Mary stayed at the edge of the clustered group as the jet landed on the narrow runway. Runway was a bit generous of a term for the barely paved thatch of area carved out between cow pastures. The Arsenal had two personal Lears and a chopper in a large hanger a couple miles deeper into the Mason property past the compound.

It made sense but left her nervous about security. It was remote enough to be an open target. She and Vi hadn’t even considered going deeper into the pastureland for reconnaissance. Mary wondered what else they’d missed.

None of that mattered. Dylan’s team filed out of the small vehicle. She held her breath, counting and silently assessing their condition. She peeked between Mark and Gage’s massive arms as Addy descended. Thank goodness. A bit dirty, but uninjured.

Dylan.

He prowled down the narrow stairs like a panther being released into the wild. He swept the perimeter, his gaze moving in a slow, meandering perusal. It honed in on the two men in front of her, and she gasped, held her tummy to appease to rioting flutters deep inside. Gear slung over his back with one hand, he wandered their direction.

She memorized his gait, the way he favored his right and instinctively angled his free hand toward that knee. No blood or torn clothing. Was it bandaged? Addy was field certified. Surely she’d taken care of it.

Dylan strolled past Logan without a pause. Mary shoved through the two men she’d tucked herself behind and closed the distance. He halted a couple feet away as she chewed up ground with her harried stride.

“What happened to your knee?” she blurted.

He winced and looked around a bit. Red stained his cheeks. “It’s fine, just pulled a muscle.”

“Is that what we’re calling it now?” Addy teased as she wandered over and smiled at Mary. “I wish you and Quillery would’ve been there to see it. We’re in a cantina waiting to establish contact with the team lead when Casanova here catches the eye of two young and sexy little ladies.”

Mary fidgeted from one foot to another as the other Mason men swarmed their brother and formed a semi-circle behind her. Addy’s voice boomed easily over the dull roar of conversation around them.

“Casanova, huh?” Jesse teased.

“I swear I wouldn’t have believed it if I’d seen it. These two girls came from different directions.” Addy’s gaze widened. “Twins!”

Dallas chuckled from beside Mary. Dylan’s jaw twitched.

“I’m thinking they don’t need the details,” he commented.

“Oh, but they do,” Jesse argued.

“These two start spewing at one another in Spanish so fast Saul couldn’t even keep up.” Addy motioned toward a quiet man to her side. “Then one of them grabs Casanova and says, ‘we dance.’”

Addy and Saul both broke into booming laughter. Tears formed in her friend’s eyes from the amusement, and even though Mary wanted to find the humor in the story, acid burned her gut. Twins.

“We’re in a cantina in the middle of nowhere Mexico, and these two young, gorgeous girls start a dance off with Casanova here as the prize. Their papa comes flying from the back, along with four of their brothers. Music starts, and it is on.”

“A dance off?” Amusement drifted in Marshall’s query.

“Oh yeah. They dragged him around the dance floor like a mop. He snarled and growled at Saul and me to ‘to do something, dammit.’ So, being the dutiful team member, I recorded it.” Addy smiled and winked at Dylan as she dragged out her cell. “I sent it to Quillery when we landed. Put someone on popcorn duty, cause I brought the entertainment.”

Mary watched her friend saunter off with Saul in tow. Dylan growled and glared at Cord.

“Secure that footage,” he ordered.

“Oh, I think we need to fully investigate the situation, make sure you handled things well under pressure. Who won?” Marshall said.

“Come on, I’m sure you’d rather clean up than get your balls busted,” Mary said. “Let’s go.”

She tugged his shirt and dragged him through the clustered group toward the vehicle she’d commandeered. The large, black, king cab truck growled to life. Dylan slammed the passenger door.

His scent permeated the air. Musky woods with a hint of cigarette smoke. The latter surprised her a bit, but operatives sometimes took on bad habits in the field.

“I’d love to scrub Saul’s cigarette stench off me, but I’m not ready for round two with the herd back there.” His statement settled into the awkward silence in the truck as it lumbered toward the compound. “Hang a left at the Y in the road. You hungry?”

“Sure.” She hadn’t eaten yet. Marshall had dragged her out of the theater with a growled, “Dylan’s team is landing.” It’d been a long five days.

“Pull over then, the drive’s a bit longer, and I don’t want your arm giving you fits.” He stroked fingers along her cast. “You look tired. You slept okay?”

No. “It’s been a bit hectic around here.”

“Well, all teams are in now, so it should get a bit quieter,” he commented dryly as she slid out of the truck and he slid over.

He reached over and snagged the belt when she took her seat. His hot breath fanned her cheek as he situated the belt around her and snicked it closed. “You good?”

She nodded and forced her throat into a clumsy swallow. He smiled and threw the truck into gear. The vehicle growled down the narrow entryway into Arsenal country. Dylan paused where the drive met the ranch road, then made a left. A green sign read Resino 10 miles. 

“Where are we going?”

“Dinner. I’m starving and want a cold beer without bullshit.”

Dylan obviously really didn’t want to talk about the twins, which left Mary really wanting to know. She chewed her lower lip a few minutes. “I don’t have any money.”

“We won’t need any, but there’s always some in the glove compartment of every company truck, along with a weapon and extra ammo.” His lazy gaze slid over her like a lover’s warm caress.

Mary fiddled with a string on the frayed edge of her T-shirt. Her favorite It was me. I let the dogs out T-shirt. She hadn’t showered in days and didn’t even know where her hairbrush was. God. Did her shoes even match? She always just toed-on whatever she stumbled over first.

They were going into Resino. He hadn’t said so, but where else would they be going for food and a cold beer? She ran a hand through her hair.

“You look great, Mary. Settle back and relax. You’re about to taste the best barbecue in the state.” A sexy grin spread across his face.

“I didn’t know we were going somewhere, or I would have changed and...” Done about thirty other things a real woman would’ve done before meeting that plane.

Mary had been so lost in her head, coding new stuff into CJ, she hadn’t even thought about how she looked. All she’d wanted was to see Dylan, make sure he was okay. When was the last time she’d put deodorant on? She probably stunk. Bree and Rhea would die if they knew she was headed into a town filled with strangers looking like a troll just snagged under the bridge. Or even worse, one of those freaky roots covered in mud.

“Hey, look at me.”

Mary blinked. The truck was stopped beside the road. Dylan’s hand settled on her face.

“If you want to turn around and go back, we will. I don’t give two flying fucks what you’re wearing or what you look like. I’ve spent five days holed up with Saul and Addy. The fact they both survived means I deserve a beer and a few minutes alone before taking on the Mason brood. I’d like to spend that time with you.”

“Okay.”

“I’m going to kiss you now, Mary,” he whispered as he grasped her head and held it firmly in place. Hot breath fanned her cheek.

Kiss. Breath.

She slammed her fingers over his mouth. Eyes wide, she looked up at him. “You can’t. I haven’t brushed my teeth.”

Dylan kissed her fingers, then slowly removed her hand. The slow grin on his face cast tingles along her skin. “I don’t give a shit, but you do. I’ll wait because I want you comfortable.”

He’d wait because he wanted her comfortable. Mary relaxed, unsure what response did the statement justice. She wanted to go back to the compound, back to the secured walls and computerized interior she’d holed up in the past few days, but Dylan wanted to spend time with her.

More importantly, he wanted to stay away from his brothers and everyone back at the compound for a while. She didn’t know why, but she’d give him what he needed because he did the same for her. And it felt nice to spend some time with him, away from well-meaning friends.

Truth told, she’d missed him more than she wanted to admit. It was more than his silent sentry in the chair at night. Knowing he was nearby kept her a bit calmer, more focused on reality rather than the horrors nipping at the back of her mind when things got too quiet, when people got so wrapped up in their day-to-day they forgot about her.

She never felt forgotten when Dylan was around. How weird was that?

Resino was smaller than she’d envisioned from the satellite imagery, mainly because it was sprawled out along one intersection. Each store, building, or home took up more acreage than the average town. There was a bank, a convenience store conveniently labeled “The Store”, a massive feed store, a garage, and a school along the road in from the ranch.

Dylan turned the vehicle and continued along the other road, as if sensing her curiosity. A post office and fire house sat along one side of a square. Okay, it was really a circle, but whatever. An old theater sat abandoned on one edge. A few houses rounded out the circle drive.

“Resino hasn’t changed much since I was a kid,” he commented.

“That’s nice.”

“Some folks wouldn’t agree.”

“Change is overrated. There’s a lot to be said for consistency, routine.” Mary studied the new road, the other large one intersecting the one they’d come in from. “It looks like a lot of businesses aren’t around anymore.”

“Lots of people closed up shop and moved away when the economy toileted. Mom says there’s an initiative to encourage new growth. The oil fracking boom over in Marville, fifteen miles down this road, has helped. Well, that and the steady presence of hunters leasing property during season. Mrs. Haymore has her hands full at the bed and breakfast, recently expanded from what I hear.”

“What you hear? You don’t come into town much?”

“I do, but I don’t hook into the gossip mill. Mom and Riles hear enough and let us know what’s important. The Arsenal and Masons tend to be the favorite subject most days, so my brothers and I find it best to ignore everything. It keeps us from getting angry.” Dylan’s jaw twitched.

He parked in front of a dark wood building with a worn-out sign. Bubba’s. Large four-door pickup trucks were the vehicle of choice in Resino. At least twenty hugged the business. He parked beside one that could’ve been a twin to his.

“I’ll come around, help you out.”

Since the casted arm was on the door side, Mary didn’t argue. Navigating the high step up had been a challenge. She didn’t trust her equilibrium to deal with the down portion since she couldn’t use her right arm to catch herself if needed.

Not having full use of her right hand sucked. She’d never realized how useful it was until it was stuck in three or so pounds of plaster. She might be a leftie, but she’d never take righty for granted ever again.

She peeked down at her feet as Dylan helped her down and winced. Wonder Woman socks with flip flop-style sandals. Marvelous. She’d no doubt set a fashion trend. She yanked on her oversized, gray sweat pants and tugged on her thin white T-shirt. At least she had a bra on. She knew because in the harsh, late afternoon light, she could see it through the cotton shirt. Trampy much? Ugh.

Coming to town wasn’t a good idea. 

Dylan settled her at his side as if she wasn’t a filthy, ugly troll he'd dragged from under a bridge. No, he’d yanked her from a dark, computerized cave. Even worse. She shrank into his body, more out of an urge to flee than a desire to be there. Not that being pressed against his powerful, muscular frame was a hardship or anything.

Country music droned from a jukebox near the entry. Long, rectangular folding tables like you’d find in a cafeteria or old person’s community center sat along the long sides of the restaurant’s one room. Support columns every few feet rose up to the higher-than-expected ceiling. Assorted lighting hung haphazardly but arrowed toward a long, wide counter at the end.

“What is this place?” The central area of the room remained open, but if it was a dance floor, no one took advantage. Curious stares followed their progression through the empty corridor, but no one approached.

“Bubba does the best barbecue around. At night, he slings beers and gives people a place to hang around and shoot the bullshit.” Dylan grinned down at her. “Come on, let’s grab a couple of plates and eat.”

Mary settled a hand over her belly and realized she was hungry. Her mouth watered as she inhaled the succulent scents in the air. A burly man with a thick beard and rounded belly wandered over with a big grin and boisterous laugh. He leaned over the counter at the same time Dylan did. They did a long round of back slapping and hand shaking that attracted even more attention, if that was possible.

“Surprised you’re in here, boy. Heard from Marshall you were away, saw the plane landing just a while ago.” The older man settled both big hands on the counter. “You must’ve hauled ass here.”

“I had a hankering for your grub.”

“Don’t bullshit a bullshitter, boy.” He snagged a beer from a trough of icy water and popped the top. “Here, maybe this’ll shake the truth loose.”

Dylan guzzled for a few moments. Mary watched the hypnotic way his throat moved. The man cleared his throat, forcing her gaze.

“I’m Bubba.”

“Mary.”

“She’s staying with us a while.”

“Sounds like quite a few people are going to be staying with you. Marshall told me about the Warrior’s Path. You’ve started a great program.” The man scraped his hand across his bearded face. His eyes softened. “You need help with anything out there, you let me know. What you boys are doing is important. Lots of soldiers are gonna be better off because of you.”

“Appreciated.” Dylan grinned at the man but settled a hand at the small of her back, as if sensing her desire to bolt. “Couple of plates and beers will do for now. Put them on my tab.”

“Like your money’s good here. Sit down before I kick your ass and embarrass you in front of the pretty lady.” The man slammed a couple more beers on the counter, then sidled into the back.

Dylan handed her one, then took the other along with the half finished one he already had. Her gaze swept the small joint nervously. Seating would be a challenge. He tugged gently on her hand and led her to a vacant table in a back corner. She snagged a seat against the wall, facing outward.

“Be right back.”

Mary stared at the beers he’d sat beside her. She positioned them at the seat across from her. Distance was good.

A woman laughed, dragging Mary’s gaze up to stare into intense dark brown eyes. Long, brunette hair tumbled around her shoulders. “Good luck with that. Dylan doesn’t sit with his back to the room.”

Mary bristled at the smug familiarity within the perky brunette’s tone.

“I haven’t seen you around. I’m Hailey.”

“And you’re leaving.” A lean blonde shoved between Hailey and Mary. “You’ve got a lot of nerve.”

“I was just welcoming her to Resino. Y’all really should take better care of your guests out there. She’s looking a bit rough around the edges,” Hailey commented.

Mary’s body tensed. She ignored the direct strike.

“Last chance to walk away, Hailey.” The blonde shoved her. Chairs scraped, conversation died around them.

“What the hell?” Dylan’s voice thundered through the silence.

“There you are. I saw you and your...” Hailey drew a brow upward and shrugged her shoulders. “I know things got a bit awkward with us and pickings around here can get pretty thin since you’ve gotta split with your brothers and the Burton brood, but really, Dylan. You can do way, way better.”

The brunette’s hands ran down his chest. He gripped the chair but made no move to push her away. Jaw clenched, eyes blazing, he said nothing. Did nothing.

No one did anything.

Anger distorted Mary’s vision. No one should be touched without their permission. Her skin burned. Phantom hands squeezed and grabbed at her arms, legs. Holding. Forcing.

Taking.

No one did anything.

“Don’t touch him,” Mary ordered in a low-toned warning. “Whoever you are, back off and walk away like she said.”

“It’s okay, honey. Dyl and I go way back. Isn’t that right?” Her hand sank lower, past his waist and angled to cup his...

Mary vaulted over the table. She had two moves. Two. Addy had tried and tried to teach her more, but her brain accepted only two. She slammed the witch with the wandering hands against the table and twisted her arm behind her back.

“Never, ever touch him or anyone else without permission.” Anger narrowed her focus. 

She’d touched him. He hadn’t wanted her hands on him. No one stopped her, did anything. Outrage leaked from her burning eyes.

“No one should ever be touched without permission. Ever.” Her voice boomed.

The woman squeaked, but stayed still.

“Apologize.”

“Mary.” Dylan’s voice penetrated her clouded focus, but she ignored him.

“Apologize!” she screamed.

“Sorry, Dyl. Please, she’s hurting me.”

“Good, I hope she snaps your fucking arm off,” the blonde countered. “Get the hell away before I take a turn, Hailey.”

Mary released the hold and let Hailey go, even though the outrage boiling her blood demanded more. She’d touched him.

Chairs shuffled and scraped. Dylan guided her back around the table and settled her into his lap. Arms wrapped around her, he dragged her against him. Tension coiled her muscles.

“I’m too heavy. Let me go,” she demanded.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered. “She’s gone. You’re okay.”

“I’m not the one she touched,” Mary spat. “Violated.”

“Jesus,” he whispered against her hair. “It’s okay.”

“No. It’s not. They didn’t stop her. No one stopped her.”

Hands groping. Pinching. Twisting. Hurting. A scream rose from her throat. Why wouldn’t anyone stop them? She could still feel them, under her skin. Inside her, like they’d left remnants behind to infest her with their touch again and again and again.

“Dylan what the hell is going on?” the blonde asked. “Is she okay?”

“Look at me, Mary.” He cupped her chin and forced her gaze to his.

The phantom sensations crawling beneath her skin disappeared as she tumbled into the green depths.

“No one will ever hurt you again. I swear, sweetheart, I won’t ever let another person touch you like that. Ever.”