4. Kane

4

KANE

Violet's smile hits me right in my chest. I'd do just about anything to see her smile like that all the time. When it falls off her face, I want to hurt whoever is causing her upset. This stalker had better hope that I'm not the one who finds him.

"Are you okay, gorgeous?" Shit, I didn't mean to call her that, but the pretty blush that spreads across her cheeks at the nickname means that I'm going to have to keep doing it. Anything that makes this beautiful girl happy.

She takes a deep breath and tries to force a fake smile. "Of course, I am."

"Bullshit." I walk over to where she's still standing by the door. "Please don't hide from me. You can tell me the truth and it won't go any further than the walls of this cabin."

Leaning her head back to look me in the eyes, Violet says, "I don't know why but I trust you."

We stand there, gazing into each other's eyes for what could be either seconds or minutes before she breaks eye contact. That blush is still evident on her cheeks.

"Let me show you to the bedroom and you can get settled in." I point toward the bedroom door and start walking. That's one thing my sister didn't inform me of during our phone call, maybe she didn't know, but this cabin only has one bedroom.

I show her into the room, and she spins around taking it all in. It's small, but the owner made the most of the space. There's a king-sized bed in the middle with small tables on each side. One door along the wall leads to a generous-sized closet and the other to a fantastic bathroom. There's a huge standalone shower and a soaking tub that would fit more than one person comfortably.

Standing in here, with Violet so close, has my body reacting. From the moment I saw her through her car window, I've been drawn to her in a way I've never felt before. Sure, I'd seen pictures of her from Zoe and I'd even seen a few of her movies, but never felt anything other than a normal attraction to a beautiful woman. Being in her presence is different.

I want to touch her, even if it's just holding her hand. I need to get out of this room. The giant bed is calling for me to lay her across the soft-looking comforter and make her forget about everything but what's happening right here in this room.

Coughing to get her attention, she turns, her eyes wide with surprise. "Sorry, gorgeous, I'm going to let you get settled and I'll start some dinner."

"Okay, I think I might take a shower," she says looking toward the bathroom, but not looking me in the eyes.

"Take your time," I tell her as I walk out of the room closing the door behind me. Taking a deep breath, I pull my phone out to see if there's service yet. I'm sure Zoe is going crazy not knowing if Violet is safely in the cabin.

I do have a few bars as I walk out onto the deck behind the cabin. It's very remote and Zoe warned that cell service would be spotty. I decide to call instead of text in case the messages don't go through.

The line rings once before my sister answers.

"Is she there?"

"Yes, Zoe, Violet made it to the cabin. She's safe."

"Thank God."

I can hear the relief in her voice. Zoe loves Violet like a sister, which means that I need to keep my hands to myself and stop daydreaming about what I'd really like to do with her in this cabin.

"I'm good too." I tease her.

"My big Marine brother? I'm not worried about you. That's why I sent you to protect Violet. I needed someone that she could trust, and I knew she'd trust you because I do."

"She told me that she trusts me. She did demand proof that I was your brother though."

"How did you prove that?" Zoe laughs.

"I let her read our texts. After she read how you bust my balls all the time, she knew you were my annoying little sister." I still can't believe that I let her read our text, but I didn't even stop to think that handing over my phone meant that she could have looked at anything on there.

"You gave her your phone?"

"Yes. She also read how you warned me to stay away from her."

"Well, she's vulnerable and I don't want anyone messing with her— even you."

"I wouldn't do anything to hurt Violet. I'll protect her."

"I know, Kane. I've gotta go. There might be a lead on who's been writing the letters. I'm going to talk to Adam right now."

"Okay, keep me informed."

"I will. Hug Violet for me. Bye, big brother."

I hate that Zoe is playing detective with Adam, a former FBI agent turned security specialist who she found to help her. I tried to talk to him yesterday but got his voicemail each time I called. I left a couple of messages but didn't get a call back.

As for giving Violet a hug for Zoe. If I get Violet in my arms, my sister won't be on my mind at all.

I hear the water turn off in the bathroom, so I head back into the cabin to put together a simple dinner. It's time to talk about why Violet is here and to address the one-bedroom situation.