Dixie Under Siege (A Warrior's Passion #2) - Natasza Waters Page 0,2
sonofabitch who’s tormenting you.”
Josh had gently pressed his finger under Dixie’s chin and closed the gap that had opened between her lips. “And if you’re wondering who’s going to run away first? Fair warning. It won’t be me.”
Dixie Under Siege
A Warrior’s Passion Series Book Two
Chapter One
Standing in front of her parents’ grandfather clock, Dixie’s father shouted, “Do you have any brains in your head?”
The pendulum swung back and forth with an even tempo, unlike her father, who was ready to vault into a speech on Hell and damnation.
She flicked a glance toward Josh, who sat beside her with one muscled arm laying across the back of the sofa, his expression relaxed, if not slightly amused with his lips curling upward. Dixie, on the other hand, was mortified her father had caught them in the barn. Not just messing around, but right after a mind-blowing orgasm which he may have heard.
Her father glared at them the way he’d stare down Satan if he ever came face to face with the angel of evil deeds.
Her mother, Amelia Hammond, hung up the phone in the kitchen. “They’re coming over,” she announced, briskly walking into the sparsely decorated living room.
Crucifixes adorned each wall, accentuated with three paintings of Christ to remind anyone who entered their home that the Hammonds were a God-fearing family.
Josh shook his head slowly, unaffected by her father’s obvious displeasure.
“Young man, you defiled my daughter. I’d think twice about the position you’re in right now.”
Her mother sat on the edge of the green Barcalounger with threadbare armrests, and wrung her hands. “Alex—”
“No,” her father spouted before Mom had a chance to speak. He pointed a crooked finger at Dixie. “Not only have you sinned, but you’ve stained this family’s reputation.”
It wasn’t like Josh was some guy passing through town. They’d known each other since eighth grade and had just graduated from high school, both with a perfect GPA. They weren’t hell-raisers. Unlike many of their fellow students, they didn’t take drugs or drink to distraction.
“How have I stained our reputation?” Dixie asked. “The only people who know are in this room.”
As if she’d sucker-punched him, her father growled. “I’m the pastor of the Baptist church. If anyone should remain a virgin, it should be my daughter.”
Josh had a short fuse when it came to things he thought ridiculous. “Unless you issue a bulletin at church announcing the details, I don’t see the problem, Mr. Hammond.”
Dixie’s gaze swept to her mother. About to argue that their relationship was not akin to the Apocalypse, the hinge on the back door squeaked open.
“Hello?” Josh’s mother called.
Dixie’s mom didn’t get up to greet their guests. “In here, Doris.”
Josh’s folks, Doris and Henry Hunter, joined the hanging committee in the living room.
“Is everything all right?” Henry asked. “Doris said something had happened to one of the kids.”
“Our children have sinned in the eyes of the Lord,” her father said loud enough for everyone in the county to hear.
Henry Hunter’s brows rose and he darted a look toward his wife. They, too, were Baptists and attended church every week, but they weren’t hardliners like her parents.
“I’ll put on some coffee.” Dixie’s mother vaulted to her feet.
“This isn’t a social visit, Amelia,” Dad said before she could escape. “Everyone sit down.”
Henry removed his cowboy hat and ushered Doris to the early twentieth century settee that Dixie’s mom had inherited from her parents.
Obviously, her father assumed since he was the pastor, everyone would shut up to listen while he preached from his invisible pulpit.
“Dixie.” He grabbed the Bible on the walnut credenza behind him and held it up. “Dixie, you have not only shamed yourself, you’ve also broken a vow to God.”
“Pastor Hammond,” Josh interrupted what looked like the start of a long tirade. “I respect you a lot. Always have. But a sermon on the sins of sex before marriage doesn’t change the facts. I’m not interested in listening to you rant or point a finger.”
“Josh!” Mrs. Hunter warned.
“Were you at least safe?” Dixie’s mother asked.
Doris and Henry blinked with surprise, but Dixie swore that Mr. Hunter seemed a little amused by it all.
Josh stood up. At six-three, he towered over her father. When her boyfriend chuckled, Dad’s face reddened. “Respectfully, folks. What Dix and I share privately is none of your damn business.”
Dixie gazed up at Josh, thankful for him making a stand. She understood that her parents would always be her parents and accepting their children as adults couldn’t be easy. Her boyfriend had hit the