The door opens, and I squeeze my legs together as tightly as I can manage. I’ve fought as hard as I can, and I’m losing. Terrified of what I’m going to wake up to, I open my mouth to try screaming again.

“Let’s get you out of here.” A gruff voice and a blurry face I don’t recognise are in front of me. I’m lifted into huge arms, and I struggle to protest. “It’s okay, Hayley. You’re safe.”

I don’t know why, but I relax, although that’s probably the drug’s work. I’m desperately trying not to fall asleep, but it’s so hard.

“I’ll get you to safety. I think I know just the place.”

A familiar smell fills my senses. It’s like coming home, and I give in to the temptation to close my eyes as I’m placed on the back seat of my car.

“You are so lucky Julia was looking out for you. God knows what he would have done,” the gruff voice grumbles, but I’m in no position to respond as everything sinks into blackness.

* * *

My head throbs, and I open my eyes.

I don’t know where I am.

Panic grips me, and I look down to see I’m fully clothed, but under a duvet. My mind’s fuzzy, and nothing clears as I look around the room.

Apart from a chest of drawers in the corner, the room is bare. The bed I’m in is massive. It must be a king at least. The curtains are a deep blue and pulled over.

I rack my brain for memories, but nothing’s forthcoming. Pulling my aching arm out from under the covers, I take a look. There’s a Band-Aid about halfway up my bicep, as if I’ve given blood.

“Hayley. You’re awake.”

A tall man I recognise from the photos at Drew’s parents’ house stands in the doorway. I might have been in town for four years, and generally everyone knows everyone in Copper Creek, but I don’t know the elusive Corey. I’d recognise him even without seeing him in the photos, however; he’s so similar to Drew.

Shit. What happened?

“Corey?”

He gives me a forced smile. “It’s a shame we didn’t meet under better circumstances. I’m glad you’re in one piece though.”

“What happened?”

He sits on the end of the bed. “Do you remember anything?”

I shake my head. “I got a call to meet with one of the girls in the community. I remember going there, and seeing Julia …” I clap my hand over my mouth. “My drink was spiked.”

“What makes you say that?”

“When I was seventeen, some arsehole spiked my drink at a club. I remember thinking that’s what it felt like.”

His eyes narrow. “Seventeen?”

“I shouldn’t have been there, but I had friends who realised what was happening and got me out.”

“Well, you had a guardian angel this time, too.”

Another familiar face appears in the doorway. It’s Graham Taylor, the senior sergeant at the Copper Creek Community Police centre.

“We need to talk,” he says.

I nod.

He approaches the bed and sits. “What can you remember?”

“Uhh, I got a call from Ash, who said there was a girl in the early stages of pregnancy in a huge amount of pain. I tried to talk him into bringing the girl to the clinic so I could take a look at her, but he said she was in too much pain to move. She was fine, so I went to check in with Julia. I helped her a while ago when she needed an emergency C-section. Someone made me a cup of coffee.”

“And after that?”

I close my eyes. “It’s messy. I remember realising I’d been drugged and thinking it was too late to do anything. Then I remember being in my car. I woke up here.”

He nods. “When Corey called, I took the liberty of bringing Doc Paton up here. He drew some blood. I should have waited until you were conscious, but …”

“Time is of the essence when someone’s been drugged. Of course I don’t have a problem with it. You need to get in there, find out how many others didn’t get away.”

Graham’s got this sheepish expression on his face, and I let out a low moan. “You’re not doing anything, are you?”

His eyes dart about, as if he’s got something to hide. “I’ll go and have a chat with him.”

“They’re already under investigation. Aren’t they?”

He lets out an exasperated breath. “Not that I’m supposed to tell you. When the old man ran it, they were a bit odd, but there was nothing sinister going on. That Ash Harris, he’s bad news, Hayley. You need to stay far away from him.”

“I don’t intend to go anywhere near.”

“We have a couple of guys undercover. They’re the ones who got you out. You were bailed into your car and it was driven here. It’s right outside. This is the first time they’ve caught this happening to someone, but they’ve suspected shit like this went on for a while.”

I lick my lips. “He asked me to go and live there. Said he realised they needed a midwife, but he wanted me.”

“Wanted you?”

I nod. “Yeah. Me. Said he would make me his queen.”

Corey rolls his eyes.

“When?” Graham asks.

“After I air-evacuated Julia to have her baby. I made it clear I wasn’t interested.”

Graham lets out a loud breath. “Apparently it’s not the first time he’s taken things into his own hands. He wants you there, make no mistake.”

“Taken things into his own hands?”

“I hear he can be very persuasive. Even more so when he’s working on a vulnerable woman.”

I frown. “I wouldn’t class myself as vulnerable.”

“You are if you’re drugged.”

My head spins with this information. “You think he’s done this before?”

He nods. “Think about it. You’re young, and you’re in desperate need of help. Along comes this man who sweeps you off your feet and offers all the answers. If there’s a tiny bit of doubt, he’ll convince you with some help that you wanted to be with him.”

“I had a feeling about him. Like he was the type to manipulate the situation if he could. But I still had no idea how far he’d go.”

My stomach rolls. My parents might not have always been that supportive, but if I was desperate I could turn to them. How many young girls out there didn’t have that option?

“Not just girls, either. The little community his father started has grown a lot since junior took over.

“But why?”

“That’s why they’re under investigation. We need to get to the bottom of what’s going on. All we know so far is that it all seems above board, except he’s got a little harem of women he sleeps with. That, and there’s something going on that our guys haven’t quite earned his trust enough to get into.”

I nod. Graham doesn’t have to tell me any of this, but I’m glad he trusts me enough to tell me.

“Julia’s baby. He resembles Ash.”

“It’s very likely he’s the father. Julia doesn’t trust him as much as he thinks. She made contact with the police when she was in hospital. It’s amazing what a bit of freedom and a whole heap of resentment does. There’s a lot she doesn’t know, but she’s gone back to learn what she can. You were lucky today, Hayley. You need to stay far away from that place.”

I gulp. “I will, but what do I do if any of those girls need help?”

“Get Margaret to do it. From what you’ve said, he’s developed an unhealthy interest in you.”

“What if Margaret’s not available?”

Graham sighs. “Then call me, and I’ll come with you. You are not to go into that compound alone.”

I nod, but it doesn’t make me worry any less.

“I’m here most of the time too,” Corey says. “I’m happy to be your shadow.”

Hot tears spill down my cheeks as my frustration erupts. All I ever wanted was to help people, and all it’s taken is for one nasty person to shatter my faith in this town—the town I was so desperately scared of leaving because I’d found peace here.

Do I have to watch my back from now on? Is it just entering the community in the hill that should make me afraid? My little house has always seemed so safe, but is it?

“Hey.” Corey sits beside me and pulls me into his arms. I don’t even know him, but he’s a member of Drew’s family, so I trust him. “Want me to call Drew?”

I shrug. It should come from me, but I don’t know how I can find the words. Drew will freak out, even if we’re not together. “Drew and I broke up.” My voice is tiny.

“He’ll still want to know. You’ve got my brother in such a spin already, but it’s up to you if you want me to tell him.”

“I don’t know what to do.”

Corey leans back. “Stay here the night if you want. Sleep off whatever Ash put in your system. I’ve got a spare room I can bunk down in so you don’t have to move.”

“Or I can give you a lift home,” Graham says.

“Honestly, I can’t even think right now. All I want to do is sleep.”

Corey smiles. “Then go back to sleep. If you want to go home later, I’ll drive you. You might be close to those weirdos, but you’ll be safe here. I don’t like the idea of you being alone.”

“Agreed,” Graham says.

“Besides, then I get to ring my brother and tell him I’ve got his girlfriend in my bed.”

I roll my tired eyes. “I’m not his girlfriend.”

“It’s still gonna bug the shit out of him. You’ve got a lot to learn about us Campbell boys. Now, do you want a proper cup of coffee?”

“I really want to sleep, but I’d kill for one.”

Corey gets up and leaves the room to make a coffee, and Graham pats my hand. “I’ll check in with you in the morning. We need to make sure your home is secure, too. I don’t trust Ash Harris and his minions any farther than I can throw them.”

“Thanks, Graham.”

I’m left by myself for a moment, and my head is awhirl over what’s happened. How quickly things changed, and what the hell is happening behind those walls?

“You can use my property.” Corey’s speaking to Graham. They’re in another room, but his booming voice carries.

“This is a big step. What changed your mind?”

“Her. No one fucks with my family. You can set up whatever you need to monitor that arsehole. Just don’t get in my way.”

“Understood. I’ll go have a chat with Mr Harris now.”

“Good luck.”

The aroma of coffee fills the room, and I look up to see Corey walking toward me. For a moment, I hesitate. The last time I accepted a cup, well—I don’t know what could have happened to me.

“It’s okay,” Corey says softly.

“I know.” I accept the coffee and take a sip. He’s made it black with no sugar, and I grimace, but it’s still soothing.

“Let me guess. You take milk. Sugar?”

I nod.

He scratches the back of his head. “I don’t have either. I’m terrible at keeping the cupboards stocked.”

“It doesn’t matter. I really appreciate this.”

“Anything you need. If you really want me to go and get milk and sugar, I will.”

I smile. “Really?”

“If Adam coming back taught me one thing, it’s that family comes first.”

“But I’m not—”

His mobile rings, and he plucks it out of his breast pocket. He smiles as he answers, “Bro.”

My breath catches.

Corey hands me the phone. “It’s for you.”

I let out a loud breath as I take it. “Hi.”

“What’s going on? Are you okay? Do you need me to come?”

My eyes sting as tears well. “I’m fine, thanks to Julia and your brother. You don’t need to worry.”

“Like hell I’m not going to worry. I want to drive there and bring you home to me right this second. This break-up is killing me as it is, and now I hear you’re in danger?”

“Drew …”

He sighs. “I know how hard this has been for you. It’s hard for me, too. I still need to know you’re safe.”

I close my eyes. It breaks my heart to hear him, but I made my choice for my own sanity. Do I go back to the way I was before? Deliriously happy for us to be together and miserable when we were apart? “I’m safe. Corey’s taking care of me for now, and then I’ll go home tomorrow. I’ll be fine.”

“You mean the world to me, Hayley. I want you back.”

I run my fingers over my scalp as the tears fall. “I know,” I whisper.

“Why is this so hard with us? I understand the distance and how much you hate it. I hate it, too, but I still want to try.” He sighs. “Stay safe, and I’ll make sure Corey and Owen look out for you. If that man comes anywhere near you, you call for help.”

“I will,” I whisper.

The call ends, and for a moment, I stare at the phone.

“I knew he’d freak out if I didn’t tell him.”

Nodding, I hand the phone back to Corey. “I know.”

“Are things really that bad between you? He sounded pretty frantic.”

I shake my head. “It’s not him. I found peace here, Corey. My life fell apart, and this town helped me put it back together. There’s nothing here for him, and I’m scared of moving back to the big city.”

He sits on the bed. “Want my advice?”

“Do I have a choice?”

Laughing, he shakes his head. “I’ve known Drew his whole life, and he’s in way deep with you. I’m pretty sure if he had to, he’d give it all up. He might think there’s nothing here for him, but the truth is that you’re here. I bet anything you’re worth it.”

I roll my eyes. “Why did I have to fall for the brother who doesn’t live here?”

“Now I’ve met you, I’ll be asking that question every single day.”

I laugh so hard I snort, and cover my nose in embarrassment.

“Told you I’d flirt just to piss him off. At least you’re laughing now. Drink your coffee, and you’re welcome to turn the TV on. There’re some DVDs there. You might find something you like.”

“Thanks, Corey.”

“Any time. That lot next door need to be taken down.”

He leaves me alone with my coffee and the remote control. All I can think about is Julia still inside. If she was disturbed enough to call the police, why the hell did she go back? And what’s Ash Harris up to?

I place the mug on the bedside cabinet, and nestle down under the covers.

It doesn’t take much to drift off.

* * *

When I wake, I don’t know where I am.

For a moment, panic rushes through me, and I sit up, my heart pounding as I look around the room.

You’re safe. You’re with Corey.

“About time you woke, sleepyhead.” Drew’s voice comes from the doorway, and my breaths come sharp and fast as I look at him. “I came down as soon as I finished work. How could I stay away?”

I want him to hold me so badly, but that scares me. Walking away from him has been the hardest decision I’ve made in my life, and probably the worst. “You didn’t have to come.”

He crosses the room and sits on the bed, still not touching me. “Of course I did. I love you, Hayley. There might be this physical distance between us, but my heart’s always here with you.”

He loves me.

My heart explodes.

“Give me one good reason for you to stay here,” Drew whispers.

I swallow hard. “My job.”

“There are jobs in Hamilton.”

“You know this has been my sanctuary.”

He leans over, pleading with his eyes. “Let me be your sanctuary.”

Everything he does melts my heart. There is nothing Drew wouldn’t do for me. I know that. I’ve never been so conflicted.

“I can’t leave you here knowing that Ash Harris has his twisted heart set on you. And he’s not afraid to use illegal methods to get to you.”

I shake my head. “He’ll never win.”

“Even if he doesn’t, he’s obviously prepared to fuck with your head, and maybe even your body to get what he wants.”

Everything he’s saying is true, and all it does is make me feel more trapped than ever. When I was in Auckland, the walls closed in around me, and now I’m feeling it again. I’m already torn between the place where I found freedom and love. All he wants to do is love me. All I do is complicate things. “I’m so confused.”

He nods. “Do you want me to take you home? Your car’s here, but I don’t know if you should drive.”

“I’m still so tired.”

“You were drugged, sweetheart. It’ll take a while to work its way out of your system. I would prefer it if you weren’t doing that in my brother’s bed.”

I laugh. “Corey was keen on calling to tell you that.”

Drew’s lips twist into a smile. “That’s not surprising.” He reaches out and wraps his hand around the back of my neck, pulling my forehead to his forehead. “I don’t want to lose you, Hayley. Not now, not ever.”

“I’m doing what I need to do.”

He sighs. “Get ready, and I’ll take you home. Corey will sort out returning your car. If I was you, I’d take a couple of days off work to get back on your feet.”

My heart aches as he lets me go.

* * *

He drives me home, and I feed on his calmness. It’s what I need.

I need him.

Drew Campbell is my sanctuary.

My stomach churns as he leads me inside, and I collapse on the couch.

“You okay?”

“It’s just good to be home.”

He stands in place beside the couch and watches me. It’s as if he’s waiting for an invite to join me, and he probably is. I didn’t think it was possible for things to get harder.

Eventually, he shakes his head and sighs. “Now I’ve made sure you’re alright, I’ll get going.”

My heart hurts, and I nod.

“Whatever happens between us, I’ll always be there for you, Hayley. Everything I am and everything I have is yours for the taking.”

I push myself up and pat the couch. “Come here?”

He lets out a breath of relief and sits beside me. He doesn’t touch me, and I love him all the more for respecting my feelings.

“I’m so confused. Not about you. I know how I feel about you. I’m sorry about the way I handled things. It was all wrong. But I don’t regret what I’ve done. I need time to work out what I want.”

Drew nods. “Take as much time as you need.” He leans closer and reaches up to brush hair out of my eyes. His lips touch mine in the sweetest, softest kiss we’ve ever shared. “I meant what I said back at Corey’s place. I love you, Hayley, and that’s not changing anytime soon.”

With another kiss, he stands, and I watch as he reaches the door.

As it closes, fresh tears roll down my face, and my heart aches.

I love him, too.