Free High-Stakes Passion by Juliet Burns Page B

barn and bunkhouse.
    It was a clear night with a waning moon and a blanket of twinkling stars overhead. You didn’t see stars like these in the city, with all the lights and pollution. She became aware of crickets chirping and frogs croaking, and the sound of the breeze rustling through the trees. The serenity of the pine trees beckoned her like arms waiting to embrace her troubled soul. Audrey kept walking, losing herself in the beauty of the country.
    She came to a stop at a creek bank. The gurgling of water over stones and the sweet smell of new grass calmed her. Nature had a way of putting things in perspective. She sat and wound her arms around her upraised knees.
    She knew what was really bothering her—she didn’t want to leave. Maybe if she’d finished that beer, she’d have had the guts to tell Mark the truth. What if she told him now and he threw her out in front of everyone at the party?
    Leaves and twigs rustled and a shadow moved from behind a tree to her right as a figure approached. Fear immobilized her.
    â€œYou all alone out here, Audrey?” Pete came closer, stopping only a couple of feet away.
    Too late she realized she’d been an idiot to come out here alone. Hadn’t Ruth warned her? “Uh, well, I was just about to head back. Ruth is waiting for me to, uh…” She put her hand down and started to stand.
    Before she could get fully to her feet, he lurched closer and grabbed her shoulders. “Why’d you come out here? You wanted me to follow, didn’t you?” She struggled to escape his hands, but he slid one arm around her back and pulled her against him with a wiry strength. His foul breath hit her cheek as he dipped his head and planted a sloppy kiss on half her mouth.
    â€œPete, no.” She shoved with all her strength, but he didn’t budge. Her heartbeat raced as he growled and swooped down again. This time she barely avoided his mouth.
    â€œYou aren’t serious about saving yourself for that crippled old has-been, are ya?” He spat out the words as he fought to kiss her. “He’s been holed up here for so long he’d screw the first thing that held still long enough.”
    A wave of nausea hit her. Struggling was getting her nowhere. Time for extreme measures. Position the knee, aim for the groin….
    â€œWhat are you doin’ out here? Everything all right?”
    Oh, that deep, husky voice. Audrey had never been so glad to hear it.
    Pete dropped his hands and backed away. “Just talking, man. Everything’s cool.”
    She needed a moment to compose herself. She stayed where she was, gazing at the creek.
    Pete turned his head and spit into the grass. “See ya later, Audrey.” He strolled back toward the party.
    She heard Mark move closer and straightened her dress. There was a minute of tense silence. Had he seen her fighting Pete off? Did he think she’d been a willing participant in that?
    â€œWas he botherin’ you?” Mark’s voice shook. He stalked past her, heading after Pete. “I’m gonna knock that punk from here to next Sunday.”
    She grabbed the back of his shirt. “No!” Pete would be leaving tomorrow. No sense in Mark making a scene at the party.
    Mark swiveled to face her. “You sure you’re okay?”
    â€œI’m fine. Just tired. Had a busy day.” She hoped her voice sounded normal. She tried to step away, put some distance between them. Big mistake. She didn’t watch where she was going. She tripped over her own feet and started to pitch backward.
    â€œWhoa, there.” He caught her in his arms and didn’t let go.
    His big hands held her shoulders just as Pete’s had, but she wasn’t afraid. Beneath her dress, her skin burned. She ached. Audrey looked into his eyes. They seemed black in the moonlight, and still sparked with temper. Her gaze traveled down to his close-shaven jaw, and over to his chiseled,