‘Stop crying, you are free now, Melody.’
“I’m free,” she whispers as she wipes her eyes. “I’m free,” she says louder. Zach pulled six hundred dollars cash from his bank after his release. Tonight, she will hit the ATM a few more times just to make sure she has enough money. “I need a place to stay for the night. Then, I will get ready to visit Daniel. I will make him understand that we were meant to be together.”
‘If he doesn’t, then you will make him pay for betraying you,' the voice whispers.
“Yes, make him pay,” she grins.
Chapter 12
Delta wakes early Monday morning to see Abby off. Daniel is snuggled behind her, and she sighs with contentment. This will be the last time she sleeps with him, and it makes her sad. It's strange to say that in his arms, she feels like she belongs. God, how she missed this. The connection of belonging to someone and feeling this beautiful cowboy around her, she wishes she belonged to him. Right now, he feels responsible for her and only time will tell if that grows into something else. Delta knows the physical attraction is there, but could they have a chance for more?
Once this mess is over, they will see. This last week with him, he has shown her that he's a fantastic father, compassionate caregiver, and savvy businessman, with exceptional taste in literature. Today Phillip and Easton are coming, and she is desperate to see them. They will help keep her grounded, and Delta is excited to show Phillip the first few chapters of her new book based on a ghost town!
“Good morning, beautiful,” Daniel murmurs in her ear and chews lightly on her neck. Chills erupt, and she grins, turning on her back to look at him. Lifting a hand, she trails her fingers across his forehead and down his chiseled cheek, memorizing the details. “Your eyes are incredible, so dark and sexy,” she murmurs.
“That’s because they’re looking at you.” Leaning down, he softly kisses the side of her mouth before trailing his mouth along her jaw to nibble on her ear.
“Daniel, you make it really hard for me to get out of bed,” she says running her hands over his shoulders. He nibbles at her collarbone and laughs, “Good, my plan is working perfectly.”
A knock at the door, has him dropping his head to her shoulder, and she laughs. “Coming…” Daniel yells. Turning back to her he whispers, “Hold that thought.” He rolls away and dresses quickly.
Delta stares at his sculpted body and thinks hours, we could have hours today, alone, in this bed. Chewing on her lip, she is thankful he can’t read her mind. Daniel walks to the door and stops with his hand on the doorknob, “I’d give anything to spend hours with you in this bed. Rest up, Delta, you’re going to need it.” Grinning, he hurries out to help Abby.
Staring at the door in stunned silence, Delta laughs out loud, “Maybe you’ll be the one who needs rest, Daniel.” She dresses and moves out to say goodbye to Abby with Chase.
“You will call me as soon as you’re with your mother?” Daniel orders as he walks her to the truck. Abby is bouncing with excitement, she turns to look at Delta and hugs her goodbye. “I hope you feel better soon, Delta.”
“I will, sweetie. I’ll be a hundred percent when you get back. I think Sasha is going to miss you something fierce, though.” Sasha whines and lifts a paw at Abby. She drops down in front of her and hugs her tight only to be rewarded with a ton of dog kisses.
“Have a great time, Abs. Take lots of pictures at the rodeo. I'll see you on Sunday night.” Daniel kisses her and buckles her in as Chase tells him that he's going to work at the lodge this morning. The latest wedding party is checking out this morning.
“No problem, Dad.” He waves good-bye as they ride away.
Turning back to Delta, he grins, “Now where were we?”
Delta smiles at him and holds up a crutch, pointing it at him. “Daniel, what kind of girl do you think I am?”
His smile fades, and he stalks towards her. “My kind of girl,” he replies instantly.
Delta feels tears prick her eyes. “Oh, Daniel…” he pushes her crutches to the side and wraps his arms around her waist, lifting her off her feet. The moment his lips touch hers, she forgets to protect her heart, it’s too late for that now. Hungrily kissing Delta, he steps to the front porch to carry her inside when he hears the crunch of gravel behind them.
“Seriously!” Daniel grumbles and Delta smothers a laugh.
Sheriff Ford parks his patrol car and gives a friendly wave as he climbs out. “Good morning.”
Daniel gently lowers Delta into a rocker on the front porch. “Morning, Allen.”
“Ms. Richards, I’m Sheriff Ford. I’d like to get a statement from you if I could, regarding your incident.” Daniel’s hand drops to her shoulder and squeezes gently.
“Of course,” Delta replies.
“I’m confused, Allen, we were told they were released,” Daniel snaps clearly agitated now. Delta reaches up and grabs his hand.
“They were released. However, four hours ago some hikers found her cousin Zach on the same trail Ms. Richards was abandoned on.”
Delta gasps, covering her mouth with her hand. “Is he okay?”
“He's alive, barely.” His blue eyes shift to Daniel. “Zach was able to tell us who his assailant was. He claims Melody beat him when he threatened to call her doctor. She bashed him with a lamp, broke his arm with a tire iron and cracked a few of his ribs. Melody stopped after he blacked out. He'll survive, but his main concern
