Page 68 of Auctioned to the Devil

“She’s missing.”

The entire diner goes silent.

I don’t wait for another question.

I call Emily again as I drive.

Voicemail.

Again.

Nothing.

I know her.

That’s the problem.

She’s stubborn enough to walk into trouble if she thinks she’s protecting me from it.

I also know Sloan.

And if he put his fucking hands on her, there won’t be enough mountain between us to save him.

I find her Jeep forty-three minutes later.

Old Ranger Station.

Driver’s window shattered.

Blood on the steering wheel.

My vision tunnels. “Emily.”

I force myself to breathe.

Think.

Not husband.

Not lover.

Not the man who’s been waking up with her in his bed and pretending it doesn’t mean everything.

Soldier.

Track.

Survive.

Bring her home.

I circle the Jeep.

Two sets of boot prints.

Emily’s tracks cut toward the trees.

She ran.