Ranger Pride

by Layla Chase

  A grin spread Thor’s lips. “Just my type. Think I’ll request a couple dances.”

  Jealousy flashed like a knife through his chest. Gossip a couple years ago was Brander Rutland was quite the ladies’ man. “Don’t go after more.”

  “So, that’s how it is.” Thor’s eyes danced under raised eyebrows.

  “Damn right.” He turned and met the soldier’s gaze. “Appreciate your help.” Then he eased into the room and walked the perimeter until he reached his bar stand in the far corner of the lodge’s dining room. From this spot, he had a good visual of the deck and a few feet to both sides, in addition to the dining room and the hallway. Although he shared duties with another cowhand, Ryan, the two were kept busy filling drink orders.

  Rhys did his best to work efficiently and still keep an eye on Caitlyn. She had instructions to stay within sight. Too often a muscled member of the security team obscured her for a few seconds as movement across the room occurred. Maybe he should have consulted with Stratton and at least made the team aware of who to keep tabs on. Too many contingencies. His breath hitched, and his ears roared. Others were in jeopardy because he’d missed something in the coverage. A hole in the perimeter existed.

  “I see panic on your face. What happened?”

  Caitlyn’s concerned voice immediately snapped him back, reducing his panic. He squatted and pretended to check the inventory before whispering, “Meet me in the kitchen.” Then he stood and turned to Ryan, waving a hand toward the lineup of bottles. “Would you believe it? We’re out of Stoli already. I’ll get a replacement.”

  She waited at the island when he stepped through the door, head tilted. “What’s going on?”

  “Momentary freak-out.” He closed the distance and drew her against his chest, breathing in the spicy scent she wore today. “Appreciate the reality check.” He planted a quick kiss on her forehead, too aware of smearing her lipstick on them both. “Update. Recruited a backup—picture a Viking. Name’s Brander Rutland, but his handle is Thor. Fitting, huh? Probably hit on you for a dance or two.” He released her, stepped to the long counter loaded with cartons of liquor, and grabbed two bottles of vodka. “Gotta go. Remember, stay in sight.”

  “I know.” She pressed a hand to the middle of his back for just a moment.

  Rhys returned to the bar stand and focused on the guests’ weird mixed-drink concoctions of a half jigger of this and two splashes of that. Give him an icy bottle of beer, and he was happy.

  The DJ started playing his tunes, which moved lots of people onto the dance floor.

  Now the drink orders came in rushed batches. Watching for Caitlyn got harder. He dabbed his sweating forehead with his jacket sleeve and wished for a cooling breeze. A flash of pink flowing skirt crossed his vision. Thor smoothly glided Caitlyn past in a hold that was too intimate for his preference.

  Tilda paused at the stand and requested a sparkling water. “Everything going well here? Need any stock replenished?”

  “Gotta say, boss, you’re looking beautiful. Emerald highlights your eyes.” Rhys dropped in a wedge of lime and handed her the glass. “This crowd enjoys a cocktail or three or five.”

  She blushed and averted her gaze. “The caterer informed me dinner will be served in a few minutes so drink orders should slow.”

  “No worries.” He ran a towel over a couple of water droplets like he’d been doing the job for years. “Ryan and I make a good team.”

  “Who’s that with Caitlyn?” Tilda jerked her head to the side. “She doesn’t look happy.”

  He almost opened his mouth to supply Rutland’s name. But as Rhys looked where Tilda indicated, he realized he wasn’t hearing her conversation. He tapped his ear and her voice emerged. How did the damn thing get turned off?

  Caitlyn stood at the edge of the deck, her shoulders rigid. “Why, Deputy Lucas, I’m surprised to see you here.”

  Rhys gripped the edge of the bar. Tilda doesn’t recognize one of the town’s deputies? Could make sense for a law-abiding citizen. But he did not like it.

  “Don’t mention my title. Might wreck the party atmosphere.”

  “Oh, of course.”

  “I have information about the trucks you reported and knew you’d want to hear it.” He stepped forward, pinning her against the railing.

  A gasp sounded. “So, you’re not here as a wedding guest?”

  “Just come with me, Miss Auliffe.” Within three seconds, the deputy hauled her around a building corner.

  Rhys rose on the balls of his feet, counting down five seconds for them to come back into view.

  “Can’t this wait until tomorrow?”

  “Don’t resist.”

  “You’re hurting me.” Three quick sneezes sounded. “Don’t stop near these Persephone roses. I’m allergic.” More sneezes.

  The distress word and a location. Clever girl. Rhys stepped from behind the bar stand. “Thor, converge on the rose garden. Suspect heading away from back deck. Six feet, average build, black hair. Abduction in progress.”

  “Copy. On the move.”

  Rhys grabbed his phone and hit speed dial #3. “Send in the cavalry.”

  A few bars of music sounded. With shouts and cries of The Macarena, guests surged to the dance floor.

  Rhys was caught in some kind of line dance with flailing hands and had to dodge and weave to get to the exit, wasting precious time. Blood pounded in his ears. At least two minutes had passed since he’d lost visual on Caitlyn. The pair had quit talking, as well. He had to learn what was happening.

  Once he was clear of the gyrating crowd, he took a couple deep breaths and drew his weapon from the small of his back. Using the garden as cover, he worked his way over to the garage. Caitlyn, keep talking. Come on, darlin’, give me another bread crumb. Lead me to where you are.

  “Slow down. I can’t climb an incline in these heels.”

  “Keep moving, bitch.”

  Rage boiled in Rhys’ gut. “Thor, behind the barn.” Gun held upright at his shoulder, Rhys stuck his head around the garage wall.

  About a hundred yards away, Lucas dragged a limping Caitlyn toward the edge of the forest.

  Thor advanced from the other direction, a shiny revolver in his extended hands.

  A siren whoop-whooped.

  Sheriff must be in the driveway, like we planned. Rhys fired a shot overhead to signal the sheriff and started running. He wished for the speed of a star athlete. Anything to reach Caitlyn before Lucas took out his anger on her over being caught.

  A mounted deputy emerged from the trees and headed toward Lucas, rifle aimed square at his chest. “Give it up, Doug Lucas. You’re outnumbered.”

  Rhys slowed enough to lower his gun into firing position but still moved forward at a jog. Three to one, sucker. You’re toast.

  The cornered deputy cocked his arm as if to draw and then took stock of weapons aimed his way. He shook his head and cursed.

  Wide-eyed, Caitlyn glanced around and connected with Rhys’ gaze. Then she broke Lucas’ grip, stomped on his instep, jabbed his nose with her elbow, and punched him in the gut.

  Howling, Lucas dropped to his knees, hands bloodied from a possible broken nose.

  “You got him, deputy?” Rhys kept his weapon leveled until he saw the uniformed man’s nod.

  “Yes, sir. Just waiting on the sheriff.”

  Crossing the last twenty feet at a walk, Rhys slipped the gun into his back waistband. He scooped up Caitlyn and swung her in a circle. “My beautiful warrior.”

  Smiling, she shoved aside a tendril of hair that hung loose from her clip. “Daddy insisted on self-defense training.”

  “Someday, I’d like to meet this smart man.”

  Thor approached and kept his revolver trained on the downed suspect.

  “Thought you weren’t carrying, Thor.” Rhys kept an arm around Caitlyn’s waist.

  “Saw it in a case in the library.” He shrugged then grinned. “No bullets, but the size makes for a helluva good show.
”

  “An empty weapon was my arranged backup?”

  “Hey, we got the job done. Or I should say Miss Caitlyn did.” He leaned forward so he could wink at Caitlyn. “Nice job.” Then he pinned a sharp gaze on Rhys. “Hold her close, or competition might make a play.”

  A long look into her caring gaze confirmed Rhys’ thoughts. “Not a chance.”

  Epilogue

  Ten days later, Caitlyn clicked onto the last image of her presentation. “As you’ll note from this recap, the Bridging Veterans Foundation has a 96.8% success rate in meeting all physical needs and medical requests based on the original intake diagnosis. With the committee’s approval of continued funding, we pledge to maintain that excellent standard.” She scanned down the row of seated officials, hoping her smile looked more sincere than scared. The experience was intimidating. “Thank you again for the opportunity to address your sub-committee.”

  “Thank you, Miss Auliffe, for your presentation. Any follow-up questions will be sent to your email address.” The middle-aged man at the center microphone nodded in her direction. “Committee members, let’s take a fifteen-minute break before we hear from the next presenter.”

  The ordeal was over. Weeks of preparation and all that worry for a twenty-minute presentation.

  Bertie leaned close from his chair at her side. “Well done. Not a single stumble.”

  After unplugging her computer and stowing everything in her briefcase, she stood from the wooden table with its stands of microphones and turned. A beaming smile caught her attention, and she gasped.

  In the front row giving her double thumbs-up approval sat her dad, thinner but steady as he stood with the aid of a cane.

  Her mother held a hand inches away from his back, just in case.

  Caitlyn’s eyes burned, proud and a little scared that he heard her presentation. “I didn’t know you’d be here, Daddy.” Enveloped in his hug, she felt the toll the chemo had taken on his once-vigorous body. But this was her father, and he’d come to give her support, albeit silent.

  “Couldn’t miss my little girl doing what she does best. Wave the banner and beat the drum for veterans’ rights and demand what’s due these brave men.” He smiled and rested a hand on her shoulder. “You did the family proud today, Katydid.”

  “Your praise means a lot.” Then she lifted her head and glanced around until she felt the pull of the intense gaze from the man she had come to count on for so much. “Actually, I have someone I’d like you to meet.”

  Rhys rose from his chair in the back row, mimed applause, and then jerked a thumb toward the exit.

  She swept a hand toward the aisle. “Let’s go into the hallway for our talk.” Her gaze followed the confident man who looked so sharp in his three-piece suit and dress boots. Quite a difference from the rugged cowboy in the airport. Especially because now she knew, and probably loved, the man deep inside who struggled with his demons but always fought for the good and the just.

  Introductions were made. Caitlyn watched with delight as Rhys and her father talked in the lingo that was specific to military men. She linked an elbow in her mother’s arm and eased her a few feet away. “How’s Daddy doing? Really?”

  Lovisa Auliffe turned toward her daughter and smiled. “Caitlyn, don’t worry. I’m monitoring him like I would one of my patients. Of course, the chemo is kicking his ass, but he’s fighting. His last dose is next week. Then my focus will be to get back some of his weight and build muscle mass.”

  Her mom’s confident tone spread relief through Caitlyn’s thoughts. Everything would get back to normal...eventually. “That’s what I wanted to hear. And thank you for making the trip. Having you here means so much.”

  “The train ride was a lovely treat and more relaxing than I thought. We’ve been meaning to take one for years.” She glanced back at the three men and frowned. “But I can see he’s tiring quickly. Bertie and I will get him back to the hotel.” She leaned close for a hug. “Call me and tell me about your special man.”

  “I will. Soon.” Caitlyn squeezed tight and welcomed the responding gesture. “I love you, Mom.”

  The older woman eased away and smiled. “Not like I do you.” She tapped Caitlyn’s nose.

  The ritual was ages-old but still heartfelt. “I’ll call you when I get back to St. Paul.” After another set of hugs all around, Caitlyn watched her parents and Bertie walk down the corridor lit by the central atrium. Every few feet her mother paused in front of what were probably pictures of famous events. Caitlyn knew she did so her father could have a few moments of rest, thus saving his pride.

  Rhys stepped close and slipped an arm around her waist. In his other hand, he held her briefcase. “Your dad’s a great guy. I hope I get to talk with him again.”

  She turned into his embrace and leaned a cheek on his shoulder. “I would never have broached the subject at this point in his treatment, but I’m so glad they came.” She inhaled and let out her breath in a long whoosh. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him toward the stairs, barely registering the architectural details of the Hart Building as they walked. “Let’s get outside. Now that my obligation’s over, what shall we do? The hotel is reserved for another night.”

  He pushed the exit door and held it open. “These last two weeks have been intense.”

  “I led a boring life before my visit to Montana.”Bright sunshine lit the afternoon, but the temperature was dropping, and she felt the change on her stocking-clad legs. She looked around the entrance to the building, watching people in constant motion on the sidewalk. “Want to be tourists? Have you been to Washington D.C. before?”She was dying to visit the nearby Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument that was literally on the other side of this very building.

  “Yeah, I have.” He glanced around, his mouth tight. “But what I want is to go back to your place and spend a few days learning about your city.”

  The thought of sharing her hometown thrilled her. “You’re really off the clock? No longer undercover agent in charge?”

  He stopped walking and eased her close to the building’s marble façade. “Your testimony is now a matter of public record so the threats should stop. The FBI intensified the investigation of the Golden Warrior Brotherhood. I’ll email my final report to Hank tonight.” He grinned and drew her into his embrace, his gaze never leaving hers. “I abdicate control except for…“ Crooking an eyebrow, he lowered his head and whispered logistics for a very specific sexual position.

  Her cheeks flamed, and she leaned back enough to cup his cheek. “I can absolutely live with that.”

  About the Author

  On a dare from a close friend, Layla Chase challenged herself to explore the steamier side of romance and discovered characters whose stories needed sharing. She writes contemporary and historical stories about strong personalities who know what they want…or rather, who they want, and set out to get it.

  To connect with Layla on the web:

  Website: www.laylachase.com

  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/layla.chase.52

  Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/laylachase

  Historical releases

  Cinnamon And Sparks in Wild Wild Women of the West, Volume 2

  Her Captured Cowboy in Cowboy Heat, an anthology

  The Maiden’s Kiss in Hot Highlanders and Wild Knights, an anthology

  Paranormal Releases

  Ghostly Legacy in Masters of Desire, an anthology

  Contemporary Releases

  Heated Negotiation

  Hot for the Uniform

  Naughty in Norway

  On The Escort’s Arm

  Setting Boundaries

  Up and Coming

  Wanton Words

  Whirlwind

  Challenges Met in Blue Collar, a Boys Behaving Badly Anthology

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