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"Gathering firewood" Hunter motioned to the fireplace "That’s our only source of heat for theus freeze to death And I didn’t expect to get shot in Tessa’s backyard" He raised a brow

"Ashton said you charged him"

Hunter smiled inwardly Yeah, he had Like a ith a ot closer so he could see I wasn’t game"

Tessa raised her ski cap off the coffee table and poked her finger in the hole Seeing the way she did it,

"I’d say Hunter could press charges against Ashton for attenant "If he’d ed to hit Hunter in the head, it would have been ate in the icy conditions, ould never have been able to get help for hied He rubbed his chin and looked like he’d finally been put in his place "Who the hell are you?"

"Hunter Grey, Tessa’s boyfriend Tell Ashton to hunt somewhere else from now on"

The sheriff narrowed his eyes and looked like he could shoot Hunter hi his son "If you’re Tessa’s boyfriend, eren’t you at the trial, giving her ot in late yesterday afternoon"

He glanced back at Rourke, then warned Hunter, "Watch yourself The coh bad publicity over Michael’s cri anyas he didn’t keep Ashton’s company, he would be fine, but he kept his mouth shut

"Hunter’s a celebrity," Rourke proudly exclaimed, his chest puffed up twice its size

All eyes turned toward hireatest news of the century "He’s an ex–Navy SEAL You probably noticed the great shape he’s in"

The sheriff’s narrowed eyes grew rounder

Rourke nodded "Yep, a real celebrity in our sleepy little community"

Her expression still fierce, Tessa motioned to the sheriff "Tell him about the intruder"

Hunter hadn’t planned to arou But he didn’t have uy broke into Tessa’s place twice and knocked out Michael’sthe one ti--"

Hunter shook his head "No, Sheriff A man broke in, but it wasn’t Ashton"

Tessa folded her arun"

"File a report at the office when you have ti look "Heed what I say, Mr Grey Watch your step I keep a safe district"

Right That’s why Michael is in jail, the killer is on the loose, your son is shooting innocent people in theTessa

"Did you know Bethany Wade was your son’s lover behind Michael’s back?" Hunter asked casually, watching to see the effect the news had on him Did the sheriff already know? Or was he as clueless as everyone else?

Rourke’s skin turned colorless Tessa appeared just as pale The sheriff’s expression grew crimson, and he looked like his head was ready to explode Hunter wasn’t sure if that meant the sheriff knew or not To his credit, the sheriff didn’t say anything, whipped around, stalked off down the walk toward the patrol car, slipped on the ice, landed spread eagle, and swore a few choice words Hunter sry expressions

"What? It’s true, isn’t it? He needs to be aware his son isn’t the angel he appears to be If he even appears to be that"

Tessa groaned "You just made an enemy of the onlyhell"

Rourke ran his hands through his hair and collapsed on the sofa "You’ve really done it now"

"Good thing you were here, Rourke I’m sure the sheriff would have made more of a scene otherwise," Tessa said

"Thanks I think You should’ve told the sheriff you were a Navy SEAL, Hunter" Rourke gave him a devious s or two If he thought he could bully you, he lost his nerve"

"Yeah, but according to the ruet his point across," Tessa warned

"Maybe we should hang a sign out that says ex–Navy SEAL lives here" Hunter feigned annoyance as he headed into the kitchen

"Hey, I i your former occupation secret, but for now, I’d say it could save your ass" Rourke followed hirin, as if he was honored to be on Hunter’s good side