Leigh paced over a small stretch of linoleum inside a room in the intensive care unit. The monitor’s steady beeping reassured her that Rick’s heart still beat. Anxious, she sat in the chair beside his bed and took one of his hands in both of hers. She looked at the differences.

Her normally neat nails were chipped with ragged edges, but her fingers were narrow, feminine and, well, nothing special. In them? She held the definition of everything a male should be. His fingers were long, sturdy and, even in deep sleep, they represented limitless strength and confidence.

They’d been thrown together in the oddest set of circumstances and, through every single step, he’d walked beside her. He’d taken care of everything. He’d often been two steps ahead of her, addressing things she hadn’t thought of.

God, what would she do without him?

They’d met months ago, when trouble had found Kate. From the first minute Leigh laid eyes on him, she’d been suspicious.

Rick and Trent, two complete strangers to her, had wanted to take her cousin away, swearing to keep her safe. She’d thought they’d been full of shit, but they hadn’t been. The two men had known exactly what they were talking about. They also had the skills to back it up.

She hadn’t known whether to be thankful for their knowledge or annoyed that they’d been right. Since Kate’s life had been on the line, she’d happily settled for appreciation.

On that same night, as the fire department extinguished the fire that had brought them all together, a little raggedy waif appeared in the dark. She’d been determined to check on Bonnie, Kate’s foal.

They hadn’t known it at the time, but the orphaned horse and young girl had a great deal in common.

Leigh caught a small, pale face and wide, silver-blue eyes peeking around Kate’s barn. Like an apparition, she’d vanished. Wondering if she’d been responsible for the fire, Leigh chased after her. Rick had chased after them both. He caught Addie. They’d questioned the young girl, and she’d answered them with lie after lie. To say they had been suspicious would be the understatement of the year. They’d tried to return the girl to her home, but she’d given Leigh the slip in a convenience store.

In their rural community, it hadn’t been hard for Leigh to figure out where Addie had come from and the situation was anything but good. The girl’s father was in jail and would likely be incarcerated for a long time, leaving her alone. They’d gone to her home, with the hopes of getting her into the foster system, but the thirteen-year-old was a wily thing, determined not to be caught. She lived alone in a pitiful little house not fit for animals, let alone a child. She had no one to care for her, no one to provide food, clothing. The child hadn’t even had access to running water or electricity.

Leigh had never been so heartsick. And as a social worker, she had seen enough heartache to last a lifetime. She’d dropped off food and water for the girl, but Rick had gone two steps further and paid to have the electric and water turned on. While Leigh had been forbidden to go there alone by both her brother and Rick, Rick had gone alone taking her all manner of things. Art supplies. A desk. A mattress and pillow.

He’d deny it to his dying breath, but his heart was as soft as his will was iron.

Crazy man.

She’d be lost without him and so would the entire Dark Horse crew. She laid her forehead on their joined hands and stayed long moments, listening to the steady rhythm of the monitor. She looked up at the sound of quiet footsteps.

Cara Gregory walked in, carrying a large tote bag. The petite strawberry blond looked like a preschool teacher when, in reality, she was a force to be reckoned with. Nurse. Soldier. The woman her brother loved.

If she had a catalog filled with a million candidates, she couldn’t have chosen a better mate for her stubborn brother.

Not knowing what to do, Leigh stood in greeting. “I’m guessing they’re not going to let me escape any time soon.”

“No. But, if you’re okay with it, I can escort you. Joe will likely hover nearby, but Kate brought you a change of clothing and toiletries. You can even shower if you like. There’s an empty patient room down the hall you can use.”

A shower? Oh, dear lord. She’d never heard a more tempting proposition.

“A shower and clean clothes sounds wonderful.”

“Great. Joe’s going to order pizza for an early dinner, if that’s okay?”

Food? When had she eaten last? She looked at the clock on the wall and realized she hadn’t eaten anything in over twenty-four hours. Her brother had given her a sports drink from the vending machine when they’d arrived at the emergency room and that had been hours ago. If she didn’t get something in her and get some rest, she wouldn’t be of any use if Rick woke up.

When, not if. She refused to give her fear any power. It might be silly, but she worried that if she gave that fear any credence, terrible possibility would feed the smallest kernel and grow into reality.

She stood and bit back a groan as every muscle in her body protested. Her arms, her legs, her lower back. “That’s fine.”

“Good. While you get cleaned up, Trent is having them bring in something for you to stretch out on. He wants you to stay here until he has a plan in place.”

Fatigue muddled Leigh’s senses as she asked, “A plan?”

“A security plan. The entire team is wiped. Most of us have been awake going on thirty-six hours. It’ll be easier to guard one location, this room, than it would be two. You just shower, take something for pain, and get some rest. We’ll take care of everything else.”

Leigh looked from Rick’s unconscious form to the sweet face of a hard-as-nails soldier. She’d totally underestimated the situation. “The guy who took me, he’s not going to let this go, is he?”

“No. He’s not.” Complete and utter certainty born of experience stared back from Cara’s eyes.

* * *

Rick fought to open eyelids sadistically pinned down by sandbags. He’d lifted sofas that weighed less. He turned his head from left to right, struggling to shake off the thick fog of lethargy. Finally, he opened one eye and was rewarded with the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.

Leigh, sleeping curled on her side, faced him. Her cheek rested on one hand, while the other held onto the rail of his bed. Relief washed over him.

Quiet, exhausted, and one hundred percent lethal, a familiar voice spoke from his other side. “It’s about time you woke up. Lazy.” Trent Dawson. He listened to his closest friend and apparently, now his guard dog.

Rick kept his voice hushed. “What time is it?”

Trent’s dark blond eyebrows rose. “What time? Seven a.m. I think you should be more concerned with the date.”

“Shit. How long have I been out?” He scrubbed a hand over his face, unsuccessfully trying to clear the haze of lethargy.

“Three days. Three long, cramped days in ICU,” Trent groused.

“Which hospital are we in?” Details, ideas and plans slogged through his mind in a sluggish jumble.

Trent answered as if he knew where the conversation headed but was powerless to stop it. “Bourbon County Trauma.”

“They have a couple of suites. Hell, I think Dad bought them an entire wing a couple of years ago. Why didn’t you insist on a bigger room? Her arms and legs were bound for nearly twelve hours. She needs to be somewhere where she can get comfortable.”

“She refused. Your girl insisted that we stay here. She’s been determined that you stay in Intensive Care until you woke. Wouldn’t hear of moving you, not even an inch. She’s barely left your side. You scared her. You scared us all.”

Rick didn’t know how to respond, so he turned to look at Leigh. “She’s not mine.”

“Bullshit. Everyone has watched you two dance around each other all summer. You can’t be that oblivious. Besides, I think she might have something to say about that. She’s a MacDonald woman. You’re screwed.” Trent’s words were laced with tired amusement. He made it sound as if being claimed by a MacDonald woman was anything but a punishment. He would know, considering he had claimed Kate MacDonald as his. Wild horses couldn’t separate the pair. Rick couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Trent so content.

“Where is your pretty little Kate?”

“She’s at the farm, spending some time with Kylie. Everyone is trying to make her stay up at the big house like a vacation, but the little squirt is too smart. She knows there’s something going on. Joe and Cara may bring her by after they know you’re awake.”

“I’d like to see her.” The words felt odd in his mouth, but he didn’t see any reason to hold them back. Joe’s daughter was everything a six-year-old should be. Bright. Happy. Energetic. And showered by love. Her father and family made sure she had what all children deserved.

Addie. She should have all those same things.

A tidal wave of emotions, all of them ugly, crashed over Rick. Anger. Sadness. Fear and worry. He’d been a witness to a hundred ways the world could be unfair, but no matter how many times he’d seen the uglier side of life, it still pissed him off when it touched those incapable of escaping a world threatening to choke the life from them.

He listened to his friend, hearing him shifting in a chair that was likely too small for his muscled frame and long legs. Trent was a man made to be outdoors, not cooped up in a tiny room playing babysitter.

Though Rick was completely aware of his surroundings, his focus was fixed on one point. The pale face surrounded by a wealth of chestnut hair before him.

Damn, but she was a beautiful woman. Tall, lean, graceful. Long lashes rested on creamy cheeks. She’d been gifted with flawless bone structure and a mouth designed for kissing. If she’d wanted, Leigh could have given Kate a run for her money on the pageant circuit.

Her beauty went far deeper than the movie star smile and swimsuit issue body. Soul deep, because she had one of the kindest spirits he’d ever met. She also had enough bull-headed stubbornness for two men.

He’d never known both traits to be so strong in the same person.

Like when he told her to flee, to get to safety. She’d ignored his orders, going back to save him. He’d lied to her. He’d been in far worse shape than he’d let on. He might not have gotten up if she hadn’t come back for him.

She frowned in her sleep, scrunched up her nose and released the bed rail to wipe away a stray lock of hair. As soon as her face was free, her hand immediately returned to its former spot.

She needed a gentle, loving man who’d cater to her every need. Her every whim.

He wasn’t that man, and he never could be. He was hard, inflexible, and he lived in a dangerous world. He’d see her through this nightmare and then do whatever it took to insure danger never darkened her door again.

Even if that meant cutting both her and Addie out of his life forever. Because surely the girl deserved to be with Leigh. He could think of no better guardian than a woman whose heart was as big as an elephant’s and as soft as a marshmallow.

The only thing he could provide either of them with was a life of worry, stress, and danger. Both of them had already suffered too much. As soon as he could pry his ass out of this bed, he’d find Marcus Sutton and do whatever it took to ensure their safety. He’d find Addie, make sure she was permanently in Leigh’s care, and then he would walk away, leaving them to the lives they deserved. Without him. Forever.

He ignored the painful clutch in his chest and closed his eyes. He might as well rest and gather his strength. He’d gotten by Trent once. It wouldn’t happen again. When his friend left his side, even to use the restroom, someone else would take his place. He was well and truly stuck until he was better.

He just prayed that Addie stayed hidden and safe until he was free from his prison.

He listened to the sound of his friend shifting in his too small chair and focused on the woman asleep beside him. As long as the people he cared for—no, loved—were safe, he’d make it through this cold world alone.

This one time, as he made peace with his loss, he’d be honest with himself. Rick Evans loved deeply. If cutting ties with those closest to his heart insured their safety, then he’d make that sacrifice. He might not ever be happy, but he’d be satisfied with the knowledge he’d done the right thing for those he cared for.

* * *

“Excuse me. Is this a bad time?” Startled by the unfamiliar male voice, Leigh looked up from her book and across Rick’s bed to see two men standing at the open door. Rick’s condition had improved over the past couple of days, but Trent and James had opted to keep him in the intensive care unit for security purposes. Noah Ramsey stood next to a tall, lean male with salt and pepper hair. The unknown man’s resemblance to Rick was unmistakable. The only difference other than age? Their eyes. Where Rick’s were a deep, dark chocolate brown and always filled with an intense focus, this man’s eyes were a lighter, softer brown. And they appeared tired, maybe even exhausted.

Leigh glanced at Cara and Noah before answering. “No. Not at all.” Cara stood and stretched from her post on the opposite side of the room, closest to the door. Curiosity flashed across her features, but she seemed at ease. Combined with Noah’s mostly relaxed posture, she assumed the man to be no threat to Rick. “He’s resting, but you’re welcome to come in.”

Cara tilted her head toward the door. “Come on, hon. Let’s go wait for Joe. He’ll be by with lunch in a few minutes. We’ll eat in the nurse’s lounge.” The older man stepped back to allow them ample room to exit. She followed Cara down the hall to the breakroom.

When they were inside, sitting at the table, she asked. “Was that Rick’s father or some other relative?”

“Father. There’s no denying they came from the same genepool, is there?” Cara pulled her cell from her pocket and typed a quick message, likely to Joe.

“He seemed tense…restrained, maybe? I’m not sure what to call it.” Leigh didn’t bother to hide her curiosity.

Cara set her phone on the table. “Their relationship has been strained for as long as I’ve known Rick. Trent probably knows more details, but as far as I understand, Frederick is Rick’s only living relative. I think he’s made a few attempts at reconnecting with Rick over the years, but Rick hasn’t shown an interest. He can be pretty stubborn.”

“I’ve noticed.” She’d thought she was hardheaded. Heaven knows how many times her family had lovingly and sometimes not so lovingly cursed her for it. Rick? He had her beat by miles.

Concern and curiosity prodded her to ask for more. “Do you know what happened to his mother? He doesn’t have any siblings or anyone else at all?” She couldn’t imagine. All her life she’d been surrounded by family. Unlimited love and support waited, no matter which direction she turned.

“His mother died when he was a child. From my understanding, then he was sent to boarding schools. At some point, while we were stationed in Afghanistan, his father had a change of heart. I don’t know for sure, but maybe the fact that his son was in a warzone served as a wakeup call?” Cara shrugged. “Frederick tried to reconnect, but Rick refuses to see that his father might be interested in more than keeping the business in family hands.” Cara grinned. “I don’t know if you noticed or not, but our Rick keeps his emotions bottled up tight and gives an entirely new meaning to the word stubborn.”

Leigh picked at a chip in the table’s laminate top. “Yeah. I kind of noticed.” She’d gone toe to toe with him more than once. Guilt still haunted her, and she doubted it would ever leave. He’d known that going out to Addie’s house was a bad idea. She hadn’t been able to see past her own desire to help the girl. Rick hadn’t been any less eager to help, he’d only wanted to keep them all safe. She had pushed and pushed until he’d given in and allowed her what was supposed to be a quick stop to drop off food and drinks for Addie. She’d gotten them all shot at, Rick injured, and herself kidnapped. Then he’d nearly killed himself rescuing her.

“What kind of business does his family have?” She’d never put much thought into anything beyond his time with Dark Horse and him being Trent’s friend.

She thought about Dark Horse. Their equipment. The manpower and long hours Rick insisted on paying them for. Kate had said that everyone had offered to help. They all jumped in without blinking to lend a hand because a friend was in need, even though not one of them had known Kate when trouble found her. Not one of the members had given a second’s thought to whether they would get a paycheck.

According to Kate, when things with former Senator Bailey escalated, Rick had insisted on putting the team on Dark Horse’s payroll even though there really hadn’t even been an official business yet. He’d wanted to insure his men were taken care of while they’d been taking care of Kate.

All that money had to come from somewhere.

Cara tilted her head and gave her an odd look. “You really don’t know?”

“No. I never really thought about it. He’s just Rick, a friend of the guy who’s dating my cousin Kate.” An odd feeling squirmed in her stomach. “What am I missing?”

“His father is Frederick Evans. Head of Evans Rifle Company.”

Good Lord! When she’d been in sixth grade history, they’d briefly touched on the Evans family’s contributions during the second World War. Prior to the United States entering the war, Evans Manufacturing had been a leading name in sewing machines. They’d switched to weapon productions to assist with the war effort. Praised for their quality and reliability, they never looked back after the war ended.

The already prominent name had only grown more so.

Cara spoke again and Leigh realized she likely resembled a fish with her openmouthed gape. “Yeah. Rick never mentions his family history, money or connections. I doubt he ever gives it a second thought. It’s a common enough last name that most people never think twice about it. It just goes to show, money can’t buy everything.” Sadness for her friend colored Cara’s words.

Leigh gathered her wits. Cara was right. Her upbringing had been relatively modest, but she’d never once lacked attention, a shoulder to cry on, or love. She thought of the hours she’d spent with her mother and grandmother stringing beans on the front porch or listening to music and gossiping with Kate. She wouldn’t trade those memories for the world. “No, it doesn’t.”

Family was everything. The thought of Rick not having one was unacceptable. She was grateful he had Trent, Cara, and the Dark Horse crew, but they wouldn’t keep his home filled with activity, laughter, and love. They wouldn’t keep him warm in the cold, dark of night.

Something squeezed tight around her heart.

The door opened and her brother walked in carrying a couple of white paper bags. “Ladies. The finest carryout from the diner. You’ll find a selection of their gourmet sandwiches, fries, and assorted condiments.” He set the bags in the center of the table and leaned down to greet Cara with a lingering kiss. “Sorry it’s not warm food today. I have to get back out on the road. Miss you.”

Cara laughed, quiet and husky. “You just saw me this morning. That’s been what five, six hours, tops? I think you’ll survive until this evening.”

“Too long.” Joe stood and came to Leigh. “Brat.” He gave her a tight side hug and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be back later this evening to pick you up.”

Leigh looked from the bags of food and back to her brother. “You’re not staying for lunch?”

“Not today. The Cline’s and the other teens’ families are meeting with a lawyer and asked me to come by. I assured Brayden I’d be there.” He nodded to the food on the table. “It’s not fancy, but there should be enough food in there for Noah, too. Holler if you need anything.” He gave them a half-wave as he headed out the door.

Leigh watched the door shut and sighed. “He works too hard.”

“Yep. You think we can break him of the habit?” Cara’s smile was soft as she opened the bag closest to her.

“Not a chance in hell.”

* * *

“Can I have a moment alone with my son?” Rick heard the familiar voice against the backdrop of chirping monitors.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Evans. I can’t leave Rick alone, not even if the president himself comes through those doors. You can just pretend I’m not here. Everything will be confidential, if need be.”

“Oh, it’s fine, Noah. I trust you. It’s just awkward.” The source of his father’s voice remained close to the door instead of coming to sit at either side of his bed, like Leigh or his team members usually did.

“I understand, and I wish the circumstances were better, but we’ll just have to make the best of what we have, yeah?” The fake leather in the chair to his right creaked as Noah sat his big frame in it.

“Yes. You’re right. I need to be thankful my son is alive at all. He’s always been too hard-headed and self-reliant for his own good. Never could break him of that habit.”

“We’re all thankful he’s alive. But can I offer a small piece of advice, sir?”

“Of course, Noah.”

“Rick is alive because of that stubbornness. It’s just another one of his many strengths. If he didn’t have that, he wouldn’t be the man that I know. I’d trust him with my life. Maybe it’s past time you quit trying to change him.”

His father was silent a long moment, so long that Rick wondered if he’d silently left the room. Then he spoke quietly. “Eileen, was the same way. Once she got an idea in her head, there was no shaking it loose. They are so alike. Everyone always said he’s the spitting image of me, but he has his mother’s strength.”

“Probably a good thing, then, since he’s always getting into trouble.” Noah was always in tune with people’s moods and often played the peacemaker. Rick had always admired him for his intuition.

His father’s next words were quiet. “Yes. Probably a good thing. I should be going. Thank you for watching over him, Noah. If he needs anything, please don’t hesitate to call on me.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Evans. I’ll update you if his condition changes. He’s going to be just fine.”

“I imagine so.” Without another word his father left with soft footsteps.

Noah waited about twenty seconds before speaking. “So. How much longer are you going to play opossum? He’s worried about you. Leigh is, too.”

Rick opened his eyes, glared at Noah and slipped back into oblivion.