Destined (The Rangers of Ridge County #1)

Chapter Fifty-One

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

EMMETT

I typically enjoyed my drive home in the evening, usually using the time to decompress from the day.

There was something about a melting Montana skyline that soothed my soul, but it didn’t help tonight.

I stomped down on my truck’s accelerator and watched the trees blur as I raced past. This was a blatant abuse of power, but fuck it.

After days of legal posturing, Theo was finally able to question Dustin with his lawyer present. He admitted to taking Thumper and blamed it for his rash actions. After some digging, we found out that Dustin and Paul shared the nasty habit as well as a dangerous dealer out of Bozeman.

Fucking Thumper.

Paired with the fact that Millie had been living in his house, the District Attorney felt she could bring him before a jury and get a conviction for every open case on my desk. Despite both mine and Theo’s concerns that there simply wasn’t enough evidence to tie him to all of the victims.

And to hear Dustin tell it, he only came to town after his uncle stopped forwarding him the rent money. So he agreed to sign over the deed to Frank for a measly lump sum.

He claimed he had no idea who any of the victims were and met Millie for the first time on the sidewalk outside of the law office.

It felt like the truth since I was having a difficult time linking the man I thought Dustin to be with the heinous nature of these crimes. But he’d lived a hard life since leaving Ranger Ridge, and I didn’t know him anymore—the bandage on my arm was proof of that.

Frank was bonded out on his drunk and disorderly conduct, while the judge denied Dustin bail due to him being a potential flight risk.

Theo notified Millie he was removing her protective detail since there was a suspect in custody, and I was on edge because of it. I hated not having the final say on this matter.

All I wanted to do was spend my night lost in her—touching her, tasting her, buried deep inside of her. The thought had me palming my growing erection and counting down the miles. I fucking craved her. And maybe once I had Millie in my arms, the feel of her would be soothing enough to convince me she was actually safe.

I scowled as my house came into view.

There were too many vehicles in my driveway.

Any other time, I would be more than happy to see my family.

But not tonight.

Laughter greeted me as I stepped through the back door.

Millie mentioned wanting to host a family game night after the incident at Rowdy’s, but I didn’t expect that night to be tonight. The frustration I felt moments earlier evaporated the moment I walked into the kitchen.

My family surrounded the island, and Millie was on the far side of the room bouncing a babbling Gibson on her hip. The sight was a sucker punch to the soul.

I fucking loved this woman. I wanted to build a life and family with her.

She was my axis—the very thing my world revolved around.

I made my way into the room, bypassing everyone and wrapping my arms around her and my nephew. I breathed her in, and she peered up at me. “Hey, honey,” I murmured as I leaned in for a taste of her lips.

Wet, chubby hands pulled at my long scruff, and I looked to the little boy perched on Millie’s hip.

“Get your own girl, Gibs,” I said, tickling him. His giggles had everyone laughing again.

Finally, I turned to find my entire family smiling coyly at me. Rolling my eyes, I pulled the pair into my side.

My mother made her way over first, leaning up to kiss my cheek. Her gaze dropped to the bandage on my arm, and she lifted a brow.

“I’m perfectly fine, Mom,” I said in response to her perusal.

“Good,” was all she managed to get out before tears filled her eyes. I pulled her into our group hug, and she laughed then took Gibson from Millie.

Greyson caught my attention next from where he brooded—his arms resting on the back of a nearby chair. He lifted his chin in greeting, “Little brother.”

“Fucker.” I scowled in response, making him smirk. He might be two years older and two inches taller, but there was nothing little about me.

“Language!” Greer and Mom shouted at the same time.

“We brought pizza!” Rory exclaimed, forever the mediator. Throwing back the top of the Geyser Grill box, she revealed a Rita’s Special—extra cheese, ham, bacon, and pineapple.

Three empty pizza boxes and several rounds of Ticket to Ride later, my family was gathering their belongings. Greyson held a sleeping Gibson in his arms and threw his hand up in silent farewell before making his way to his truck. Mom wrapped Millie in a hug then came for me. My arms encompassed her small frame, and we exchanged a heartfelt “love you” before she hurried off to catch up to my brother.

I could hear Millie and Rory chatting animatedly about something happening up in Spruce Heights. I strained to hear their conversation. Then Greer appeared, and they changed the subject.

I stepped closer, throwing an arm around Millie and bringing her body flush with mine. She wrapped her arm around my middle as she continued her conversation with my sisters, “I’m so glad you’ll be able to go with me tomorrow, Greer.”

“It’ll be a good opportunity for Jenny to look after the shop without Greer breathing down her neck.” Rory chuckled. “Plus, I’ll be right upstairs if she needs anything.”

Greer frowned, and Rory laughed at our sister’s obvious discomfort.

“If you don’t ease up, she’s going to quit,” Rory said, her words taking on a more serious tone.

I could see Greer getting frustrated and decided to intervene.

“Where are you two headed tomorrow?” I asked, genuinely curious. And anxious. She wouldn’t have the protective detail with her, but at least Greer would be there.

Millie twisted in my hold, glancing up at me. “Tim called this afternoon. My car will be ready in the morning. Which is perfect because I have an in-person meeting scheduled with a potential new client tomorrow in the Valley.” She turned to look back at my sisters, adding, “And Greer agreed to tag along!”

Greer forced a smile to her face before leaning in to quickly hug Millie then me, mumbling a pitiful “see you tomorrow” as she started toward her vehicle. Rory just shook her head as we watched Greer’s tail lights disappear down the driveway.

“I worry about her,” Rory whispered before offering a cheerful farewell of her own.

Millie and I watched from the porch as the last of my family left for the night. I was grateful for them, but I was glad they were gone.

Scooping Millie into my arms, she gasped then her laughter filled the night air.

“So glad they’re gone,” I said, a kiss punctuating each word.

She laughed louder, as if what I said was a joke. “We had fun!” she insisted, and I nodded as I carried her back over the threshold and into the house.

“We did,” I agreed, heading for the living room couch .

Her body bounced as I tossed her onto it, her eyes still alight with laughter.

“But I’m greedy and want you to myself,” I said, settling in between her legs. My knees hit the floor beside her feet, and I watched as the light in her eyes caught fire.

I made quick work of removing her clothes and ran my hands up her calves to the dip of her hips—torturing us both.

“And now that we’re alone,” I said leaning further into her. “I have plans for you.”

My fingers skimmed the lace of her underwear before I ripped them from her body, exposing the smooth skin of her pussy. It glistened, and I had to restrain myself from diving in headfirst.

Gripping both hips, I pulled her to the edge of the couch. Her gasp rang out, and I smirked. Her little noises had my dick hard as steel. I lowered my head, running my nose up one of her thighs toward her center. Licking my lips, I dipped my tongue in, and her hands dove into my hair. I paused my ministrations, leaning back to look at her sprawled before me.

“Keep your hands where I can see them,” I commanded, sternly.

“Yes, sir,” she murmured, eyes wide—easily falling into her role.

Fuck .

My dick ached to be inside her, but I wasn’t quite ready for this to end.

“If you can’t keep those wandering hands to yourself, I’ll have to restrain you,” I stated authoritatively.

“I’ll be good,” she answered innocently.

“We’ll see,” I said as I lowered my head once more. My tongue landed on her clit, and she bucked against me—but kept her palms flat on the couch cushion.

I rewarded her by pushing a finger into her soaked pussy. Then a second, finding a rhythm that had her writhing beneath me.

She screamed my name as I sucked her clit. Moisture coated my fingers, and her hands tangled in my hair once more.

I could feel her readying to climax, but I pulled away. She tried to tug me back, but I stood—removing the handcuffs from where I’d stashed them in my pocket along with a condom.

“Give me your hands,” I commanded.

She looked from my face to the handcuffs—a blush creeping from her chest, up her neck, and into her cheeks. And just when I wondered if I’d taken things a little too far, she held out her wrists for me.

I took them and gently clicked the cuffs into place.

Still fully clothed, I plucked her off the couch—turning us around so she was sitting on me instead.

“Since you can’t seem to follow instructions.” I tsked. “Let’s see if you can get yourself off.”