“What are you doing, asshole?” growled Christian. “Get the fuck up and stop her!”
“She deserves better,” said Moose.
“No. You deserved better than those two you had before. She’s it! Don’t be a damn idiot. Go get that woman and that sweet little girl who is crying for you.”
Moose leaped to his feet, racing toward the other ATV, and took off after them. He knew that Matthew could see him in his rearview mirror, but the man didn’t slow down. He was going to make him work for this one.
When they reached the gate, Moose caught them, jumping from the vehicle.
“Wait! Don’t leave,” he said. “Please don’t leave.”
“Why?” asked Erica, staring at him with tears running down her face. Jennifer reached for him, and he grabbed her, hugging her tightly.
“You can’t leave.”
“Why?” she said again.
“Because…”
“Down!” yelled Matthew.
As Moose plastered Erica and Jennifer beneath him, a hail of bullets flew by them, and the alarms went off at Belle Fleur. Someone had just tried to kill his woman and girl.
CHAPTER SIX
Ten men had followed in other vehicles once comms gave them the warning that a car was in the parking lot of the café with two suspicious men. They all fired back toward the car shooting at Moose, Erica, and Jennifer. By the time they were able to open the gates, the car had sped away.
“Pigsty? Follow that fucking car with a drone if you have to,” said Christian. He reached for Moose and the others. “Let’s get back to the cafeteria.”
Moose got Jennifer and Erica settled into his ATV, Matthew riding with the other men. As they moved further away from the gates, he felt safer, but Erica was shaking with fear and shock. He stopped the ATV, wrapping her in his arms, just rocking her with Jennifer sandwiched between them.
“It’s going to be alright. You’re okay now. We’ll find out who that was,” he whispered. She just nodded, unable to speak at first. “Erica? Why did you leave? I thought things were going well.”
“You’re going to get back with your ex,” she sniffed.
“What? What would make you think that?” he asked.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to see it, but she sent you a text message on the household tablet that controls the air conditioning and security. I heard it beep several times and thought I’d forgotten to do something. I didn’t mean to see it.”
Moose looked down at his phone, seeing the message that Ece had sent.
We both know this was a mistake. Just call me and I’ll come back.
“Erica, I never asked her to come back. Nor will I. I have no interest in having her in my life.”
“Really?”
“Really,” he grinned. “I know we both struggle with trusting others, but believe me, I’m the most trustworthy man you’ll ever meet. All of us can be trusted. I would never, ever do anything to hurt you or Jennifer. Never.”
“I think I knew that in my heart, Moose. It was my head that wasn’t catching up. I don’t have much experience with this, with relationships. Gordon was my first and last, and I obviously stink at making choices. Well, he wasn’t my choice, but you know what I mean.”
“Me, too,” laughed Moose. “I stink at choosing as well. Until now. I don’t know how things like this happen, Erica, but I know that you and Jennifer were placed in my cottage for a reason. I was sick watching you leave. Sick. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring us, but I’d darn sure like to try and find out.”
“What are you asking?” she whispered. He smiled down at her delicate face, pushing back the strands of dark hair clinging to her neck.
“I’m asking you to stay. You and Jennifer. Stay with me. Let’s get to know one another, go on a date, and enjoy one another’s company. Just don’t leave me. I honestly don’t think I’d survive if you did.”
“Sh-she called you da-da.”