Chapter 33

CHAPTER 33

J agger

A fool’s walk.

That’s what I was currently taking by allowing the fight to escalate.

I’d met Harrison Young, the sheriff’s son only twice, neither time worth writing home about. However, he was a frequent flyer at Shackles, including the day his father had been in the place. He didn’t like me and that had been apparent the first time I’d met him. He looked just like the sheriff, only a younger version.

He was also just as surly, his father having to keep him out of jail given his record of fighting to solve situations.

However, Harrison had never come across as particularly violent.

Until moments before.

The second I’d opened the front door, he’d declared me a murderer and issued two hard punches. Things had gotten out of hand after that. He’d attempted to use a knife, managing to stab me in the arm. That’s when I’d taken it away from him.

Only the blade hadn’t been his only weapon. He kept a Ruger pointed at me as he forced me to walk deep into the woods. I’d only gone to buy time.

“So what’s your plan, Harrison? Kill me out here and bury the body?”

“That’s a good plan. Don’t you think?”

“I didn’t kill Sheila.”

“You as good as did.”

“You weren’t there. You have no clue what we’d both gone through.” For both Adam and his son to find out any details of her death and my subsequent rescue would mean the sheriff had friends in the Army. Of course the fact I’d nearly been court-martialed hadn’t helped.

“It doesn’t matter what happened to you. I hope like hell the enemy tortured your ass.”

I gritted my teeth, carefully scanning the area. I’d walked these woods a few dozen times in sunlight and in the snow. There were miles of forest, the two closest houses still a mile away on either side. No one would hear the shot or if they did, they’d just think a hunter was out killing deer.

With my weapons locked up, I had nothing to defend myself with.

The only thing I could try to do was disarm him.

That was dicey given I’d smelled alcohol on his breath. He’d likely taken a couple of shots for courage.

The fucking coward.

When I slowed down, he hissed from behind me, shoving me forward using the barrel of his weapon. “Keep fucking walking.”

I did but spun around, throwing out my arms as I backed away. “Why not just do it here?”

“Because I have a special spot where you deserve to die.” The gleam in his eye was telling.

The cliff. He was planning on walking all the way to the drop-off that was another two miles from here. “Look, what the hell do you want?’

“Isn’t that obvious? Your death. You deserve to die for what you did to my sister.”

My patience was reaching the end. “I loved Sheila. We were going to get married.”

“You sure know how to show your guilt and remorse. By shacking up with some porn star?”

I instantly bristled. “I suggest you shut the fuck up.”

“Oh, don’t worry, killer. I’m going to enjoy spending time with her. When I get finished, she’ll never want or need another man.”

The hard snap of my anger was instantaneous. I swung around, lunging toward him, easily able to knock him to the ground.

With the gun flying out of his hand, I issued several brutal punches, catching him under the chin and in the stomach.

He was stronger than he looked, kicking me in the face. I was pitched backward and he immediately scrambled for the weapon.

“No!” I yelled, throwing myself at him again. As we both fell to the ground, I rolled to one side, immediately clambering to my feet. Four savage punches later and his body was teetering back and forth. The hard crack meant I’d broken his nose. Blood streamed from his nostrils as well as his mouth.

He’d managed to punch me in the eye with enough force stars were shimmering in front of both. “I suggest you stop right now and you can live.”

Harrison grinned. “I think you got this wrong.”

We both dove for the weapon, our hands colliding. As we wrestled, he managed to yank it from me, both jerking to our feet at the same time.

I backed away, calculating what the hell I could do at this point.

He lifted the weapon, pointing it at my head. If I could rush forward at the right time, I’d pin him to the huge tree behind him, maybe able to get the gun from his hand. “You don’t want to do this, Harrison. You know I didn’t kill her. They did, the monsters who captured us.”

“It doesn’t matter, buddy. You weren’t supposed to take her off the base. You did this to her. My baby sister died because of you and now, it’s time to meet your maker.” His hand was shaking, but I sensed he intended on following through with his plans.

Years before, I honestly hadn’t cared if I died on duty or elsewhere. I’d had nothing to live for.

Now, I did.

The woman I’d fallen hard for, the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

Bella.

As he pressed his finger against the trigger, I heard a crunch of leaves behind me. When his gaze was lifted for a brief second, I dove to the ground.

And I immediately heard two things.

A primal yell from a decidedly female voice and a whooshing sound.

A split second later, a bolt punctured his upper arm, the force of the weapon used tossing him against the huge oak, the sharp point driven past the bark into the heart of the tree.

As I looked up, Bella remained with the crossbow in her hands, already reaching for another bolt.

“Bella,” I called.

She darted her gaze toward me, but followed through with grabbing another metal arrow, placing it on the bow in position.

“Don’t do it, city girl. He’s not worth it.”

Bella took a deep breath, taking another aim, this time at the man’s chest. “I won’t let him win. I will never let anyone win again. He will not hurt you.”

“Fuck you, bitch.” Harrison writhed in pain, struggling to get free. I took long strides toward him, yanking the weapon off the ground where it had landed in front of him.

The ugly name used only fueled the fire I noticed in her eyes.

Panting, I wiped my mouth and walked toward her, still holding out my arm. “Lower your weapon, Bella. For me. For us.”

She held her head high. “Jagger is not a killer, you asshole. He’s a goddamn hero. Get it through your head.”

Harrison laughed and she continued debating firing the shot.

“Bella. Baby. Come on,” I whispered, able to inch a little closer.

“You will pay, you monster.” Thankfully, she lowered the bow and I was able to take it from her hand, shoving the gun in the waistband of my jeans before taking a deep breath.

With the bow in one hand, the arrow in the other, I pulled her into my arms. “It’s all over. It’s going to be just fine.”

She clung to me for a few seconds before pushing herself away. When she started walking toward him, I took another deep breath. “What now?” she asked.

“Now, he’s going to be arrested.”

Harrison laughed. “I don’t think so.”

Bella wasn’t the kind of woman to handle asshole men without retaliation. With everything she’d been through, she had less patience and care than I did. Taking long strides, she issued a hard crack against his face.

The bastard laughed again at the same time he used his other arm, wrapping it around her neck. He instantly started to strangle her.

“Let her go,” I yelled at him.

Her choking sounds indicated how strong the man was. I dropped the bow and arrow, yanking his weapon into my hands.

“I said, Let. Her. Go.”

His hold was tighter, Bella flailing as she struggled to free herself. Her eyes were pinned on mine, her mouth twisted as she gasped for air. When he grabbed the side of her face, ready to twist at a brutal angle, which would snap her neck, I had one chance in ten of making a clean shot.

“Bella!” I yelled.

Maybe there was something to be said about two people being able to read each other’s minds. Maybe the connection we shared was all we needed. Love. Yeah, it was all about love. Time was precious and my sweet city girl jammed her elbow into his stomach.

As his hold weakened, she pushed herself free, flinging her body onto the ground.

And I took a shot.

Bella

“Esme!” I squealed the moment she walked into the clinic. “You came.”

“Do you think I’d actually miss the opening of my best friend’s new clinic in smalltown USA? Not a chance, girlfriend. A little surprise.”

I hugged her tightly against me, giving Jagger a sly grin. “A wonderful one. I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a nervous wreck.”

“You shouldn’t be. You are a brilliant doctor. Danger Falls is lucky to have you.” She pulled away, immediately lifting her sunglasses in a seductive way as she turned around to glance at Jagger who was leaning against a wall in the corner. With his muscular arms folded, his black-on-black outfit, he gave off a sexy and dangerous aura.

Which would always make my mouth water.

“And who is this handsome fella?” she cooed.

“Jagger, the hero,” Cally answered.

“Oh, little munchkin. It’s so good to see you. And this must be the infamous Xena, the bestest hero of all.”

“She’s mine, Auntie Esme. All mine.”

Esme bent down, giving my baby girl a bear hug. As she chatted with Cally, rubbing Xena’s head, I took the opportunity to walk closer to Jagger. Maybe I was swaggering a little bit just like he did. “What do you think, big man? Is the place colorful enough for you?”

He scowled as only he could do. “Bright colors.”

“There needed to be a change from the bland tan in every room. Come on. Show me that gorgeous smile of yours. I know you have one.”

He scowled even more.

His huffing was done in jest. He’d finally started to lighten up over the last couple of weeks. When I’d found out he’d not only made payment to the attorney’s office but had also bought the clinic for me, I’d almost been angry.

Until my common sense had taken over.

He wasn’t just my hero. He was the only man for me.

I bopped his nose and he took me into his arms, swinging me around. Cally had finally gotten used to the fact this was our new home and our hero was my new guy. She’d looked me directly in the eye when I’d told her and said, “Duh, Mommy.”

“You’re pretty amazing, lady,” he told me. “Still a very bad girl, but I know how to handle it.”

“I think you’re the amazing one, but you will never tame me.”

He shook his head. “Bet me, sunshine. And you saved my life.”

“You saved mine. Several times, but who’s keeping count?”

As he lowered his head, nuzzled into my ear, nipping my earlobe, I closed my eyes briefly. The last few weeks had been incredible, except for the reporters that had kept hounding us for an interview.

Harrison survived his ordeal given Jagger’s calculated gunshot, already in the hands of the Roanoke Police Department. Somehow, I didn’t think Sheriff Young would be able to get him out of the attempted murder charges.

“A spanking later. You are way overdue,” he whispered.

I blushed.

He pressed his lips against mine.

I swooned.

He pulled me into his arms.

I melted.

He’d even enjoyed spending the holidays with his three girls, as he liked to call us. We filled his house with laughter and dirty dishes.

At least that’s what he liked to remind me.

“Now, you did agree to being best man. Right?” I gave him an evil eye.

I did so adore his heavy groans. “Yes, dear.”

After flashing him a grin, I pecked him on the lips again.

“Okay, you two. Save it for later. We have doors to open and a party to host,” Esme said from behind us.

Laughing, I bit Jagger’s lower lip before turning around. The fact she had her hand over Cally’s eyes made me laugh. “She’s seen us kiss before.”

“Yeah, Auntie Esme. I’m a big girl,” Cally blurted out and ceremoniously removed Esme’s hand.

Woof. Woof.

“See, Xena is in agreement. We have five minutes. Hopefully, we have a huge crowd waiting to join us. We have plenty of drinks and cookies as well.” I winked at my friend and fluffed up the fresh flowers I’d brought just this morning. I’d enjoyed painting and purchasing new pictures for the clinic. But mostly, everything else would stay the same. Including the two employees. And Doc Welby promised to be around if I had any questions.

This would take some getting used to, but I was excited and eager.

“Did you hear?” Esme asked as he moved closer, trying to keep her voice low.

“Hear what? I don’t watch or read the news any longer.”

“You should have. Joel’s no longer performing surgeries. The medical board revoked his license. I guess he botched a few and was caught doing plastic surgery. Can you imagine? And that’s the least of his worries.”

I darted a glance in her direction. “Well, I won’t wish ill will on the man.”

She planted her hands on her hips. “Oh, come on.”

“Okay, remember that conversation we had weeks ago at your place? I might take you up on calling that cousin of yours.”

We both laughed. Joel definitely wasn’t worth it.

“Now, how long are you staying?” I asked.

Esme shrugged. I could tell the woman had something up her sleeve. “Well… It depends on if I get the job at the resort or not.” She sucked in and puffed out her cheeks as she waited for my response.

“Oh, my God. You’ll get it. His brother Hunter is supposed to be here any minute. I’ll introduce you. You will adore the resort. I know you will.”

“Brother, eh?” She licked her lips. “Honey, if he looks like that gorgeous man, I will never leave.”

“Don’t get any ideas. No fraternizing with the hired help.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t want to be my sister-in-law?” She batted her eyelashes.

“We’re not getting married.”

“You are if the looks that man gives you are any indication.”

“No girl talking over there,” Jagger piped in. He was pretending to be grumpy, but I could tell how happy he was.

I gave him a watchful eye anyway.

The door was opened and Denise burst in with Hunter and Shephard in tow. In her arms was a huge bouquet of roses.

“To the great new doctor in town.” Denise pushed them forward, immediately motioning for Shephard. “Take a picture.”

For the next couple of minutes, photographs were taken of the monumental occasion, the precious time reminding me of what families were supposed to be like.

While they were still talking, I decided to allow any guests who’d showed up to come in and see the place.

I’d invited about thirty people and almost all had said they’d come. I was eager to get my practice started and it seemed like the best way to do so.

When I walked out onto the porch, a few things struck me, including how beautiful the flowers were that Jagger had hunted down, going to several stores in and around Danger Falls. Pansies. They would survive the early January cold.

The second was just how perfect the day was. It was cold, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.

And the third was that there wasn’t a single person waiting to join in the celebration.

Not one,

Not Poppy or Zoe, Carlos or Jenny, or even the gossip girls from the diner.

Or Doc Welby either.

I was stunned, but I knew why. I wasn’t wanted in this town.

A sob threatened to give me away and I did what I could to hold it back, ready to bolt back into the clinic.

Jagger grabbed me, turning me around to face the street. “What do you see?”

“What do you mean?” I snapped. “Other than the fact there’s no one here? No one cares? Everyone thinks the same damn thing? I’m a porn star.”

“Shush,” he growled as he popped me on the behind. In broad daylight. “Okay, let’s try this. Close your eyes for me and what do you see?”

He even placed one hand over my eyes to ensure I’d follow his instructions. I huffed and puffed, but knew there was no getting out of this. “A quaint town with beautiful buildings and smiling people.”

“Keep going.”

“A place where the love of my life lives and my little girl, my beautiful puppy and where I have a home. Although we need new drapes.”

“Ugh. Anything else?”

“A nice family and a building clinical practice. Possibly. Maybe one day I’ll have patients.”

“You are such a grumpy pessimist,” he told me. “I have news for you.”

“Oh, yeah, Mr. Grumpy?”

“You have a man who loves you even when you leave your coffee cup in the living room or forget to turn out the lights. A guy who adores your little snores at night.”

“I don’t snore.”

“Oh, yes, you do. But I adore them. I especially love the looks you give me when we’re making love. You’re a beautiful person inside and out and everyone knows that.”

“I don’t think everyone. They’re not here, Jagger. I failed.”

His sigh was way too exaggerated. “Think and look again, city girl. The townies know good people when they meet them.”

As he slowly removed his hand, it took me a few seconds for my sight to once again adjust to the light. When they did, I was shocked at what I was seeing.

Signs of ‘congratulations, Dr. Winters’ were everywhere, all done with vibrant magic markers. Tables were being set up, food and beverages coming from vans and trunks of cars.

There were balloons and suddenly music was blaring from an unseen source.

Zoe was here and Poppy too. Doctor Welby and a young woman that had to be his daughter. And the gossip sisters.

And there were people I didn’t know. Lots and lots of people, all waving to me as they set up for a huge festive party.

“See? They love you and so do I. This is your home.”

I noticed a man standing by himself, far removed from the crowd. Behind him was a gorgeous, sleek black Maserati. He stood in a dark suit and shades, his salt and pepper hair providing a debonair look.

“Who’s that?” I asked.

“Michelangelo Ross.” Jagger turned me around to face him. “I thought it was time to meet your father. Don’t be angry with me. Please. He had no idea he had a daughter. He wanted to be here today and I thought you needed to know you have dozens of people who care about you.”

“Angry? How could I be angry?” Nervous? Yes. Excited? Yes. “I’m never angry with you.” I pulled him into a hug and Jagger sighed.

“Go say hello. I think you might like what he has to say.”

As I pulled away, the cheering continuing, I blew the love of my life a kiss.

As I breathed a sigh of relief, the others from inside joined him on the porch. Danger Falls. Home. Family. Friends.

Love.

The End