couldn’t resist teasing her. Cain knew she had something else in mind, but she looked so damn beautiful when she blushed, in pleasure and in anger. He wanted to see her cheeks stained a pretty pink “—I’m not in any condition for that kind of fun.”
She didn’t say a word, only glared until he complied. So she was going for the no nonsense approach. Cain could appreciate it. His injury was smarting, and a doctor should look at it. He reached down to pull his shirt up, but couldn’t get it past his chest. The pain coursed through him and he slumped back from the exertion.
“Here let me.”
She pulled out a pair of angled scissors and cut the shirt away. He stared down at his ruined shirt and frowned. “Well that’s one way of handling it.”
“It’s efficient.” She stared at the bullet wound in his side. “The good news is the bullet went clean through, and the injury isn’t serious. It’s more or less a flesh wound. I’m going to have to dress and clean it though to prevent infection.”
“Are you now?” He raised an eyebrow. “You see gunshot wounds often?” Of course she’d have to have seen some—an E.R. doctor had to deal with numerous situations. She didn’t even flinch at the sight of the hole in his side.
She pulled out items from her bag and set them aside. “More than I’d like.” She worked in silence after that until his wound was cleaned and covered. “You’re going to need something else to wear. I will grab one of my father’s shirts for you. He keeps some things here. I’m also going to get a glass of water and then I want you to take these.” She pulled out a bottle of pills and set them on the table. “You’re burning up and I’m afraid the wound might get infected. Your fever needs to be managed. If it worsens you’ll need antibiotics and I didn’t come prepared to handle anything serious.”
He hoped it wouldn’t come to that, but he planned on being gone before she had to worry about his condition. She left the room before he could say another word. When she came back she had his pack, a black t-shirt, and a glass of water. She held the water in front of him and said, “Here drink this.” Cain set the water on a nearby table, taking the pills could wait until later.
Belle set the pack on the other side of the room out of his reach. “You can have this tomorrow after you’re rested. Here put this on.” She tossed the shirt next to him on the couch. He lifted it and slowly pulled it over his head. Cain winced with pain, but managed to get his arms through the sleeves and smooth the shirt over his stomach.
“When did you become so bossy?” he asked. “I don’t remember that about you.”
“You don’t know me. How could you?” She raised an eyebrow. “We had one night and we didn’t exactly exchange information.”
They hadn’t, but he knew who she was, Belle Brennan. The daughter of Senator Brennan, and the one woman he’d thought about laying it all on the line for. “I knew enough.” At least he thought he had.
“Really?” She snorted. “You must not need to know much before taking a woman to bed. I’ll leave you to rest.” She turned to leave.
“Only with you,” he replied. “Don’t go, Belle.”
She stopped in her tracks. “H
ow is it you know my name, but never felt the need to share yours with me? Mr. Mysterious, it doesn’t exactly seem fair.”
Cain was drifting off. He was having a hard time fighting it. The pain and the excursion to escape was taking its toll. “Better that way. Protects you.”
“Bullshit,” she said. “But I won’t fight you on it now. Get some rest. You’ll need it if you’re going to heal.”
She spun on her heels and left him alone. He wanted to call her back, but it was for the best she left. If he stayed around she’d be in danger. With her out of the room he could get to his pack and make the call for someone to come get him. In a matter of hours he’d be out of her life again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.
Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.
For more information about upcoming releases or to contact Dawn Brower go to her website: authordawnbrower.com
BOOKS BY DAWN BROWER
Broken Pearl
Deadly Benevolence
A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss
Snowflake Kisses
Begin Again
There You’ll Be
Better as a Memory
Won’t Let Go
Scandal Meets Love
Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)
Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)
Bluestockings Defying Rogues
Earl of Harrington
A Lady Hoyden’s Secret
Marsden Romances
A Flawed Jewel
A Crystal Angel
A Treasured Lily
A Sanguine Gem
A Hidden Ruby
A Discarded Pearl
Novak Springs
Cowgirl Fever
Dirty Proof
Unbridled Pursuit
Sensual Games
Christmas Temptation
Linked Across Time
Saved by My Blackguard
Searching for My Rogue
Seduction of My Rake
Surrendering to My Spy
Spellbound by My Charmer
Stolen by My Knave
Separated from My Love
Scheming with My Duke
Secluded with My Hellion
Heart’s Intent
One Heart to Give
Unveiled Hearts
Heart of the Moment
Kiss My Heart Goodbye
Heart in Waiting
Broken Curses
The Enchanted Princess
The Bespelled Knight
The Magical Hunt
Ever Beloved
Forever My Earl
Always My Viscount