Read Online Untamed: Duty Bound Book 3 by J.S. Marlo - Free Book Online Page B

the bathroom shone across the corridor and into Lyn’s room, casting a yellow hue over the Teddy bears stuffed on the ledge above the bed. She stroked her daughter’s blonde hair. Once sleep claimed her, Terri walked into the hall.
    “Your daughter didn’t see me, neither did Stone.”
    The shadow in the doorway of her bedroom startled her. She paused within inches of his strong arms and broad chest.
    “He asked if Brent kept any documents here.” She ran a finger down the front of his shirt, circling every button. “He looked at me in a creepy way. I don’t like him. Can you keep him away from me? Please?”
    “I’ll take care of him. He won’t bother you again.” With a tug, he loosened her belt, parting her robe. “Last night was amazing.”
    He teased her breast with his thumb, rekindling a fire in her belly. On a scale of one to ten, he ranked eight and a half. The best rating she’d ever given to a man in uniform.
    “Next time you’re off duty, feel free to stop by for another late night coffee.”

Chapter Thirteen
    Near the cabin, Hannah’s son was playing with his dog in a fort built of snow and ice. The animal wore black doggie boots and a blue sweater of the same shade as the child’s snowsuit. When Avery approached the lower side of the fortified structure, Rory and his furry friend stilled. Both looked at him with eyes as wide as saucers.
    “Hi, little man. Where’s your mom?”
    The dog barked once in response while the boy pointed at the shed without uttering a word.
    “You’re the strong silent type, aren’t you?”
    His face scrunched up in confusion, Hannah’s son retreated into the corner of his frozen fortress where the dog jumped on his lap.
    “Want to come with me to see your mom?”
    Rory shook his head side to side with gritty determination.
    Unsure how to interpret the silent treatment or the refusal, Avery headed toward the shed. Thumping sounds resonated from where the fox had hung. In his mind, he conjured up Hannah tanning the skin with a stick. When he rounded the corner, the images faded. They were replaced by a woman in jeans and plaid shirt chopping wood. Sweat trickled down her face and the shirt hugged her heaving chest.
    With his warm winter jacket on, Avery managed to keep the bitter cold at bay. Venturing outside with nothing more than indoor clothing was reckless.
    Intent on instilling some sense into her brain, he marched on. “Hannah!”
    When she didn’t respond, he halted abruptly. In the spur of the moment, he’d forgotten she couldn’t hear. How was he supposed to get the attention of a deaf woman holding an axe without startling her and jeopardizing both their lives?
    No wonder Rory hadn’t shown any inclination to accompany him. For his own safety, the child had probably been taught to stay away from his mother until she fetched him.
    Without getting too close, he waved his arms while trying to move in her line of vision. Focused on her task, she paid no attention to him. He’d resigned himself to wait when a snowball flew by him and hit the bundle of logs. Her head snapped up, and Hannah looked past him. Avery followed her gaze to the boy slapping his mitts together. A snowball. The mother and son’s silent code was crude, but effective.
    “Thank you, little man,” he yelled at the boy.
    Rory responded with a rare smile before sauntering away, the dog on his heels.
    “Avery?” The axe set against the tree stump, Hannah walked toward the shed. “What are you doing here?”
    “I could ask you the same question.” He followed her to a pile of wood stacked neatly against the outside wall.
    Her winter coat lay on the top of the cord. She put it on but didn’t zip it. “Chopping wood. Wasn’t that obvious?”
    Amusement echoed in every word, which amazed him considering she couldn’t hear.
    “Need help?” Many questions swirled in his mind, questions he ached to ask, but he reined in his impatience. First and foremost, he needed to gain her