Knotted (Trails of Sin, #1)

by Pam Godwin

Her glare narrows suspiciously. She doesn’t trust a word that comes out of my mouth.

I love the way her wicked mind works, but she’s completely off the mark.

She’s wondering how I know about her triggers.

I’m not releasing her. Not ever.

“How much time did you spend online?” I grind my teeth. I spent six years researching all the ways I can help her.

Fucking fuck, what am I doing? I can’t kiss her. Not until I deal with the boyfriend. There’s an order of operations for a reason. A carefully considered plan. Focus on the plan.

The moment we arrive, she’ll be distracted by Ketchup.

“You need to grieve the night in the ravine.” She stiffens. “No, I don’t.” “You were raped. Sodomized. Abused—” “Stop!”

“You need to grieve our relationship.”

I can’t believe she’s here. She’s home, and it’s finally safe for her to be here.

She hasn’t smiled like that in years. I know, because I’ve been watching her. Clocking her every movement and following her around campus like a creeper. When I couldn’t be there, I hired a private investigator to tail her. I did what I did to protect her, all while trying to forget her.

“It’s nothing you haven’t seen before, anyway.” She shoves down the jeans and kicks them away. “Probably set your filthy eyes on every pair of panties in town.”

“Wipe that look off your face, Jake Holsten.” She shifts her weight. “I’m not having sex with you.” Not yet.

And love. I love her so goddamn much, but she’s not ready for that truth. That’s why we’re here.

Her lips part, and her eyes glass over. I don’t think it’s shock. She’s too sharp to be oblivious to the infidelity. For whatever reason, she’s chosen to ignore what’s right in front of her.

I’m not buying whatever it is you’re selling.”

Because I’m a dumb, pathetic girl who will never ever, ever, ever get over Jake Holsten.

He fucked Kendra Forde in ways he never fucked me. Because I wouldn’t let him. I gave him boring, missionary sex. Of course, he strayed. No man wants to be with a skittish, unadventurous nutjob.

Instead of telling me, you alienated me. Sheltered me. Made decisions about my life.”

Since I never told Miles what ranch I grew up on, I assume the text included this address.

“I’ll give you a few seconds to be single.” He bends his knees, putting his face in mine. “But don’t get used to it.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “You’re about to be taken.” His expression smolders with red-blooded hunger. “No—” “You’re mine.”

He needed that…that reassurance from her. It’s not forgiveness exactly, but it’s progress.

“So you unloaded the burden of your virginity and walked away.”

It was the first time I gave myself to someone, and I was feeling raw and off-balance.” I was her first.

That means I’m not just letting myself hope for a future with you. I’m pursuing it with single-minded focus.

I resent the years that came after. My relationship with Miles. Your…whatever with whoever has a vagina. That wasn’t meant to be.”

“I can’t stop picturing you with those women, and I’m sick to my soul with jealousy. I don’t know how to get over that. You were mine, dammit.”

His demeanor threatens anyone who dares a peek in his direction. What has this place done to him?

He murdered a man. In less than two weeks, I intend to do the same thing.

“I need to understand all of it.” I push his arm away and tick a furious glare between them. “The three of you have been plotting and scheming and riding roughshod over my life, and I’m done with it.”

Her hair is natural and beautiful. Hell, she is beautiful. And she’s not from around here.

“Freelance. I write the story and sell it to the highest bidder.” What the fuck? She intends to profit from our misery?

This was his first offense.” And last. Sucks for him.

“You’re right. I would’ve come for you.” He yanks the gun free, cocked and aimed at my head. “Thanks for saving me a trip across town.”

but beneath that, he’s worked up in a way I don’t want to see my brother. Ever.