He had let her go back to sleep, knowing she needed the rest and was too fragile to talk any more. His mind was racing at what had happened to Melody, making him want to ride down to that car and take out some much needed vengeance.
                  He had given her an old t-shirt of his and tossed one on himself before heading back to the couch. Cracking his knuckles, his rage had built up the more she had told her story. He had never understood what pushed men to do those kind of things. There was no excuse and he would make sure that detective learned that when he got a hold of him.
            She was beautiful inside and out and had just got caught up with the wrong people, even her father. Despite all that, she still was more concerned with helping out the club and making sure everyone else was safe.
              He shook his head and wondered what Greg had done to her and how she had gotten herself out of that situation. Why would they let her go if they had planned on turning her over to the cartel? And what would happen when both Greg and Bryce no longer showed up for their meetings with the drug lord?
                 Sitting down on the couch, he knew sleep would elude him for the rest of the night. He no longer heard her moving around and hoped the nightmares didn't return that night.
     Her screaming had woken him up and he had expected the worst; thinking that Greg or the cartel had already found them. If this detective was as good as she said, should they be worried about him discovering Oak's place? It wasn't setup to receive mail or considered a residence on paper. He had turned his dad's old hunting cabin into a livable home and got his electricity from the solar panel system he had installed. Plumbing had come next, yet he had kept the old outhouse for nostalgia purposes.
              Looking at the early dawn approaching, Oak rubbed his face before moving to the kitchen and grabbing some water. Walking by the bedroom, the door ajar, he saw her sleeping soundly and moved out onto the porch. He would have to go into town and check on the bar as well as see his brother and let him know the change in plans. They didn't want to talk on the phone any further while Ash was at the compound in case this detective had setup surveillance of some sort.
       Staring up at the mountains, he couldn't stop thinking about the woman sleeping in his bed and chuckled at the thought. First time he had a woman in his bed that he hadn't slept with. Not that he didn't want to and not that he hadn't noticed her interest. He thought about calling up Sasha to break the sexual tension he had been feeling around Melody, but it didn't have the same draw it had had a week ago.
                 He chugged the water as the sun crested over the mountains and steeled himself for the day ahead. He felt bad since there was no cable or Wi-Fi, but she could check out the property while he was gone. He'd head to the bar and watch over it until the afternoon when his brother came to visit before making sure to be back with some dinner. There wasn't much for food except canned goods, cereal and frozen meals which had him wondering what she liked to eat.
Oak went back inside and texted his brother about a time to meet up before taking stock of stuff he should buy. He'd take the truck today and leave the bike to bring everything back and figured they could have a little fire with s'mores that night. Wishing he could offer a better breakfast this morning, he looked dismally at the cereal and at least felt slightly better that there were lots of options.
               His phone chirped his brother's reply making him smile at the picture of Coal. At least that would make her morning better, the goofy dog with his tongue hanging out and ears flopping back. Setting his phone down, Oak felt someone behind him and turned to find Melody rubbing the sleep from her face as she left his bedroom.
               "Mornin'. You get enough sleep?" Oak asked as he leaned back against the island in the kitchen.
        "Morning and yes I did, I'm usually an early riser anyway." Melody replied as she sleepily smiled at him.
                  Oak couldn't take his eyes off her, liking how her pale skin contrasted like cream against her naturally red hair. Her golden eyes flashed brightly despite the shadowed bags under them and color had returned to her cheeks. Freckles stood out across her cheeks and nose and down her arms and legs. He wondered where else he would find them?
               "Ahh, so what's the plan for today?" Melody wearing his shirt despite it falling just past her knees, made him want to lift it and see. Fuck! He had to get a grip, this woman had been attacked more than once and not too long ago. Moving behind the island to hide his growing desire for her, Oak coughed into his hand to distract her wandering gaze.
                   "Unfortunately, you have to remain here for the next twenty four hours before putting the plan into action. Greg's probably got eyes and ears in more than one spot but they won't find this place. Your safe here and I need to run to town and meet my brother to talk about the details. I have my cell and you can check out the property. I'll also grab food so let me know what you want for tonight and tomorrow." Oak paused to let it all sink in.
             Melody's smile dimmed and he felt bad about having to leave her. If he wasn't afraid to let Wyatt come up from the compound with her dog he would have but the clubhouse was being watched and they couldn't afford to make mistakes. She seemed to realize this and nodded her head in understanding before forcing her smile brighter again.
                  "I know you say I'm safe here but I would feel safer having a gun. Mine is still at my house." Melody had sat on a stool facing him over the island and leaning forward on her elbows toward him. He groaned internally at seeing a slight glimpse of her cleavage down his own shirt and couldn't believe how turned on he was. She didn't even realize the affect she was having on him as she stared up at him with those mesmerizing golden brown eyes. 
                  "I have a 9 mm Glock in the nightstand next to the bed and my 45 ACP in the kitchen drawer next to the door. Take your pick, backup bullets are next to them and something tells me I don't need to show you how they work." Oak crossed his arms as she smiled even wider.
                    "Nope. My dad and I used to go shooting all the time as he had a little arsenal built up. I still have them put away but I am familiar so you don't have to worry." Melody stretched her arms above her head and yawned at the same time before looking around the kitchen.
             "Great. Okay, so there's cereal and stuff in the fridge and cupboards, just help yourself. I hope to be back by late afternoon but I'll shoot you a message since service isn't great up here. Text me what you want for dinner and I'll grab it on the way back, sound good?"
Melody nodded before squealing in delight at seeing the picture of Coal open on Oak's phone.
          "Aww my little pup! I miss him, I can't wait until this is over and I can see him again." Melody crooned down at his phone as he continued to watch her face. It was time to go, he had setup the meeting with his brother for the morning so he could get back sooner in the afternoon after checking on the bar.
              "I'll let you know how soon that will be once I'm back. I'm only a text away so don't feel like your bothering me if you want to check in or have questions. Just make yourself at home." Melody smiled and nodded as she watched him leave.
        Leaving in his pickup, he headed out to Denver, hoping the next couple days went as smoothly as he expected them to.
                                                                         ————————————————
            Melody let out the breath she was holding once Oak left. She had felt a little weird after what happened last night but Oak didn't seem bothered by it or had he as he rushed out this morning. She wouldn't blame him, with her baggage most people would go running the other way.
           Looking around his kitchen, she felt the worries creeping in and knew she needed to distract herself. Throwing her clothes on from the day before, she skipped the underwear and tied her shoes back on. Checking the whole kitchen out, she made a list and decided she would at least cook something tonight to thank him for letting her stay there. Settling on chicken Cobb salad with roasted potatoes, she texted the list to Oak and was surprised at his instant reply. Sounds good making s'mores for dessert :-) She laughed at the smiley face and replied before heading in search of his 9 mm.
        Feeling better, she placed the Glock encased in a holster at her back and grabbed a water from the fridge. Heading outside where she saw Oak's Road King sitting pretty in the driveway, Melody stopped and took in scenery surrounding her.
         The Rocky Mountains stood tall over sloping green hills, the contrast of white caps and snapdragons littering the valleys dazzled with perfection. She figured a long walk down into the valley and woods below her would feel good and she always loved exploring. Rounding the corner of the cabin, Melody found a well used fire pit, excited they would be using it later. She loved being around a campfire and cooking s'mores, enjoying it all under a canopy of twinkling stars.
                     With the sun rising higher in the sky, she contemplated grabbing her jacket but decided that the brisk walking would warm her up.  It had been a while since she had been this alone and she was missing the company of Coal, especially as she headed out towards the woods. Her phone chirped a message and she smiled at seeing Coal's picture sent from Oak.
It's like that man could read her mind. How he wasn't already married she had no idea. She couldn't believe how different he was compared to what she had been used to back home. He barely knew her yet offered to help her and provide a safe place while having the backup of his brother's club. She still felt leery of him always saying she owed them nothing, not believing him yet his actions continued to show she could.
            Her cheeks warmed as she felt giddy thinking of Oak like a silly little school girl. Here she was almost 30 and her life was still filled with so many unknowns. Yet, when she was around Oak she felt this instant pull towards him that made her feel safe but she wasn't sure how to feel about that. When he had raced into the bedroom last night, her mixed emotions had been so confusing between the disgust and fear from her dream to feeling attracted and turned on at seeing him half naked. His tattoos covered his chest and arms that were sculpted with muscle and covered by tan skin. Ugh, why did he have to be so hot.
She wasn't sure if she wanted to do anything about it and figured it would get too messy to involve herself with him. The only outcome she could see in that situation was getting her heart broken or facing rejection. He already knew some intimate details about her life and he was her boss first and foremost. Melody shook her head and kept walking deeper into the woods, wondering how it had gotten complicated so quickly.
             First, she had to get past this situation with Greg. She shuddered to think what would happen if the club didn't catch him and he found her. Right now, she would empty the 9 mm she had right into him and not bat an eyelash. She was done being scared and her dad had taught her to shoot guns for a reason. That fucker didn't deserve to live, especially after all he had done.
            Her eyes lit up when she saw the little pool of water with a small cascading waterfall, the sound like music to her ears. Sitting down on the small embankment, she let her mind wander to what if's as she laid back and let nature envelop her. The waterfall had her relaxed and feeling peaceful as she stared up at the sky, soaking in the sun and listening to the musical trilling of the birds. She would just close her eyes for a few minutes before heading back, not realizing how tired she really was as sleep pulled her under.

             Beep, beep, beep. Melody opened her eyes and took in her surroundings before remembering where she was. She had drifted off to sleep and now the sun was blazing high in the sky. Beep, beep, beep. Pulling her cell phone from her pocket, she saw the messages from Wyatt checking in about Coal and Oak saying he would be back around four that afternoon. Only a couple hours away now that it was noon. Standing back up, she dusted off the dirt from her backside and began the trek back to the cabin.

       Finally, coming over the crest of the hill, she saw the porch and then movement near the other side of the cabin. Stopping, she flattened to the ground and peered through the tall grass trying to see who it could be. Double checking the time on her phone, she saw it was just getting close to one and Oak wasn't expected back for a couple more hours. This person looked like they were sneaking around and looking for something or someone. Could it be Greg?

            She was still too far away to see who it was and didn't want to give herself away by moving closer. Waiting, she watched as the person moved around the cabin before disappearing around front. Blowing a frustrated breath, she shimmied through the grass before hearing the distinct sound of a car starting up and pulling away. Jumping up, Melody ran for the back porch and flew through to the front to catch the tail lights off a blue sedan. Too far away now, she couldn't read the license plate and wondered if she should take Oak's bike and follow. Adrenaline had her hands shaking at she pulled her phone out and decided it might be better to give Oak a heads up.

                When her phone failed to make the call, she remembered Oak saying texting would be the only way to communicate and was glad this wasn't an emergency. Yet, her mind reminded her at how close of call she had been to almost being found out if that had been Greg. Who else could it have been?

Hey there was a blue car that just took off, were you expecting anyone? She bit her lip as she waited for a response, hoping he would say it was someone from the club or a friend. With no response, she slid her hand to her back and felt reassured that at least if they came back, she wouldn't be completely defenseless. Her phone finally chirped a response.

No. I got my brother on it. could be Greg, you safe? Melody nodded her head as she responded yes she was fine and had his 9 mm.

Good, keep it close. ill be there soon. She felt better knowing he was aware at least, but she would keep her ears and eyes open in case the car came back.

Feeling unsettled, she realized the house was unlocked and started moving around the house to see if anything had been disturbed. Moving to the bedroom she stopped short at seeing the bed covers flung off to the side with her jacket on the floor. Crossing over to her jacket, she picked it up and searched for her underwear that had been balled up inside her jacket. Nothing! Not in her pockets, not in the sleeves or wrapped up with the comforter.

It had to have been Greg, she realized with cold dread as she realized her underwear was missing. This wouldn't be the first time he had taken them either as she went back to that night in her mind.

Greg smiled at her as his hands shoved her underwear into his jacket pocket, her body and mind too drained to move or do anything about it. "I love a good souvenir", he stated as he zipped his jacket up and looked down at her on the bed. She could barely see out of her left eye, her hands still in cuffs and her body bleeding from places it shouldn't be. Pain pulsed everywhere in her body and her mind wanted to shut down and just sleep forever. "I'm sure we will be seeing each other soon". Greg left her on the bed as she heard Bryce moving around downstairs, having come back earlier from his call.

Were they going to keep her chained to the bed like this? She began to freak out at the thought, her mind screaming before she realized her voice was carrying it out. Her weak arms pulled at the hand cuffs but it felt like she was barely moving. Heavy foot steps came closer to the bedroom before Bryce appeared in the doorway, his face full of irritation. "Shut the fuck up." His hands roughly removed the handcuffs from her wrists before he sat down heavily on the bed. She realized she couldn't even move if she wanted to, her body protesting at trying to push up against the headboard. "I am going to let you leave and you are not going to tell anyone about this," Bryce's voice threatened as he looked out the bedroom window.

Melody had no voice from the screaming and crying that she had been unable to stop as Greg had tortured her. She nodded, her mind in a fog as he sounded so far away. She had left and never looked back, threatening him in a voicemail that if he ever contacted her again she would go to the police on them both. He had seen through her bluff but he had left her alone for a while before starting back up with the phone calls.

Now it all made sense, Melody mused as she sat on the bed and wondered how Greg had found her. He must have done some deep digging on the Decker brothers to find this place, so what did that mean for their plan? Looking down at her phone, she saw it was closing on three pm when she heard the peeling of tires and gravel flying.

Wide eyed, Melody raced to the front door and peeked out the window, relief coursing through her when she saw Oak's pickup truck slam to a stop next to his bike before he jumped out. She opened the door and saw his own relief making her realize he expected something different.

"What happened?" she asked as he came up to the door. He looked around and motioned for them to move inside.

          "That was Greg who was here earlier, I found his abandoned car right down the road from here and confirmed with my brother that he was driving that vehicle. I am sorry, I got back as quickly as I could." He grabbed a drink from the fridge and sat down at the island with Melody.

"It's okay, really I am fine. It was just lucky that I had gone for a walk and saw him when I came back. When I came back inside to check on everything, I could see he had messed around in the bedroom." Melody felt her face flaming red as Oak gave her a quizzical look.

"I didn't have a change of clothes so I left my underwear in my jacket. It's gone." She looked down at the counter top ashamed she had been careless in the first place. His fist pounding the surface made her jump and look back up at Oak.

"I'm sor-", He cut her off.

" No you have nothing to be sorry about. We should have taken care of him as soon as we knew where he was. Now he's a ghost and the plan is out the window. Are you sure he took your underwear?" Oak had softened his voice as he looked gently at her.

"Yes...it's not the first time either. That's how I knew it was him. I was going to text you but wasn't 100%." Melody could feel herself starting to get upset again, hating that she was having this conversation with him. She just wanted to go back to a few days ago before all this blew up in her face. Go back to just being his bar manager and