Taming the Montana Millionaire by Teresa Southwick Read Free Book Online

backlit by outside lights in the open door. Marlon ducked back and waited in the main room for the guy to move past him. When he did, Marlon grabbed him from behind.
    â€œHey, man—”
    One of the lamps switched on and Marlon blinked against the brightness, but didn’t loosen his hold. “Haley, call the cops.”
    â€œHe’s just a kid, Marlon.”
    â€œI didn’t know anyone was here.” The young voice cracked with the pleading tone. “Let me go. I won’t bother you again.”
    â€œDon’t hurt him,” Haley said.
    â€œHurt him?” This jerk had spoiled a day that should have been happy for her. And all she could think about was not hurting this kid who had no respect for locks and rules? “Are you serious?”
    â€œLook at him. He’s more scared than we are.” She moved closer. “What’s your name?”
    There was no sound except heavy breathing from the exertion of their recent scuffle. Marlon tightened his arms, just a little pressure to give the aspiring delinquent something to think about.
    â€œThe lady asked you a question.”
    â€œRoy. Robbins,” he added.
    Marlon eased his grip and dropped his hands, then moved to the side to get a good look. Haley was right. He was just a kid, about sixteen or seventeen. Looked like a young Brad Pitt, but skinny and not much taller than Haley.
    â€œWhat’s your deal, kid?”
    â€œNone of your business.”
    â€œThat’s where you’re wrong. When you broke in hereand scared Haley it became my business.” He glanced at the woman in question, who was looking back at him like an alien had popped out of his chest. “Do you know him?”
    She shook her head. “You need help, don’t you, Roy?” There was no answer, which spoke volumes. “The thing is, kiddo, you didn’t need to break in. But you picked the right place. ROOTS is all about helping kids in trouble.”
    â€œI’m not in trouble—”
    â€œWrong again, kid.” Marlon watched him closely, waiting for any movement that would indicate he was planning to run for it. “Breaking and entering is a crime. Call the cops, Haley,” he said again.
    â€œIt’s not necessary.”
    â€œHow can you say that?” Marlon demanded.
    â€œHe’s just a kid. Probably a runaway. Not dangerous. The authorities have enough to do. This isn’t something we need to generate a lot of paperwork for. When my brother was about the same age, he ran away and I was frantic.” She looked at the kid. “Let me call your parents to come get you.”
    â€œNo way.” Testosterone-fueled anger wrapped around the words.
    â€œYour mom and dad are probably worried sick about you, Roy.”
    â€œThey could give a crap,” he said bitterly.
    Haley frowned. “Did they hurt you?”
    â€œIt’s not like that,” he said quickly.
    â€œTell me what it’s like,” she urged.
    The kid ran his fingers through his short, spiky, dirty-blond hair. “I just had to get out of there.”
    â€œTo clear your head?” Haley asked.
    â€œI guess.” He lifted a thin shoulder.
    Marlon was impressed that she seemed to get him, to understand a guy’s need to be alone. Maybe she wouldcomprehend his own need for speed and the resulting community service.
    â€œGo ahead. Call the cops,” Roy challenged, his voice sullen and resigned.
    It grated on Marlon, but Haley just smiled.
    â€œI don’t think that’s necessary,” she said again. “I’m glad you weren’t out on the street. You just needed a place to spend the night.”
    â€œAnd that justifies breaking and entering?” Marlon demanded.
    â€œHe didn’t take anything.”
    â€œThat’s because you didn’t have beer in the fridge,” Marlon said wryly.
    â€œThat wasn’t the best choice you could have made,” Haley gently