Austin - Piper Stone Page 0,74

of the massive beasts munching on grass. The amount of land was incredible, the peace and serenity unequaled by almost any other experience I’d had.

“I can’t wait to see your ranch when it’s finished.” I wasn’t certain he even heard the words until he squeezed my hands.

“You can visit anytime. Open invitation.”

I shuddered from the thought, tingling all the way to my toes. The man had such a way about him.

“I’d like that.”

“Just up ahead. There’s a little lake and a few trees that I think you’ll like.”

When we reached the area, he took control, pulling Marko to a stop then jumping off. Just the way he held out his arms, waiting to guide me to the ground was so chivalrous, entirely different than I was used to. However, he didn’t simply pull me down and let me go, he yanked me against him with the same passion he’d exuded the very first night. The electricity soared, my mind going blank.

There were no concerns or fears.

There was no frustration over what I’d face in the light of day.

But there was burning desire, an intense longing that refused to be denied.

He cupped the side of my face, shaking his head. “I could have lost you.”

“But you didn’t. You saved me, my very special hero.”

“I told ya before. I’m nobody’s hero, but I take care of my own, and lady, I’m never allowing you out of my sight.”

While his grin was playful, I had a feeling he meant what he said. “The sheriff doesn’t think highly of you.”

“Yeah, well, I guess she thinks she has her reasons.”

“That’s crazy, Vader. From what you’ve told me, what occurred in Afghanistan should actually garner all of you Medals of Honor.”

He laughed, his expression full of genuine amusement. “That’s not going to happen. If we’re not court-martialed given the case is being reexamined, then I think every one of us will consider that a win.”

Sighing, I took a few seconds to enjoy the scenery, the dazzling colors in the sky a true spectacle.

“What were you and your friends talking about a little while ago?”

The sweet moment broken, he pulled away, walking to the fence and leaning over. As I flanked his side, I couldn’t keep my eyes off the incredible group of horses as they frolicked in the field. So happy. So energetic.

“I found what appears to be a portion of a blasting cap at the explosion sight. Granted, I’m not a hundred percent sure given the condition it was in, but Scorpion has a buddy who might be able to offer a definitive answer,” he answered.

“Why is that important?”

“Because,” he said as he looked into my eyes, “I suspect that whoever set that bomb possibly used military grade explosives.”

“How would you know that?”

“I also found this.”

When he held up a bag holding a black utility knife, I had to admit I was confused as to its significance. “Okay. Where did you find that?”

“Buried under one of your shrubs. As far as why the knife is important, you’re not going to find a single Marine without one of these. They are designed with the military in mind, including tools for use with explosives, such as C-4.”

“C-4? Wait a minute. Isn’t that shit volatile?”

Vader rubbed his finger over the knife. “Not as much as you think and only a small amount is needed, along with a blasting cap, in order to cause the kind of explosion that destroyed your vehicle.”

“Jesus.” I thought about all the threats I’d received over the last few months, the various people and organizations I knew were responsible. “What you’re telling me is that whoever did this has expert military training.”

“That’s what I’m telling you. Only a small additional amount used, and it would have taken out the entire neighborhood. The person responsible knew what he or she was doing. I honestly don’t think it has anything to do with whatever senatorial agenda you’ve been working on.”

“I’m asking too many questions about the fire,” I said more in a whisper.

“Exactly. And whoever is responsible will return to your house to try and find this, especially given the initials carved in the steel.”

“Dog. Another nickname.”

“You got it,” he said, slipping the piece into his pocket. “You’re staying right here for the time being. No going to the office, no returning to your house, and you can’t come to my ranch either. It won’t be long until my name is listed with the damn video those fuckers keep showing.”

“I told you before, I can’t stop