Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Dana Mentink (good fiction books to read .txt) 📕

“No way! Everyone I work with is trustworthy and like family.”

“Well, I can’t say the same as I don’t know the officers here in the Yukon, but they seem fine.” He held up her cell phone. “Doyle has been calling nonstop. Are you sure he’s not more than just a boss?”

“What? Hardly. He’s too old for me and is more like a father figure. Plus, he’s married. Why? You jealous?”

Layke smiled and sank back into the chair. “Maybe.”

What did he mean? Could he—

She stopped and ran her hand along her stomach. No. She couldn’t fall for this man. She chewed the inside of her mouth.

“What is it? Tell me what’s wrong.”

She turned her head away from him. “I can’t. Just like you can’t tell me your secrets.”

She heard him sigh before she drifted back to sleep.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Hannah woke to dogs barking outside and eased herself up in the comfy queen-size bed. A fire roared in the small fireplace in her bedroom at Murray and Natalie’s—probably Layke’s doing. Ever since they had returned to the ranch two days ago, he’d been attentive to her, ensuring she stay in bed while he worked with Elias and Doyle on the case. She insisted he keep her updated, but so far there were no new developments or intel on Broderick and the Martell mafia. Murray and Natalie’s mood had turned to panic at the thought of their son. The longer he was without them, the harder it would be for him to cope.

The doctor who had visited her at the ranch took her blood to have analyzed. Thankfully, since Layke had acted quickly that day, the poison was now out of her system. She dreaded the thought of what could have happened if he hadn’t have come in when he did. God’s protection over her sent goose bumps racing through her body.

She pulled the homemade plaid quilt off her and eased her feet onto the hardwood floor. She expected it to be cool and was surprised by the cozy feeling. She relaxed at the warmth claiming her toes.

The pitter-patter of approaching feet startled her, and she grabbed the housecoat at the end of the bed. A knock sounded. “Come in.”

Gabe bounded into the room and jumped on her bed. “Miss Hannah, it’s time to get up!” He bounced up and down.

Hannah giggled.

A moment later, Layke tapped on the open door. “Safe to come in?”

“Yes,” she said.

Layke entered carrying a tray of croissants, fruit and a mug of steaming hazelnut coffee.

Her favorite. She’d know that aroma anywhere. “What’s this?”

“Breakfast for a special person. It’s been two days and you need a more solid meal plan.” His lips curved into a delightful smile.

Her heart ricocheted and a lump formed in her throat, robbing her of speech. This handsome man had stolen her attention, and she couldn’t stop the feeling bubbling inside her despite her resolution to stay single forever.

God, what are You doing?

“Sport, Miss Hannah needs her rest.” He turned to her. “Back into bed. Time to eat.”

She saluted him and climbed back in bed and patted the spot beside her. “Gabe, join me.”

He crawled under the covers and eyed Layke’s tray. “Can I have some?”

Layke tilted his head. “You already had pancakes.”

Gabe rubbed his tummy. “I’m still hungry.”

Layke placed the tray over Hannah. She picked up a strawberry and handed it to the boy. “Here you go.” She took a sip of coffee. “This is so good.”

“Murray’s special beans, but I made it.” Layke’s eyes grinned back at her.

“You did? Thanks.”

“Anything for you.” His whispered voice could still be heard above the roaring fire.

And it warmed her heart.

“Okay, sport. Let’s leave Miss Hannah to her breakfast. How about we go feed the dogs?”

Gabe jumped out of bed. “Yes!”

Layke winked. “Rest a bit more and come down if you’re able. I need to talk to you about a new development.”

“I’ll be there. I’m feeling much better.”

“How’s the shoulder?”

She rubbed it and readjusted the sling holding it in place. “Coming along.”

A jealous thought raced through her. “Where’s Scarlet?”

“She left yesterday. Had to get back to Whitehorse, but we’re still protected by other officers.”

She rejoiced inwardly with the fact she had him all to herself again.

Well, there was Gabe and all the others.

Two hours later, after getting cleaned up, Hannah made her way gingerly down the wooden staircase. A commotion led her to the dining room area where she found Layke, Doyle and Elias sitting around the table with laptops set up. Seemed like a makeshift command center. “Did you start the party without me?”

Her boss turned at her approach and jumped up. “Little one! I’m glad to see you alive and well.” He pulled her into his arms. “I was so scared when I heard you were shot.” He squeezed harder.

She yelped. “You’re hurting me, Doyle. Still tender.”

He backed away. “I’m so sorry.” He brushed a curl away from her face.

Layke cleared his throat and pulled out a chair for her beside him. “Have a seat and we’ll fill you in.”

She smirked at his obvious overprotectiveness. “Good to have you all here. How’s Martha?”

“Holding down the fort in Beaver Creek. She’s a huge help to us.”

The woman had come from a wealthy family but severed ties when she and Elias fell in love years ago. Her family didn’t approve, and she didn’t care. Hannah longed for a love like that someday.

But now it would never happen. She set the thoughts aside and concentrated on the team. “What have I missed out on?”

Layke turned his computer screen toward her. “First, Gabe finally confessed to knowing what the boys have been mining. Diamonds.”

“What?” She frowned. “How did you get that out of him?”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t coerce him. We just had a friendly chat, and he said he was scared to tell us earlier because he overheard the gang talking about it and they caught him. They warned him that if he said anything, they would hurt