Read Online Rocky Mountain Redemption by Pamela Nissen - Free Book Online

teased.
    Ben gave one swift nod. “As weak as she is, I want to make sure she doesn’t overdo it.”
    â€œShe didn’t. We were just getting to know each other, that’s all. She seems very nice, but you were right. She’s a proud young woman.” Katie tucked strands of blond waves into where she’d swept it up at the back of her head. “She almost refused to take the clothes I brought over. And she’s determined to pay you for everything. Once she’s on her feet again, I’m guessing she’ll be a tough one to corner long enough to get her to open up.”
    He frowned. “That’s what has me worried.”
    â€œI thought so,” Joseph gibed with one raised brow. “You’re taken by her, aren’t you?”
    Ben shrugged off the brotherly taunt. “Well, something about her has snagged my attention, that’s for sure.”
    â€œLike I’ve said before,” Joseph measured out, patting his chest. “You’re a bleeding heart.”
    Ben dropped his gaze to the floor. “I’m just worried about her, that’s all. It’s obvious she doesn’t have anywhere to go from here. As much as this area has been built up with the railroad coming through and all, a young woman trying to find her way alone is as good as a death sentence. It’s clear that she needs a leg up in life.”
    â€œYou’re right to be concerned.” Katie threaded her arm through Joseph’s.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Ben’s pulse prickled through him at the way her features pinched with concern.
    â€œI have a feeling that if you want her to stay safe, then you’re going to have to find enough things to keep her busy right here. But most importantly, you need to treat her with great care.” Her voice grew suddenly soft and strained as Joseph wrapped her protectively in the crook of his arm. “Even though she tried to hide them,the awful scars I glimpsed on her body are a horrid indication that her past is something she’d like to forget.”
    Â 
    The thought of Callie enduring a cruel beating, even once, touched every part of his mind and heart, stirring up anger so hot his blood still thrummed with furious force through his veins. Images of her being mistreated thundered through his mind, unearthing fierce rage and the innate need to protect her.
    â€œCallie? Are you awake?” Ben spoke low as he gently knocked on the bedroom door and awaited her reply.
    After several silent moments, alarm barged into his head, dominating all reasonable thought. He opened the door, peeking inside.
    He hoped he hadn’t seemed rude when just moments ago, he’d eagerly ushered Joseph and Katie out of his house. But from the second Katie had returned from helping Callie with her bath, he’d been chomping at the bit to get back over here to his patient.
    Especially after Katie had mentioned the scars.
    A few old scars. Some newer ones. The bold signs of chronic abuse that had been hidden beneath her tattered undergarments. He’d been fortunate enough to get her out of her wet and dirty dress after she’d arrived. But since then, every time he’d attempt to examine her, she’d flat-out refused, wrapping the covers so tightly around her, he thought she might cocoon herself in them permanently.
    Completely missing the glorious opportunity to break free as a beautiful butterfly.
    He gulped hard, sliding a trembling hand over his mouth. That thought had come out of nowhere. The delicate image of Callie emerging and spreading her wings to fly had his insides drawing up taut.
    Every step from his house to his office, he’d kept telling himself that his was just a doctorly kind of concern, making sure she hadn’t taxed herself too much or spiked another fever. But the way his heart thudded inside his chest as he quietly slipped into her room, he knew he was fool—
    He stopped cold in his tracks when