5. RAE

5

RAE

I made my way into the forest just as the sun was starting to rise. It cast a golden glow across the treetops, but between the trunks, the night still swirled, the cold huddling around the gnarled roots of the trees and the underbrush. My heart pounded in my chest, blood rushing in my ears. Fear had become my constant companion. It had been nearly two weeks since I’d arrived here, and nothing had gone wrong, but that didn’t mean anything.

It just meant that Jethro could be closer.

I needed to find a better place to hide the evidence, a place where Jethro or anyone else would never think to look. If they found me with the only damning evidence I had, they’d kill me for it. Jethro didn’t have a heart. It took me too damn long to figure out that part.

He’d only ever cared about money. The fact that I’d been the accountant who’d made it possible for him to let it go unnoticed had just been convenient. He’d kept me close because it had kept him rich.

I’d been the fool to believe it was real.

But then, it wasn’t the first time I’d thought love was real.

I was a fool.

The folder had felt heavy in my backpack, a physical reminder of the danger I was in. I had hidden it under a loose floorboard in the cabin, but it didn’t feel safe enough there. If they found me, they would tear the cabin apart and there were only so many places they could look before they found it.

If they found it and I wasn’t around, I might be lucky and get away, but that wasn’t a chance I was willing to take.

I had to keep the evidence far enough away from my person so that I could use it as leverage, if nothing else.

Jethro wouldn’t hurt me until he knew where it was.

I knew I was playing with fire, but I’d passed the point of no return just about the time I’d run away from Chicago and headed north, leaving Jethro’s files empty.

With some luck, he’d head south first. Toward Florida, where my family used to live. It would take him a while to figure out I hadn’t gone that way. Or maybe he’d know enough to come north right away. There was just nowhere for him to start looking.

That was the only thing that counted in my favor—a plan for safety and survival from a life before Jethro, one he’d never known about.

The forest was dense, the trees towering above like silent sentinels. The birds had already started migrating, so the branches were eerily quiet. My footsteps were muffled and still too loud in my ears.

The further I walked, the more I hoped to find a secluded spot, somewhere deep enough to offer real protection. So far, there’d only been fallen logs or twisted roots—nothing that would keep the files safe from rain and snow, and that would come. I could taste it. Winter wasn’t far off.

The air was crisp and fresh, the earthy scent of pine and damp leaves filling my lungs. It was a stark contrast to the stifling fear that gripped me.

As I trudged deeper into the woods, I kept my eyes peeled for any signs of life. When Tanner and I were together, we used to talk about escaping to a place like this. Away from his work, away from mine. Away from the chaos of the city.

Now, here I was. Alone, which sucked, but living that reality. It felt more like a nightmare than a dream.

I came to a small clearing, the sunlight streaming through the canopy and casting dappled patterns on the ground. It seemed like a good spot—isolated, hidden, and unlikely to be disturbed. I kneeled down, feeling the cool earth beneath my fingers, and started to dig a small hole. It wasn’t much, but it would have to do until I could find something better. There were no rocks or crevices around. I’d put the file in a plastic bag and it would have to do.

I had to get it in the ground before it froze over and it was too hard to dig.

I buried the file and covered it with dirt and debris so that it was well hidden. I made a note of where it was, remembering landmarks, painting a picture.

A sense of dread washed over me. This evidence was my lifeline, the only thing standing between me and the dangerous men I had escaped. If I lost it, if it was discovered by someone else who could give it to them, I was as good as dead.

I stood up, brushed the dirt from my hands, and took a deep breath. I had done what I could for now. It was time to head back to the cabin and try to figure out my next move. But as I turned to leave, I felt a prickling sensation on the back of my neck, as if I was being watched.

My heart skipped a beat, and I spun around, scanning the trees. At first, I saw nothing but shadows and sunlight. Then, a figure appeared from the trees, tall and imposing, and it was on me in no time.

I cried out and ran, but a strong arm grabbed my hoodie and yanked me back. I spun around and started hitting, balling my hands into fists.

“Hey, hey, hey!” a familiar voice said, and someone grabbed my wrists tightly, stopping me from throwing more punches. “Jesus, will you stop?”

I blinked up at him, and his face came into focus. His lip was split, and he licked it.

“Feisty as ever,” he said.

“Tanner?”

“Can I let go of you?”

I nodded, and he let go of my wrists.

I dropped my hands by my side, breathing hard. Adrenaline surged through my body, and I started to shake.

“What are you doing here, Rae?” His voice was cold, suspicious.

I swallowed hard, trying to calm the panic rising in my chest. “I’m just… exploring,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.

He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “Exploring my property?”

I froze. I hadn’t realized I had wandered onto his land. I’d thought he was further down the mountain, where it was safer. The weather this high up could be harsh.

“I didn’t know this was your property.” I took a step back. I swallowed hard, trying to pull myself together. “I’m sorry.”

He didn’t look convinced. “What were you really doing out here?”

“I told you, I was just exploring,” I repeated, my voice steadier now. “I needed to get out, clear my head.” I gestured in the direction of the town. “It can get stifling down there.”

Tanner’s gaze was intense, searching my face for any sign of deceit. “You always were a terrible liar, Rae.”

I bristled at his words, anger flaring up inside me. “And you always were an expert at it, weren’t you?”

His eyes darkened for a moment. But then he took a deep breath, his expression softening. “I don’t want trouble, Rae. Not here, not now.”

“Neither do I,” I said, my anger deflating. “I’m just trying to survive, Tanner. Same as you.”

We were going in circles, the same conversation every time. He didn’t want me here; I wasn’t going to leave. He thought it was all about him; I had bigger problems than he used to be.

And round and round the mulberry bush.

He nodded slowly, but the suspicion in his eyes didn’t fade.

“Why Silver Ridge?”

“Where else should I have gone?” I clapped back.

“Florida,” he said. “You have family there. Safety, support.”

“And they would know that. It’s an obvious choice.”

Tanner narrowed his eyes. “So, someone close to you?”

I frowned. “A stranger can find facts, too.”

“Not if you haven’t talked to your family in years,” Tanner said.

“And how would you know what I’ve done the past few years?” I snapped. “It’s not like you were around to see any of it.”

Tanner’s face softened, but his expression was pained.

“I know you, Rae.”

“You don’t,” I said hotly. “You don’t know me at all.”

Tanner shook his head.

“Fuck,” he breathed.

“What?”

“You’re still the same annoying piece of work as always,” he said.

I gasped, shocked. “Excuse me?”

“You’ve always made life hard for me, you know that? Always a fight, always an argument. You always had to prove you were right, you were better.”

“I am better!” I cried out, getting right up in Tanner’s face. “Do you want me to list all the reasons why? I can, you know. Or do you want to fight it out instead? I can still beat you.”

Tanner rolled his eyes. “I’m not doing this with you.”

I was furious, and I wanted to get rid of it. The fury, the pain, the fear—I wanted an outlet.

“Come on,” I said and balled my fists. I mock-jabbed with my right hand but shot out my left fist instead.

Tanner caught my hand.

“I’m not doing this with you,” he said again. “I know you. You can’t beat me.”

I bounced on the balls of my feet. A small voice screamed at me that I was being ridiculous, but I ignored it. I just needed a fucking release, and there was a time when we used to spar together.

I hit Tanner again, but he avoided it easily before he tripped me. His movement was fast and fluid, but before I hit the ground, he caught me. His arm wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me up again, planting me on my feet.

“Rae, stop it.”

I tried again, but Tanner was quicker than I was. Whatever he’d been doing out here, he hadn’t let up on his training. That was for damn sure. He was more lithe on his feet with faster reactions than ever.

He groaned and sank into a battle stance, humoring me. We faced off, fighting hand-to-hand.

Tanner moved first, his stance solid and balanced. He came at me with a series of quick jabs, testing my reflexes. I blocked each one, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline as I matched his movements.

“Not bad,” he said with a slight smile, circling around me. “You’ve still got it.”

“Don’t patronize me,” I shot back, focusing on his next move.

He feinted to the left, then swung his leg around in a low kick. I jumped back, narrowly avoiding the strike. He was fast, but I was faster. I countered with a roundhouse kick, aiming for his midsection. He blocked it with his forearm, the impact sending a shockwave through my leg.

We continued to spar, our movements a dance of attack and defense. Tanner was strong, his strikes powerful and precise, but I wasn’t going to let him intimidate me. I moved with agility, ducking and weaving, landing blows when I could.

Tanner’s eyes never left mine, the intensity of his gaze almost distracting. I could see the conflict in him—the struggle between wanting to protect me and needing to confront me. His movements were controlled, almost too controlled.

It felt like he was holding back.

“Stop going easy on me,” I said through gritted teeth, throwing a punch that he barely dodged.

“You’re doing fine,” he replied, but there was something in his tone that made me push harder.

I launched into a flurry of attacks, jabs and kicks, each one aimed to test his defenses. Tanner blocked and countered, but I could see the slight hesitation in his moves. He was letting me get closer, letting me think I had the upper hand.

Frustration bubbled up inside me.

I didn’t want his pity.

I wanted a real fight. I feinted a punch to his face, then dropped low, sweeping his legs out from under him. He hit the ground with a grunt but rolled away quickly, back on his feet in an instant.

“Nice move,” he said, his breathing heavy. “I always underestimate you.”

“Shut up and fight,” I snapped, anger and adrenaline fueling my movements.

He came at me again, faster this time, his strikes harder. I blocked and countered, the rhythm of the fight becoming almost hypnotic. We moved in sync, each blow and block a testament to our years of training and the unspoken connection between us.

Tanner threw a powerful punch, aiming for my ribs. I sidestepped, grabbing his arm and using his momentum—and the slope of the land—to flip him over my shoulder. He hit the ground with a thud, and for a moment, I thought I had won. But then he grabbed my ankle, pulling me down with him.

We grappled on the ground, each trying to gain the upper hand. I pinned him down, straddling his chest and holding his arms above his head. Our faces were inches apart, our breaths mingling. The tension between us was electric, the atmosphere shifted, and his eyes were drowning deep.

I had to be careful. I could fall into those eyes and fall forever.

“Give up?” My voice was shaky.

“Never,” he replied, but there was a hint of a smile in his eyes.

I tightened my grip, leaning in closer. “You’re holding back.”

He sighed, his eyes locking onto mine. “Rae, this isn’t—”

“You’re letting me win.”

Tanner suddenly rolled over so that I was at the bottom and he was on top of me, pinning me down. I had no way to fight him off, but I flashed to my dream, his naked body on top of mine.

Heat washed over me.

“I always let you win,” he said in a thick voice.

“Why?” I gasped.

Tanner didn’t answer me. Instead, he kissed me.

His lips pressed hard against mine. His weight pressed me into the dirt; his body was hot. My mouth opened under his, and his tongue found mine. He tasted like the sweetest ambrosia.

It was only a moment before Tanner broke the kiss, pushing himself away.

We both gasped for air. My blood rushed in my ears. My skin burned.

He stared at me, his eyes dark and wide.

My heart thundered.

There was a long, pregnant pause, where the only sound was our heavy breathing.

The moment broke when Tanner stood.

My mouth felt numb. My stomach was still flipping over.

What did I just do?

Tanner grabbed my hand and pulled me up. This was where he walked away, I told myself. This was where—

He pushed me against a tree, his body pinning me again, and his lips found mine. His tongue slid into my mouth, and I moaned. He gyrated his hips against mine, his cock rock hard.

He was all heat, and strength, and desire. He kissed me with abandon, his hands gripping my waist. My own hands moved to his shoulders, feeling his muscles moving under his skin.

I wanted him. I needed him.

Our tongues danced, our bodies moved, and his heat seared me. His hands found the hem of my shirt and slipped under, caressing my waist and moving up. I was on fire.

I pulled his shirt up, desperate to touch his skin, to feel his body against mine. He helped me pull his shirt off, and his hands returned to me.

Tanner moved his lips to my neck, and I gasped, tilting my head back. He kissed and licked the tender flesh of my throat, sending goose bumps down my spine. I moaned softly, and his hands slid to my breasts.

His thumbs brushed against my nipples, sending lightning down to my core. I gasped and writhed against him. He was driving me mad, his hands kneading my breasts, his tongue on my neck, his cock rubbing against me.

My body ached, wanting, yearning. My hands moved to his pants, and I started undoing his belt.

I wanted to taste him. I wanted him inside me.

A bird cawed, breaking the spell.

We froze, reality imposing, pushing in when it wasn’t welcome.

We weren’t together.

We couldn’t do this.

He’d left years ago, and I was running. I needed to keep my wits about me, not get lost in the past, in a man who would just break my heart all over again.

Tanner released me and stumbled backward. He looked for his shirt and pulled it on. His long hair was a mess. My heart thundered in my chest, and I could still taste him on my lips.

It was too much. He was too much.

I couldn’t breathe.

“Rae,” he said, but I couldn’t hear it.

If he told me it was a mistake, it would hurt like a bitch. If he told me he wanted more, it would break me.

“Don’t, Tanner,” I breathed.

And then I ran.