Taming His Stallion [BWWM]

42_Breadcrumbs

"Bell," I called her name softly, shaking her shoulder while dangling a cookie very close to her nose. She stirred a little but resisted.

It wasn't in Bell's nature to wake up earlier than usual without a struggle. We'd figured that out a long time ago. Hence, I sweetened the deal. Holding a plate of sponge cake out to her, it was only a few seconds before she stirred again, groaning in annoyance while rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Danny? What are you doing here?" Her eyes blinked open and they narrowed to slits as she propped herself up on her forearms, not at all pleased by being roused from her beauty sleep. "What time is it?"

"It's six-ten," I supplied, placing the plate with the sponge cake and cookie on her nightstand before turning back to her.

"There had better be a good reason for waking me up this early," Bell groaned again, blinking drowsily as she regarded me.

"You know I wouldn't wake you up unless it was important," I offered, pausing before exhaling a deep sigh. "Angel and Tempers are gone."

"What?!" She sat up, eyes wide with questions.

"I'm going to meet Paege in the barn," I informed her before adding, "I stopped by to wake you up so that you can tell mom, dad, and the others and call the sheriff."

"Ok, go," She shooed me, already pulling back the covers and stepping into her flip-flops, turning to regard me. "What are you still doing here?"

"Thanks," I said, pressing a kiss to her forehead before spinning on my heel and stalking out of her room into the hall.

Soon after, I descended the porch steps, hastening toward the barn. Upon entering, I scanned the area and when I found Paege, my chest began to tighten.

After a few more brisk steps, she completely came into view and the rampage in my heart wouldn't let up. Though I couldn't be more relieved to find her, the look on her face told me that she was anything but ok. And I knew she wouldn't be.

She cared about them deeply. Both represented two pivotal moments in her life. Why wouldn't she be upset?

Paege sat on one of the benches in the hallway, slouched over with a deflated posture, palms pressed against her face, sobbing quietly. The image alone broke my heart.

As though responding to her sobs, my footsteps hastened and I crouched down in front of her, peeling her hands from her eyes. Her face was puffy and soaked in tears, causing my heart to seize up. Instantly, her arms circled my neck, pulling me close before she began to sob into my shoulder.

I rubbed her back, holding her dear as my eyes scanned the barn door behind her. Gosh, I couldn't take it. The sound of her sobs filled the aisle as her tears drenched my shirt.

Pushing off with my legs, I lifted her enough to scoop her up bridal style. Turning, once I had her in my arm, I sat depositing her in my lap. While rubbing soothing strokes into her back, her arms never left my neck.

Seeing her like this was breaking my heart. "Paege," I called softly, caressing her jaw. "Baby, look at me."

Paege leaned back enough that she was able to meet my gaze. My chest tightened at the sight before me. Damn, whoever engineered this scheme, and caused my baby this hurt, would feel my wrath.

I tenderly caressed the wavy surface of her hair, along the curve of her face, before hooking my thumb under her jaw to hold her tormented, glassy gaze.

"We'll get them back," I held and searched her gaze, ensuring that she knew I meant every word.

We'd get them back, and whoever was responsible for the scheme. Her eyes flicked between mine before she leaned in again, and this time I placed a kiss on her cheek.