Blind Trust

By Gwen Hernandez

An ice-cold mountain. A deadly enemy. A scorching-hot desire they can’t ignore.

After escaping from kidnappers in the Montana wilderness, Lindsey Garcia is her best friend’s only hope for rescue. But when her enemies trap her on the mountain with a sexy stranger she’s not sure she can trust, both her life and her heart are in danger.

Former special operator Todd Brennan is on a personal hunt for a killer when he saves Lindsey from a deadly fall. He plans to get her to the nearest town and renew his pursuit, but a fatal encounter forces him to choose between love and justice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Publishing
• Release date: Jun 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9781094467641

Gwen Hernandez

Growing up, Gwen Hernandez never shared the stories in her head with other kids, but they usually involved intrigue and romance. She was raised in the Army and Navy, and married an Air Force engineer, so it’s natural that her Men of Steele series features military heroes and heroines who must overcome danger to find true love. Blending writing with her tech background and love of teaching, Gwen has also helped thousands of writers all over the world find the joy in Scrivener through her popular online courses, in-person workshops, and books like Scrivener For Dummies. In her off time, she likes to travel, read, jog, flail on a yoga mat, buy houseplants, and explore her current home of southern California. Find her online at gwenhernandez.com or scrivenerclasses.com. Sign up for Gwen's mailing list to be among the first to know about new books and giveaways: gwenhernandez.com/newsletter

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1

THE TRIP TO Montana was supposed to be a celebration. Instead it had become a nightmare.

Lindsey Garcia’s pursuers were so close she imagined she could feel their hot breath on the back of her neck. The narrow trail that cut across a steep hillside offered nowhere to hide, and she could see the men a few turns back, running toward her with purpose.

A shot of adrenaline pushed her forward on blistered, half-numb feet, but her muscles were twitchy and uncoordinated from dehydration and fatigue.

Don’t give up. Meg was counting on her to get help. Sucking air, Lindsey tried to match her breath to her pace, out for three steps, in for two, just like she did when running on the beach back home. Except she was nowhere near her typical pace.

Unless she could somehow round the bend and scramble up or down the hill before they realized what she’d done, the men would be on her in minutes.

Sidling up to the trail’s edge, she peered into the brush-covered valley. Yesterday, she and Megan had marveled at the resplendent yellow of the faraway aspens that stood out from the pine like torches. Today, the mountains appeared treacherous, the mood only enhanced by the low clouds snagged on the peaks, breaking the sun into a thousand shards of light.

One wrong step and she’d break her neck.

Maybe the better option was to find a weapon and lie in wait, get the jump on these guys somehow. Squinting against the sun’s glare, she hobbled around a curve, searching the ground for anything she might use to defend herself.

Oof. Lindsey collided with something solid.

Make that someone.

Oh, God. Had one of the men circled around to cut her off?

Scrambling backwards, the rubber shower shoes she’d been forced to flee in slipped on the loose dirt.

Her legs flew out from under her.

As if on ice, her feet shot right off the edge of the trail. Her hip slammed the dirt, following her legs over the precipice as the ground beneath her gave way in an avalanche of rocks, twigs, and soil.

She screamed, her stomach bottoming out as debris scraped along her ribs and her hands scrabbled for purchase on the soil.

I’m sorry, Megan. I tried.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Lindsey prayed her parents knew how much she loved them, prayed that someone would find her body so they’d have closure.

Something caught her wrist in a tight grip and her body jerked to a halt with a wrenching pain in her shoulder. What the hell?

Hang on, a deep voice said from overhead.

Lindsey opened her eyes and blinked up at the man. Despite his fair complexion, it was obvious to her now that he was a hiker, not one of her pursuers. He lay on his stomach, dark aviator glasses shielding his eyes under a gray brimmed cap. A large backpacking frame covered him like a turtle shell.

His long, muscular arm hung down from the now-ragged edge of the trail, shaking with the effort of arresting her descent. I’ve got you.

The flip-flops dropped from her feet and she found a toehold on a tree root, using it to ease some of the man’s burden.

His other arm extended down. Can you grab my wrist?

Her throat had cinched so tight she couldn’t speak, so she nodded and reached up, her arm trembling. Where was that superhuman strength you were supposed to get when threatened? She couldn’t lift herself, let alone a freaking car. Instead, she curled her fingers around the man’s forearm in a death grip.

I’m going to pull you up slowly, alright? he asked, the barest hint of a twang in his strained voice.

He grunted, biceps bulging as he hoisted her up the rocky hillside, snaking backwards as he tugged her closer. His hat caught the wind and sailed away, revealing thick, red hair that flopped over his brow. Sweat slicked her palm, but she held tight and tried to help by pushing with her toes until her arms rested over the edge. Then, he grabbed her shoulders and helped her scramble onto flat ground.

She rolled onto her back and closed her eyes for a moment, catching her breath, tremors rolling through her body like an earthquake.

She should be dead.

Are you okay?

Lindsey scoffed. She was so far from okay it wasn’t even funny. None of her limbs would move, and everything hurt, but she was alive. I will be.

She finally opened her eyes. Her rescuer had removed his pack and sunglasses, and sat on the ground next to her, breathing hard. He wiped the sweat from his face with the hem of his T-shirt, revealing chiseled abs, before he scanned her from head to toe with brilliant blue eyes. Dirt streaked his cheeks and dusted his auburn whiskers, but did nothing to hide how handsome he was.

I’m Todd. He frowned. I didn’t mean to startle you.

Lindsey, she said, without thinking.

His pale brows furrowed at the sight of her bare feet. You’re the first person I’ve seen on this trail today.

Oh, shit. She sat up, still shaky. For one blessed moment, she’d forgotten about—

And now you’ve seen three, a man said.

She gasped, her gaze locking onto the two men. The tall one was JJ, the shorter, thicker man went by Harris. Both made her stomach turn.

Are you okay? JJ asked, the apparent sincerity in his voice belied by the permanent scowl on his rugged face.

I’ve been better.

He nodded, his cruel green eyes hidden behind mirrored lenses. Let’s go.

Hold up. The redhead looked between her and the men as he stood. "Do you want to go with them?"

Not a chance in hell. But she couldn’t let some innocent guy—one who’d saved her life no less—take a bullet trying to protect her. Especially when it was two against one and his death would be in vain. She hadn’t made it to town to get help for Megan, but she could help this man. Assuming JJ would let him go.

It’s okay, she said, blinking back tears as she pushed to her throbbing feet. Thank you for saving me. Somehow, he’d reached down like the hand of God and snatched her out of thin air, and the only way she could repay him was to protect him from these two assholes.

Are you sure? Her hero looked at her then, his Pacific-blue eyes full of concern and confusion.

Let him think she was a battered wife or something. The truth could get him killed.

She nodded, trying to mask the pain and frustration coursing through her. If she thought she had a chance, if she thought the pair to her right wasn’t armed to the teeth, maybe she’d fight. Instead, she lifted her chin and looked up at JJ. Yes, I’ll go.

_

Goddammit. After weeks of chasing leads—first all over Idaho, and now Montana—Todd stood within hours of a compound where he believed Pete, his cousin’s murderer, was hiding out. So fucking close. But he couldn’t walk away from Lindsey, because there was no way in hell she wanted to go anywhere with these two men. Her curled-in stance and tight voice screamed no even as she agreed to leave.

His brain ran rapid-fire through scenarios. Domestic abuse, kidnapping, sex trafficking.

Maybe she was worried the men wouldn’t let him walk? They gave off a military vibe. Or maybe militant, especially given the number of survivalists and militia groups in the area. At least one of the goons was armed—he had a telltale bulge at his right hip that his thick plaid shirt didn’t quite hide.

Could these men be affiliated with Pete? If so, was there some way Todd could use that to his advantage?

Stalling them could help him and the woman. He’d spent the last decade of his life rescuing and protecting others. Might as well put it to good use.

Would you mind if I look at her wounds first?

The men stared at him with identical what the fuck? expressions.

I’m a trained paramedic, and I have a decent first aid kit on me. Todd addressed Lindsey. At least let me treat your feet and give you some socks.

No, she said, all color leaching from her tan face. I’m fine. Really.

Don’t worry, the guy wearing mirrored sunglasses said, we’ll take care of her.

That’s what I’m afraid of. Todd held up his hands in defeat. All right. I tried. He forced an easy smile. I’ll get back on the trail. Turning to the side, he took a step toward his pack, as if planning to leave.

Behind him, Lindsey gasped.

Doing an about face, he caught the stout man, who hadn’t yet spoken, lunging forward as he reached for something behind his back.

Todd was faster.

Pointing his gun at Shorty, he kept the other guy in his peripheral vision. Drop it.

Lindsey scrambled behind Todd as the shiny Glock hit the dirt.

Kick it to me, Todd said.

Glaring and red-faced, the man did as instructed.

Now you, Todd said to the spokesman of the pair, who followed suit with defiant slowness.

You a cop? the guy asked, removing his shades to reveal hard green eyes. He hooked the glasses in the V of his heavy, button-down work shirt.

Nope.

Green Eyes put his hands on his hips and shook his head. You have no idea what you’re fucking with.

I have some idea. Not that it mattered. Lindsey, if you look in the middle outer pocket of my pack, you’ll find a roll of duct tape. He never went anywhere without it.

She disappeared from view, reminding him how much he was trusting her. But she hadn’t fallen off a cliff—barefoot, no less—just to get his attention. She returned to his side. Got it.

You okay with this? What if he’d completely misread her discomfort? Or overreacted?

Definitely. I just didn’t want you to get hurt.

The tightness in his neck eased a fraction. He’d made the right call. She’d even tried to sacrifice herself for him.

Toss the tape to that one. He gestured to the green-eyed goon.

Not a chance, dickhead. The sun glinted off a five-inch blade in the stocky man’s fist as he lunged toward Lindsey.

With a shrill cry, she threw herself sideways and landed on her knees in the dirt.

The thick man’s momentum put him on Todd’s right, and he took advantage, kicking the side of the attacker’s knee while keeping his gun aimed at Green Eyes. Shorty dropped like a bag of wet cement, howling and releasing the knife to grip his knee in both hands.

The injured shit-for-brains spouted creative insults against everything from Todd’s mother to his manhood while his buddy—following Todd’s orders—bound the man’s wrists and ankles.

In silence, Green Eyes let Lindsey secure him under Todd’s watchful gaze, the scowl never leaving his face.

Once both men kneeled or lay before him with their hands and feet tied behind their backs, Todd finally dropped his guard an inch, returning his Sig to the holster hooked discreetly onto the front of his waistband. He searched both men, netting another hunting knife, two more guns, and two radios.

He removed the radio batteries and stuck them in his pack before crushing the hardware under his boot heel. The guns he unloaded and tossed up the hill, keeping the ammo because he wasn’t going to leave lead in the forest.

One blade went into the cargo pocket of his pants. He offered the other to Lindsey. You want this?

With a shudder, she clipped the sheath onto her waistband at her right hip, her gaze hopping from Todd to the men on the ground.

One more thing, Todd said. He crouched behind the injured man. I’m taking your shoes.

Fuck you! The man kicked out, striking Todd at the hairline, and then locked up, howling like a demon.

Forgot about that knee, huh? Todd shook his head against the stars crowding his vision and unlaced the lightweight tan combat boots, similar to what he’d worn in the Air Force, sliding them from the man’s feet. Size nine. He glanced at Lindsey. Think they’ll fit?

She wrinkled her nose, but nodded. If the redness and scratches were any indication, walking wasn’t going to feel good no matter what she wore, but boots were far better than bare feet.

Let’s get you bandaged up first. He kept an eye on their attackers and retrieved his first aid kit.

Digging into his supplies, he turned his attention to her cut and blistered feet. Once satisfied that they’d staved off potential infection, he handed her the softest, thickest pair of socks he had with him, and then carefully donned his backpack. Don’t worry, he said to the green-eyed man glaring at him. When we get to town, we’ll be sure to let the police know where we left you.

A tiny crease appeared between her dark brows. You’re coming with me? She winced as she rolled on the first sock.

Unless you don’t want me to. If these guys were friends with Pete, it could send the man deeper into hiding, setting Todd back days or weeks. But he couldn’t very well leave Lindsey in the wilderness with no supplies and who-knew-how many more goons on her trail.

Especially not when she stared at him with a mixture of confusion and awe. Close up, her eyes were a fascinating shade of mahogany, clear and bright with scattered flecks of black. Just looking at her made him a little breathless.

But you were going the other way. She put on the left sock and began loosening the laces on the boots, pointedly not looking at the trussed-up assholes nearby.

And I’d prefer to keep going that way, but you’re not equipped to be out here alone. I can’t just walk away. Maybe a one-day detour wouldn’t make a difference. And if it did, he’d keep pushing until he got a lead on Pete again. So, as long as you’re okay with it, I’ll accompany you down the mountain.

2

WOULD LINDSEY BE comfortable being accompanied down the mountain by the badass backpacker who’d just saved her life?

Uh, yeah. Normally, the gun would freak her out, but under the current circumstances…

She glanced at the two men on the ground, both of whom watched her exchange with Todd with avid interest. At this point, she’d just be happy to get as far away from them as possible. Trusting a total stranger wasn’t ideal, but she didn’t have a wealth of options right now. He was her best chance at escape. I’d appreciate that. Thank you.

Of course. Todd’s gaze flicked toward JJ and Harris. He looked as eager as she was to ditch the pair. Let’s get out of here. We can talk later.

Happily.

After they’d put at least a quarter mile between themselves and her attackers, he stopped. How’re you doing?

Her ribs and hip ached, her feet throbbed, and she was dehydrated, physically depleted, and scared. I’m fine.

He scoffed. Hardly. You look half ready to collapse.

She felt fully ready to collapse, but she couldn’t afford to let anything stop her from reaching the police. I’ll live.

He looked skeptical.

Do you have a phone? she asked. I’d like to call the cops.

I did, but I had it out to take a picture when we collided. He grimaced. It went over the edge too.

"Damn. Sorry." A phone would’ve meant getting help for her friend Megan much sooner, especially given Lindsey’s current level of fitness.

Todd shrugged. Nothing we can do about it now. But, tell me, what exactly did I walk into here?

Fair question. My friend and I were kidnapped, but I managed to escape.

Shit. He rested his hands on his hips. So your friend is still there?

Her heart cinched. Yes. Which is why I can’t stop moving. I need to get help for her before… She didn’t want to think about it. As soon as possible.

If you’re struggling, I can carry you. His cheeks turned pink, and that hint of a blush on this big, strong, confident man made him seem less intimidating, more human. He cleared his throat and lifted his chin.

Um… Part of her was tempted, but she also didn’t know this guy. If she’d collapsed or something, then it wouldn’t seem strange for him to carry her to safety, but to voluntarily jump into his arms when she was perfectly capable of walking, albeit not very well, would feel like taking advantage.

Or flirting.

Megan would do it in a heartbeat. She was far more confident and playful and daring. Lindsey could almost hear her friend whispering in her ear, Do it, LinLin. He’s hot!

I’m okay for now, thanks. His arms had to be tired after pulling her off the side of a mountain, right? And she was no lightweight. At six feet tall—and not what anyone would describe as willowy—she was almost as big as him.

You need anything?

She shook her head and they resumed walking. Thirty minutes later, Lindsey was rethinking her choices—pretty much back to childhood—but especially her decision to walk. Todd’s arms sounded better and better as she hobbled along, slower than the line at the DMV.

The socks he’d given her were silky smooth and blessedly warm, but on her ravaged feet they might as well be made of loofah. The boots weren’t much better. Rocks and sticks were no longer a threat, but the shoes seemed to rub every scratch and blister.

When did I become such a whiny baby?

Who cared if her throat was parched and her head pounded and her legs were ready to give out? Meg might be in far worse shape. If nothing else, Lindsey had her freedom, and now, her own personal savior. The rest meant nothing.

You all right? Todd asked from behind her.

Still fine.

Let’s take a water break. He stopped and lowered his pack to the ground.

Oh, thank God. She dropped onto a wide, flat boulder at the side of the trail, forcing herself to stay upright rather than tipping onto her side and closing her eyes.

He took a swig from an aluminum bottle as if to assure her its contents were safe before handing it to her. You look dead on your feet. When was the last time you ate something?

She was too busy drinking to answer.

Whoa, slow down.

Reluctantly, she stopped and took a breath before sipping at the crisp water like tea. Thank you.

His pale brows furrowed. How long have you gone without water?

What time is it now? Her watch had broken loose in the fall and was probably partying it up with the flip-flops right now. She took a few more greedy sips of cool liquid.

Nearly four-thirty, he said.

Almost a day.

He frowned. And food?

Same.

Without a word, he produced an energy bar. She didn’t even bother to protest, just took it with sincere thanks and dug in.

While she ate the bar and finished off the water, he pushed his sunglasses onto his head and smeared sunscreen over his face, ears, neck, and arms. The strong, capable arms that had pulled her to safety.

He was long and lean, superbly built without looking like a gorilla. Maybe a couple inches taller than her.

Based on the fine lines around his eyes and the hollow of his cheeks, she’d peg him in his early to mid-thirties. Basically, her age. And way out of her league. Not that she should be living in a swamp or anything, but he was beautiful.

And, what the hell was wrong with her? This wasn’t a freaking blind date.

Feeling better? he asked, jolting her out of her thoughts and offering her the bottle of sunscreen.

Much. The food and water had revived her somewhat, but she still felt the deep pull of fatigue as she rubbed the coconut-scented cream into her skin. Thanks.

Your color’s definitely improved. How are your feet?

Throbbing. Along with everything else. I can walk.

"I know you can. I’ve watched you for the last half-hour. He crouched before her, resting his elbows on his knees. But you’re losing steam."

I’m—

And, frankly, at the pace we’re going, we don’t have a chance of getting off the mountain tonight.

All the fight drained out of her. He was right. She was slowing them both down. Why was she being so stubborn? A long sigh escaped her. You think you can carry me all the way down? I’m not exactly petite.

From behind his sunglasses, he looked her up and down and then pressed his lips together. Honestly, I probably can’t. Not without making a sled or something. But given what I have available, I don’t think that’d be very comfortable. He scratched at his short beard. I mean, I could get you pretty far in a fireman’s carry, but that would be super unpleasant for you, and I’d have to leave my pack behind.

Okay, then. At least he didn’t try to act like some macho superhero, blustering his way past her objections. His forthrightness was refreshing.

How far to town? she asked.

About six miles.

Six miles? She could feel herself collapsing like an old dog. Normally, she could spend hours running and jumping in the sand. Now she couldn’t imagine walking another hundred yards on flat-packed earth. I don’t think there’s a chance in hell we’ll make it today. It wasn’t even her bumps and bruises so much—though they didn’t help—but that she was dehydrated and undernourished and exhausted from not sleeping for more than twenty-four hours.

Probably not, he agreed, but we should try to put as much distance between ourselves and those men as possible. My guess is they’re already free of the duct tape and are either closing in on us, or heading back to wherever they came from. Although, one of them probably isn’t moving any faster than you with that knee injury.

She shivered despite the warm sun and waggled the empty water bottle. "Thank