The sound of a log snapping in the fire was like a starter’s gun firing on a still day, except instead of jolting a person, the warmth of the fire was settling, comforting.

“Last night wasn’t the first time you’d used the name Alex Mitchell, was it?”

I looked up from my place on the sofa and the Lee Child book I was reading and regarded Paige as she sat in the armchair, dressed in a fresh pair of jeans and soft sky-blue sweater, holding a dog-eared copy of an old Robert Ludlum thriller.

“No, it wasn’t.”

“I didn’t think so. I mean”—she shrugged—“you had professionally printed business cards.”

“Alex Mitchell is an alias I use.” One of many.

Her expression turned guarded. “Is Ryder your real name, or another alias you’re using to hide your identity?” Her lips slanted with a wry smile. “Not that I’d expect you to tell me the truth if it was a lie, but I’d like to know.”

Fair question. “It’s my real name.” I didn’t question the force with which I wanted her to believe me. Gaining Paige’s trust was more than a step to obtaining an easy truce while she was held here. I wanted her to know she could trust me on a deeper level. “Charles and Shelley Nolan from Malibu, California. An investment advisor and an ER nurse. Three sons, one daughter, and Mom makes the best spaghetti and meatballs. We all think she has Italian blood somewhere in her genes.”

It was a risk, sharing personal information with her, but she was connected to Lance so my background was already at risk.

My reward was the way the corners of her mouth turned upward and the sound of her soft chuckle. “I love spaghetti and meatballs. Sounds like you are close to your family.”

“They’re crazy, but I love them, even though Mom tries to manage me from thousands of miles away. But that’s part of having a mom.”

A shadow flickered across her face, so fast I wasn’t sure it had happened except for the too-practiced neutral tone of her voice. “I wouldn’t know, but it sounds great.”

I wasn’t prepared to let the moment go without digging deeper. “What happened to your mom?”

“She died.” Paige closed her book, placing it on the pine side table next to her chair. “I was just a baby. Car accident.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Honestly, I was so young at the time, I never experienced her loss first hand. But I felt it every time I saw the pain on my dad’s face. In all the years I knew him, it never went away.” She stared into the fireplace as the embers glowed bright scarlet and orange and rubbed the chain of her gold locket between a finger and thumb. “He told me once he fell in love with her the first moment he saw her. She was in a bookstore, reading a book near the front window, and he was walking past. He got one look at her and walked inside, asked her out, and the rest is history.”

Phillip Monroe had seen what he wanted and not hesitated. Like my buddy, Jake Carter, with his now wife, Charlotte. I’d watched him in that diner, sitting there and declaring she was under his protection when he’d just met her. Hell, I’d even teased him about his behavior.

As for Deke Williams, his circumstances were different from Jake’s, but when the chance came to claim Sophie and Noah, he had done so with ruthless determination.

Acting on gut instinct was something I understood and often followed.

This time, that same instinct was throwing me a curve ball.

From the moment I sat near Paige at the bar in Nitro and saw her grimacing as she opened the box of pills, I wanted to wrap her up and ease her worries. The caveman urge to stand in front of her and take on all comers who dared to do her harm was new for me.

Not that I wasn’t protective toward women.

Hell, the opposite.

But the level of ownership I felt for Paige was an instinctual, basic drive that didn’t make sense. I’d known the woman less than a day, but my commitment to her was growing, not waning over time.

The memory of her soft body under me and the way my hands had rested on the curve of her hip was like a drug, testing my control to keep my hands off her and my mind focused on the job at hand.

I wanted her to taste my mom’s spaghetti and meatballs.

I wanted to make her laugh, hold her as she cried, learn all the small things about her that make her so special.

I wanted my cock inside her as I claimed her.

I wanted her in all the ways a man desires a woman.

Was that love?

Hell if I knew.

But, I swore if any of my closest friends upset her, however unintentional, I’d cripple them a thousand different ways, all with the aim of causing as much pain as possible.

I sat there, staring at Paige as my neat and ordered view of the world tilted.

Good thing my ass was on the sofa or my legs would have given way.

The truth sounded crazy, but I was falling for Paige.

Hard and fast.

“Ryder?”

I blinked, caught out deep in my thoughts. “Sorry, what did you say?”

“I asked if you got a chance to visit your family often?”

“Every couple of months. Dad flies in to see the guys, including Lance. He manages our investment portfolios.”

“Ah,” she nodded. “He must be good at his job for Lance to have him looking after his money.”

“We do okay.” More than okay. Each of us were now millionaires a few times over, but we weren’t the kind of guys who flashed our wealth. One only had to look at our rigs. Trucks and an SUV or two with kids in mind. Things didn’t get more down to earth than that when you had cash to spare.

“I’m glad you can share that connection with your dad.” The melancholy tone in her voice reminded me of the heavy gray clouds building outside. “I envy you that chance.”

First her mom and then her dad’s passing. “Lance has told me how much your dad loved you.”

“He did. I was very lucky to have him for the time I did.”

“But we’d all like that time to be longer.”

“Everybody leaves eventually.”

I stared at Paige, struck by the finality in her voice. But as she moved her gaze back to the fireplace, I could see her expression was soft, her gaze full of longing in defiance of her words.

When someone experiences loss, they appreciate more what they have around them.

Yes, people move on.

Unless you give them reason to stay close.

Paying their bills.

Encouraging them to stay focused on a goal so they don’t have to leave and make their fortune elsewhere.

The little princess wasn’t being reckless with her money.

She was showing love, seeking a commitment from those she liked and didn’t want to lose the only way she knew how.

“Is that why you offer to help out your friends? To make it easier for them to stay?”

She snorted a dismissive laugh. “That’s what you think? I need to buy love?”

“No,” I answered quietly. “I think you’re so scared of losing those you care about, you’ll do whatever it takes to hold them close. Even if deep down you know it’s not the best thing, especially if they are using you.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “God, you’ve got a nerve. Thanks for the dime-store Freudian analysis, but I’ll wait to seek out an expert, if and when I feel that’s needed.”

“Not trying to insult you, Paige. I care about you and you’re obviously behaving that way with your friends for a reason.” I cursed inwardly at the way the line of her shoulders stiffened. “How about we revisit this subject later. I promise, every time I challenge you with a question I’m not making a personal attack. This is about giving you options to see what motivates your behavior. Everyone has reasons for why they act. I promise you, Paige, Lance won’t let this drop.” Neither would I.

“Good to know.” She rose, her expression closed, gaze cold. “I need to use the bathroom.”

I watched her stalk across the room, catching her glare as she turned to close the door behind her.

At least the bathroom door had no lock.

Brilliant. I’d royally fucked up what had been an easy moment between us, sharing family stuff, getting to know each other in a more normal dynamic than kidnapper and prisoner.

During lunch a few hours earlier, Paige had been helpful, making the cheese sandwiches we toasted as I heated up some soup. I hadn’t pushed her to chat, but let the normal questions as we worked together on the meal gradually encourage her to feel less on guard.

I didn’t want her constantly in her head to the point she withdrew from me altogether. Letting her ask questions had been the start of ensuring the door of communication stayed open.

The silence of the cabin could be overwhelming, the only disturbance the increasing sound of the wind. According to an email from Lance, a blizzard was threatening in the next few hours, keeping him stuck in Denver and putting off him laying down some hard truths to Paige.

Going to the left front window, I looked out at the snow being tossed around by strong gusts of wind like the icy particles were tiny bits of fabric in a giant washing machine. At this rate, we’d most likely soon lose power. Not that I was worried. There was a powerful generator, plus more than enough wood to keep us warm for days on end. The wood stove and the fireplace meant cooking and heating weren’t dependent on electricity.

But blizzards played havoc with communication devices. Good thing Lance had a satellite phone stored in the garage. I’d been charging the battery since early this morning.

Speaking of phones, Eli had taken Paige’s back with him and our tech boys at Marshall Security had easily hacked her code. Lance had been monitoring all voice and text messages received. It seemed James was more than a little put out Paige had left Nitro early and that she hadn’t returned his messages since. Lance was continuing the plan of radio silence as far as Paige was concerned. If James was truly concerned, he’d approach Felix Monroe to check on Paige’s welfare. Otherwise, we’d draw out any rats that were looking for their steady supply of cheese, i.e. money from Paige.

Heading back to my seat, I stopped when a loud clatter came from the bathroom.

I had the door open in seconds, stopping halfway into the room, and stared at my little captive who, it should be said, was cursing a blue streak.

I barely contained my own X-rated protest at the sight before me.

Paige had one leg braced on the small white vanity and the other stretched out to reach the towel rail, with one hand clutching at the windowsill another half foot above her head. On the ground were the remnants of the other sturdy beige tubular towel rail. Broken and in places shattered.

What if she had fallen? Hit her head?

“Taking up gymnastics, Princess?” I moved to her side so I could see her face. Including the way she clenched her teeth at my jibe. “What the hell were you thinking? The fucking window was nailed shut in preparation of your visit. Not that you could reach it for starters.”

“Go to hell, you son of a bitch,” she snapped. “It’s easy to feel superior when you’re not the one being held against your will.”

Not the wisest choice of words when I was dealing with a rush of adrenaline. Another glance at the broken towel rail had me imagining her with a broken arm or leg or, God help us, spinal damage.

“I’m also not the one nearly breaking my neck doing the worst Spiderman impersonation on record.” Reaching out, I gripped her at the waist and lifted her down, only to have a tiny foot stomp on top of mine with more force than seemed possible in such a small body.

“Princess, you just poked the tiger one time too many.”

In one swift motion, I had her over my shoulder. Turning, I walked out of the bathroom, ignoring the tiny fists forcefully massaging my back and kidneys.

Bending at the waist, I dropped my reluctant passenger on her backside, sat on the bed, and pulled her wriggling form across my lap so her denim-covered ass took center stage.

“Let. Me. Go. You insufferable cretin.” She kicked at the bed for good measure.

“No. I’m making it my life’s mission to keep you safe, Princess.” As I said the words, the rightness of that statement settled deep in my soul, warming me from the inside out, like I had come home after a long journey and found the answer to a long-unanswered question. Being whole. Being happy. Finding the precious thing two of my closest friends had managed to snare these past months.

Finding her.

The one woman meant for me.

My grip firmed on her hip and lower back. I was ready for whatever wild ride happened next with Paige.

Keeping me centered was the knowledge she wasn’t at the same place I was with our attraction. Her emotions were wrapped up in anger, fear, and resentment, as well as the fire I saw in her gaze when I lay on top of her. The way she licked her lips. The way her face softened when I revealed something about myself she hadn’t expected.

Paige had feelings for me.

I’d just have to work to break down her defenses and prove my worthiness of her trust and love.

Although she might not be a big fan of this next step.

“That includes delivering a punishment when you put yourself in serious danger.”

With one hand pressed firmly on the small of her back, my other landed on her bottom with enough firmness to sting, but not cause hard pain. I wanted Paige shaken up a little, not scared.

“Oooowww!” She twisted to glare at me from over her shoulder, but I forced her back down. “You son of a bitch!”

“Now that’s not nice.” Another swat on the other butt cheek. “Neither is you going to such lengths as risking your neck to avoid my hospitality.” Another swat.

“What?” Her screech likely scared the local wildlife. “You kidnapped me, asshole!”

I paused in my corrective efforts, rubbing my hand over her bottom, spreading the burn, and ran my fingers along the seam of her jeans between her legs.

First came her quick intake of breath. Then the way her body softened, ever so slightly, giving me all of her weight.

“I did, and I’m not letting you go, Paige.” Up and down, I moved my fingers, and then back over her cheeks, before tracing between her legs again.

I felt her rock against my touch, wanting more.

But not ready to ask with words, little Princess?

I squeezed her butt cheek before landing another quick series of swats. Two on each cheek, before following with more rubbing.

“I, uh…” She clutched a handful of bedding and twisted the material. “I mean, you…” Her head dropped forward, the tips of her hair touching the woven rug on the cabin’s floor. “You don’t play fair.”

“Never, Paige, especially when it comes to protecting what’s mine.”

I pulled her up, stood her on her feet, and stripped her of her clothing.

And then she was before me, naked, her flesh painted with the golden shadows from the fire as the room’s natural light faded. Firm, generous breasts and soft curves to her body, she was breathtaking.

“You’re beautiful, Paige.” I ran my hands over her hips, up her back and over her shoulders. I kissed her forehead, her cheek, her jawline, before touching her lips with mine. She was warm and alive and opening to me. My blood heated, my hands gripping her shoulders more firmly as she kissed me back with equal measure. Breaking our kiss, I studied her face, seeing the hunger there. “You want this?” I needed to hear the words. It would be easy for my motivation or actions to confuse Paige, especially with her being my captive. I needed her to acknowledge what we were about to do.

“Yes.” She nodded, smiling as she reached for me. “I want to sleep with you.”

I pulled her into my arms and claimed her mouth again. Her hands pressed against my chest, fingers spread out, touching, exploring as I ravaged her mouth, sucking on her bottom lip, then kissing her again with unhurried firm pressure until her mouth opened and I swept my tongue inside, tasting her.

“You said before you won’t play fair to protect what’s yours. But who said I was yours, Ryder?” Paige grabbed the bottom of my Henley and started to lift it up my chest.

“I did.” I smiled as I took over removing my top and stepping out of my jeans. Pleasure filled me as she boldly stared at my naked body. I liked a woman who wasn’t coy, didn’t play games. “You’ll get there in the end, Princess. I just have to convince you that together we’re worth the effort.” Picking her up in my arms, I moved to the bed, laying her in the middle, her head on the pillow. “Right now, I’ll settle for what you’re prepared to embrace.”

I lay over her, my weight supported on one elbow, my legs between hers and kissed her.

She broke off our kiss and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I won’t be rushed into anything with you, Ryder.” The concern in her eyes couldn’t be hidden in the room’s low light. “There’s a lot at stake when we bring feelings and commitment into play.”

“Loving and protecting you is a marathon, Princess, not a sprint. However long it takes, I’ll be working to gain your trust.” I dropped a kiss on her mouth, then lower, at the base of her throat. “For now, just feel.”

Kissing a trail to her breasts, I licked, pinched and rolled the tender buds, watching them draw into tight pebbles, smiling at the way Paige lifted her chest off the bed when I increased the pressure of my fingers. Her moans were deep, her eyes closed to savor the moment. “You like a little bit of pain.” So fucking gorgeous and responsive. “I want to push your boundaries, Paige, show you just how far you can go.” I rolled her right nipple between my thumb and finger, increasing the pressure, watching her eyes widen, feeling the bite of her fingernails digging into my back.

“Good girl.” I licked her other nipple, letting her experience the dueling sensations of a sharp bite and wetness. He breathing increased, but she didn’t protest. “Pain, done right, can be such a fucking turn-on,” I growled next to her ear.

She gave a short, throaty laugh. “I had no idea.”

I moved my hand lower, skimming over her belly to rest just above her pussy. “Let’s see how much you liked it.” I slid two fingers between her folds, feeling the slickness of her desire. “Definitely down for a little pain.” I moved my fingers up her clit, catching her quick intake of breath. “I’ll remember that.” With light strokes, I teased her clit, watching Paige push her head back into the pillow, her eyes closed. “You want my mouth on your clit, Paige?”

She opened her eyes. “Yes, please.” Rubbing her hands over my back, she kept her gaze locked with mine. “I’d love that.”

“I haven’t shaved. Let’s see how you like the feel of whiskers on your pussy.”

Her eyes widened beautifully. Fuck, I couldn’t wait to take her with my mouth every day. Before I shaved and afterwards.

“I plan on going down on you often.” I moved down, settling between her legs. With a hand on each knee, I pushed her bent legs outwards and down, so she lay frog style, spreading her pussy wide for my attentions. I slid my forearms under her thighs and gripped them firmly, holding her in place.

“In the morning before I leave.” I kissed the crease where her leg met her pussy, smiling at her little moan. “When I come home from work.” I ran my tongue over the right side of her labia. “And when I surprise you during the day.” Now her left side.

“I…” She swallowed. “I’d like that.” Her hands gripped the bedding.

“But that’s only for starters.” I ran my tongue up her sweet pussy, tasting her, holding her as she jolted from my touch. “I’d tie you down in the morning before I left.” The sound of her excited little breaths spurred me on. “Leave you like that, helpless.” I licked her again, swirling my tongue around her clit but never touching the tight bud of nerves. “Come home and use you how I pleased.” Then over the hood, near the top of her pussy. “You want that, Princess? Me taking control, commanding you, teasing you?” I looked up at Paige, saw the quick rise and fall of her chest, her hooded stare. I had my answer before her low, husky reply.

“I’d fucking love that.”

“That’s my girl.” I bent my head and flicked the tip of her clit with my tongue.

“Oooh,” she breathed out. “Please don’t stop.”

I swirled my tongue in lazy circles around her clit, then pulled back the hood and licked side to side, up and down with short, soft licks. Her musky feminine scent filled my nostrils as I brushed my tongue over her clit and pussy, reveling in the taste of her and the taking of her in this most intimate of ways.

“Yes. Yes.” She rocked her hips, wanting more of my touch, deepening the sensation of my mouth on her pussy as I strove to give her pleasure.

The muscles of her thighs tensed under my touch. I skimmed my tongue over her pussy before taking her clit in my mouth, sucking and rolling it between my lips.

“Oh, fuck!” she cried as her thighs shook with tremors.

Her hands gripped my head, tugging at my short hair.

I pushed down on her thighs as she tried to lift her pelvis and get away from my mouth.

Not a chance, Princess.

I kept going, making her ride out her orgasm with a flurry of quick, soft licks.

I never said I wasn’t a bastard when being one counted.

Finally, I lifted my head and crawled up the bed. I brushed a strand of hair off her face. “Well done, Princess.” I kissed her, letting her taste herself on my lips. Lifting my head, I got up to leave. “Give me a second. Condom.”

“I’m on the pill. We’re okay,” she stated, then hesitated. “I’m mean, I’m clean, too. That’s never been a problem for me.”

“How’s that?” She’d never been tested?

“No, it’s not that.” She closed her eyes and sighed.

“Paige?” Behind that sigh was a confession she wasn’t in a hurry to share. But we weren’t going any further until she did. “Talk to me.”

“Imavirgin.” She squeezed her eyes shut and, I guessed by the way she held herself so still, was holding her breath, too.

I played that rushed statement over in my head. A virgin?

Checking Paige, she was still lying there, eyes closed, not breathing.

Panicking? Scared? Fearing rejection?

“Paige, you’re telling me you’re a virgin?”

Proving she had courage to spare, she opened her eyes. “Yes.” Her voice was quiet, but composed. “I know that seems old fashioned, but I’ve never felt the right guy has come along to share my body with.” She huffed a laugh. “And when he did, it turned out he’d kidnapped me.”

She’d kept herself for the right guy. Wanting to experience something meaningful.

And chose me.

Earlier, Paige had said she wouldn’t be rushed into a relationship.

I wanted to laugh.

Christ almighty, she was protecting her heart. A girl, one like Paige, didn’t save herself for the right man and then throw it away on a guy she had a mild attraction for.

Maybe she didn’t trust herself enough?

“You may not know this yet, Paige, but you’ve just upped the stakes, sweetheart.”

Big time.

There was no way I was letting her go now.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not backing down. You’re offering me your virginity and whether you realize the real significance of that is beside the point. A girl like you doesn’t do that without being emotionally invested, at least to some point.”

She opened her mouth to argue with me, but when the words didn’t come, she snapped her mouth shut.

Wise move.

“We have full medicals and tests regularly.” I rested my hand on her hip. “I’m clean, but it’s your choice, Paige.”

She raised her hand to my cheek, running her fingers along my jaw. “I want to feel you. Completely. Especially the first time.”

How fucking perfect was she?

“You got it, Princess.”

I moved between her legs, pleased as hell at the way she spread her legs and smiled at me with a mixture of sweetness and excitement, inviting me to take her.

Leaning on one forearm, I lowered my head and kissed her in a long, deep kiss, wanting to reassure her, and remind her this moment was all about us as a couple, not just sex. My mission was to help her learn to trust me, to know I would always have her as my top priority.

Breaking our kiss, I positioned myself over her and eased myself inside her until I felt her resistance. I eased my hand between our bodies, gently stroking her clit, wanting to give her as much pleasure as possible, maybe even a tiny distraction from what was to come.

“Ooooh.” She rolled her lips as I worked my fingers over her clit, spreading her slickness and teasing the bud of nerves still sensitive from her last orgasm. “Oooh, gosh. That feels good.”

I started gently thrusting into her, stretching her barrier, working her clit with my fingers. “Hold onto me, Princess.”

Her arms went around me as I stopped working her clit, balanced my weight on both arms and with one hard thrust, plunged inside her.

“Oh.” Paige gazed up at me, her eyes wide with either shock or wonder.

Christ, I hoped it was the latter.

I held myself still, letting her get used to my size and felt her wet warmth around my cock. “You okay?”

She smiled. “I’m more than ready.”

Jesus, I always took pride in my self-control, but the muscles of her cunt gripped me so fucking tight, forcing me to fight the urge to start pumping as fast as I could.

I started with slow, gliding thrusts, allowing us to work out a natural tempo that grew to a fast, controlled rhythm. “That’s it.” I looked down at her, so fucking pleased she kept her gaze on me, watching me take her. “Wrap your legs around me.”

She obeyed, and I immediately sank deeper into her, my cock surrounded by her sweet hot cunt.

I felt everything that touched my cock—her wetness, the tremors building in her vagina, the way her muscles gripped me on every outward thrust, those same muscles dragging over me like a velvet-covered hand when I plunged inward, and the spongey area on the top of her cunt that I rubbed with the head of my cock each time followed by a more intense sensation of her clenching around me.

Without a condom, everything felt so much…more.

Paige rocked beneath me, her heels digging into my back, as I increased the tempo. “Let me know if I’m hurting you.”

“Go faster,” she panted out her command.

I stifled a laugh. “You’ll be sore later, Princess. Let me set the pace.”

“But I want more. You’re teasing me. Stop holding back.” She tilted her pelvis, bucking against my every thrust, blonde wisps of hair in her face, fingernails digging into my back.

Fuck, there went my best intentions.

I angled my cock to rub over her g-spot, pushing her toward her release, as I felt mine build, strengthen. Starting down at the base of my spine and then to my balls, everything tightened. Heat lanced through my body. I pumped faster, my breathing now loud, matching Paige’s as she clawed at my back.

“Ryder!” She gripped me tighter, her eyes pressed closed, her face flushed, perspiration dampening her hair to her forehead. “Oh. My. God.”

I clenched my teeth as the convulsive shudders of her climax milked my cock. My control only lasted so long. Pressure built from my balls, racing through my cock, blazing a trail of fire I could no longer control.

“That’s it, Princess. Fly for me.” I got the words out seconds before I growled like a wild animal with my climax. Bright, brilliant fire-bursts of pleasure shot through my cock as pure sensation replaced thought. I spilled myself into Paige as the remnants of her orgasm were a sweet torture, prolonging mine with each spasm.

I waited as Paige unfolded her legs from around my waist and I dropped to the bed beside her. Reaching out, I gathered her hand and brought it to my lips, palm up and laid a kiss. “You were fucking amazing, Paige.”

She rolled her head on the pillow to face me, her hair now a wild jumble of waves and curls as it framed her face. “You were worth the wait, Ryder.” Her eyes shone as she gave me a shy smile. “Thank you.”

Heat radiated through my chest, settling deep, and warmed my soul. “No, thank you, for the gift you gave me today.” Hell, my voice sounded like I had swallowed a jar of rusty nails it was so thick and rough. I leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. “Let’s get you showered, and we can have a night in bed watching the fire.”

“I’d like that.”

Showering wasn’t something we could do together in the small bathroom, but I stayed and talked to Paige as she used most of the hot water in the small gas-heated tank. When it was my turn, she sat on the closed toilet, now wearing a set of fleecy pink PJs and matching colored socks, asking me about the two scars on my chest. One from a bullet, the other a knife. Each perpetrator had long since met their maker, both at my hand.

After finishing off the remaining soup, we sat in front of the fireplace for a little while, but I could see her fighting to keep her eyes open if we stopped talking for any short length of time.

By the time I climbed into bed next to her, she was sleepily cuddling up to me, her hands curled against my chest with her head tucked under my chin.

I kissed her forehead and thanked my lucky stars my buddies had been unavailable for this particular mission.

Now all I had to do was work on finally knocking over the rest of Paige’s defenses.

And maybe develop a strategy to win Lance over when he finds out I took the virginity of a woman he thinks of like a favorite younger sister.

Thank God the approaching blizzard granted me a few extra days before Lance’s arrival.

Mother Nature. My guardian angel.