“Ahem,” said Alice. “This is a time-sensitive issue. We need to move fast before stupid Brother Rick finds his brain again.”
Jake released Sorrel but couldn’t make himself drop her hand. “Brother Rick told me to sell the lot, discounting if necessary to clear the shelves. The lease is up and he doesn’t want to renew.”
“Silly man,” Alice said. “Don’t you see, Sorrel? We buy your stock, at a discount, and approach the owners of this building. You already have customers, and we can start experimenting with our gift boxes to work out what sells best. This is perfect.”
“Will I still work in developing the cream for sale?”
“Of course. We’ll hire some staff. Maybe Katarina and Harriet would take over the shop. At the very least it would get them out from under my feet.”
“Brother Rick will be furious.”
“Let him have his tantrum,” Jake said. “There’s nothing he can do, as long as you move on the lease now.”
“What do you think?” Alice bubbled with excitement. “Once we get ourselves sorted we can set up a lab for you and work out how to mass produce everything. Would you be all right with that?”
Jake watched the wonder on Sorrel’s face, her building excitement and realized there was no damn way he was leaving Sloan. He’d have to put his mind to a new career, one that would keep him close. As his friends would say, he was toast.
“I’d like that very much.” Sorrel appeared stunned at her good fortune.
“Good. I’ll leave you to help Jake since you’ll know best how to pack up everything. I think it’s best if we store the stock at Fancy Free. We don’t want anyone from the cult coming in and destroying everything. I’ll go and get my car so you can pack everything inside.”
She hurried off, leaving him alone with Sorrel.
“You look beautiful. Most people wouldn’t recognize you.” He studied the snug black jeans and red shirt. “Sexy.”
“You recognized me.”
“Ah, but you forget. I’ve seen you naked.” He watched in fascination as a wave of red crawled up her neck and into her face. “I missed you last night. I sleep better if I’m with you.” The truth. Greg stayed out of his head if Sorrel was with him. He reached for her, pulling her to him. Her soft breasts flattened against his chest, and if he looked down, he could see the swell of her curves.
“You had another nightmare?”
“Yes.” He didn’t want to discuss it, so he used distraction. For both of them. His lips covered hers, holding back further questions. Then he was drowning in her touch, her scent. Her taste. What had started as a diversion backfired on him, dragging him into a world of sensations. He took the kiss deeper, stroking his tongue along hers, molding her body to his. She felt right, perfect in his arms. He wanted to go on kissing her, to strip off every single item of clothing and take her, thrusting deep.
“God.” He shuddered. “This isn’t the right time.” He pressed his forehead to hers, resting it there for long moments. “Soon, okay? We’d better start packing. I want to get back to the compound and do a search as soon as I can. Brother Rick told me he intended to stay away overnight, but I can’t trust anything he says.” Jake picked up a box and started to stack soaps into it. “He seemed panicked this morning. You have no idea what he does when he leaves the compound and goes to Auckland?”
“No.” Her smile held an edge of mockery. “We mere women weren’t informed of the day-to-day running of Children of Nature. No need to worry our little brains.”
“I know better. This book you mentioned to Luke—can you describe it for me? I’ll look for it during my search of the office.”
“It’s a book with a red cover. I’m positive I saw it on the bottom row of the bookshelf in Brother Rick’s office along with my mother’s other herbal books.” She made a scoffing sound in the back of her throat. “He wouldn’t know a book if it bit him on the butt. I need my recipe book too—the one I use most days. It’s on the counter in my workshop. You could go back to the compound now and leave this to me.”
“No.” He was definite in his refusal. “I don’t want to leave you alone, just in case Brother Rick turns up unexpectedly.”
“You haven’t taught me the self-defense moves yet.”
“Tonight.”
Something about the way he uttered tonight suggested he had a lot more in mind than self-defense. She placed some violet-colored bath bombs into a box and surrounded them with wads of newspaper to lessen the chances of breakage.
With both of them packing products it didn’t take long.
“How much money are you giving to Brother Rick, and where is it coming from?” she asked.
“I’ll withdraw some money from my account. Do you have proof against Brother Rick?”
She laughed. “Just suspicions. I know I can’t prove his duplicity, but I can cause him discomfort. You have another account Brother Rick doesn’t know about?”
“Of course. And it has more money in it than the one I intended to sign over to Children of Nature.”
Alice knocked on the rear door and stuck her head inside. “Sorry. That took me longer than I wanted. I had to take a couple of calls.”
“We’re done with the packing. I’ll help you load the car.”
“We’ll do it. You go,” Sorrel said.
“Yes,” Alice agreed. “I’ll help Sorrel with the stock.”
Jake strode the three steps separating them and seized her for a quick kiss. Sorrel didn’t struggle. She melted against him and enjoyed the physical contact. Unfortunately it was over too quick, and soon Jake left.
“Well, that was quick work on your part.”
Sorrel frowned.
“I wasn’t being snarky. From the little I’ve seen of him he seems a nice guy.”
“He is, although nice isn’t the word I’d use to describe him.”
A laugh burst from Alice. “I know what you mean. He sort of prowls and slinks despite his limp. He doesn’t smile much either.”
“He smiles at me.”
“Well, that’s all that matters,” Alice said. “Is that everything?”
“Apart from the dust. I suppose I should sweep up.”
“Why? The cult is responsible for the lease. They can clean up.”
“Oh.” Chagrined by her first instinct, she bit her lip. “I forgot. I’ve lived at the compound for so long I—”
Alice touched her arm in silent sympathy. “There is no need to apologize for thoughtfulness. There aren’t enough people in the world who think the way you do.” She squeezed Sorrel’s arm and released it. “Do you know who owns the building?”
“A Mr. Montgomery,” Sorrel said. “I know because he came to buy a gift for his wife, and he mentioned he liked the scents in the shop. The previous tenants sold exotic goods and burned incense. He told me the incense made him sneeze.”
“Jason Montgomery?”
“I don’t know.”
“Oh, I do hope so. Jason is Gaby’s father. Remember Gaby from our tour?”
“Of course. The woman who designs condoms and sex toys for Fancy Free.”
“That’s the one. I’ll ring Jason as soon as we get back. If we manage to get the lease, would you set things out differently?”
“The interior walls need painting—maybe cream with stenciled borders around the top and bottom of the walls.”
“Something classy,” Alice mused. “Yes, I can see your products displayed in that way. We could even do mail order.”
The rest of the day passed before Sorrel knew it. For the first time in months she felt excited about making her products and the challenge of taking her cream and turning it into a mass-marketed product. Alice gave her a lift back to Luke and Janaya’s house, just after five thirty. It was strange entering a building with no other people present, no chatter or laughter. No whispers or insults.
Woof.
Sorrel jumped and spun around. Her right hand slapped over her leaping heart, as she attempted to stil
l the racing. The small dog barked again and trotted away, its tail wagging.
Shaking her head, Sorrel wandered into the kitchen. Her stomach grumbled. She rubbed her belly, wishing she had something to eat.
The dog walked around the corner of the kitchen counter, stopped by the fridge and barked again. It looked at Sorrel expectantly then at the fridge door.
“I guess we’re both hungry,” she told the dog. She pulled the fridge door open, the novelty of helping herself both foreign and wonderful. She decided on a chicken and salad sandwich and hunted out a plate, knife and a chopping board. The entire process of assembling her sandwich was a novelty and immensely satisfying.
A few pieces of chicken found their way down to the dog.
Finally she cut her sandwich in half and sat at the breakfast counter. From the first bite, the flavors and scents rolled across her senses. Delicious. She swallowed and sighed happily.
“So this is freedom,” she murmured to the dog. “I think I like it.”
Janaya arrived home from her shopping trip, and handed several bags to Sorrel. “These are for you.”
“But I don’t have any money.”
“I’m not worried. From what I hear you’re gonna be rolling in cash soon. Pay me back then.”
The evening passed in a pleasant fashion with Luke and Janaya making her feel at home. Sorrel helped make dinner and enjoyed every moment of the changes in her routine.
“I’m going to take cooking lessons,” Sorrel announced.
“You can’t cook?” Janaya asked in surprise. “I thought you’d know how to do all that sort of stuff.”
“There’s a clear division of labor at the compound. As youngsters we either go into child care and teaching or food prep and cleaning. Once we’re in a category, we’re stuck.”
“Huh.” Janaya fished a pot out of the cupboard. “Who made the rules?”
“Brother Samuel. The founder of Children of Nature.”
“What about you? How did you end up working with herbs?”
“My mother. She needed a helper, and I showed both aptitude and an interest.”
Conversation drifted onto other topics, and then dinner was ready. It was a change not to wonder if she’d get a meal. And she absolutely didn’t miss having to act subservient to every male present.
Luke rose at a tap on the window. “That’ll be Jake.” Seconds later he was back with Jake at his heels.
Jake’s gaze went straight to her on his entrance.
“Did you find my mother’s books?”
“I couldn’t search the office today. Two of the brothers set up shop there this afternoon. They were still working on something when I left. It looked like a set of accounts. They had a laptop and several of the old-fashioned ledger books open.” Jake glanced at Luke. “I have no idea what’s going on. Brother Rick was frightened today and they needed money. I’ve got your recipe book though.” He pulled it from inside his robe and set it on the counter.
“Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Luke glanced at her before turning his attention to Jake. “My constable followed them to the casino. They stayed there for most of the day but didn’t gamble. He thought they might be waiting for someone.”
“Gambling?” Sorrel frowned. “That doesn’t make sense.”
“What about blackmail?” Janaya asked.
“The constable is still tailing them,” Luke said. “I’m hoping he’ll discover something to help our investigation.”
“Are the tests on those pills back yet?”
“What pills?” Sorrel demanded.
“Brother Rick drugged the punch on the night of the gathering,” Jake said. “I found pills in Brother Rick’s quarters.”
“Everyone complained of headaches the next day.” Sorrel frowned. “It was out of character.”
“Did you check out the place where we delivered the beast?”
Luke nodded, a gleam of satisfaction filling his eyes. “Mystery solved on that one. We recovered the cattle at the location and arrested the man we found at the farm.”
“What about Brother Rick?” Sorrel asked.
“I’ve organized a search warrant for tomorrow. But I’ve decided to wait to execute it until Brother Rick is back. I want all the players in place first.”
“Can I stay the night?” Jake demanded abruptly.
Luke glanced at his wife. “Will you be requiring a guest bedroom?”
Jake caught Sorrel’s gaze. “No.”
“Sorrel?” Janaya sought her opinion.
Sorrel wasn’t sure where to look, but she forced herself not to revert to habit and stare at her bare feet. “I…”
“Which way?” Jake asked her.
“I was going to make coffee,” Janaya said.
“Not for us.” Jake spoke for both of them.
Janaya cocked her head, her lips twitching. “You don’t have to follow his orders.”
“Maybe I’ll have a cup of—” Sorrel broke off abruptly as Jake hauled her to her feet. The next minute she was dangling over his shoulder, her gaze on the floor.
“Which way?” Jake demanded.
“Down the hall, second on the left,” Luke said with a grin.
Janaya winked at Luke. “Will you be here for breakfast?”
“No, I want to be back at the compound before the bell goes for breakfast. I’ll keep looking to see if I can find something useful for you.”
Sorrel eyed Jake’s arse as he strode from the kitchen. “That was very embarrassing.” The blood was rushing to her head from dangling upside down.
“I don’t care.”
“I have to sit with them for breakfast. It’s bad manners not to have coffee.”
Jake shouldered his way through a door and set her on the bed. “Do you want to spend time with me?”
All the starch went out of her. “Of course I do. Alice gave me lots of free samples today.”
Jake sat on the edge of the bed and yanked off his sandals. “I hate wearing this fuckin’ robe. Give me jeans any day. Hell, even the army uniform is better than this.”
“I bet you look good in jeans.”
His eyes narrowed. “You’re flirting with me.”
A gurgle of laughter escaped her. “Is it working?”
He nodded. “What sort of samples?”
“Condoms. Lube. Two different vibrators.” Her cheeks glowed with heat as she listed the taboo items. Brother Rick would have a lot to say about her evil ways. “There’s even a vibrating condom. We should try that one.”
“Whatever you want, sweetheart. Did I tell you how sexy you look?”
“I’m still the same person.”
“I know.” He reached over to tug a lock of her hair. “I like your hair better this color.”
“What?” Her brows shot up in disbelief. “You dislike the color of muddy mouse?”
“Your hair smells better too.” He used brutal honesty. “Please don’t ever put the goop on it again.”
“Yes, sir.” She gave him a snappy salute, part of her amazed at the ease with which she flirted with him. It seemed easy to smile now.
“Stand up and take off your shirt and your jeans. Show me what you’re wearing underneath. You are wearing something sexy, right?”
“You make me feel shy.”
“But you’re going to do it for me.” Jake’s eyes glowed. Under his gaze she felt beautiful, feminine. Not even his honesty scared her or the hidden secrets simmering in him if he thought no one was paying attention. No, she’d rather have Jake’s rough and ready ways than Brother Rick’s charming subterfuge.
“Why yes I am.” Sorrel stood, her hands going to the buttons of her new red shirt. The fabric was soft against her skin instead of abrasive like her robe. The sensual drape delighted her, made her feel sexy and womanly. Aware of his close attention, she slid the next button out of its hole. The silky material gaped to reveal her new black bra.
“You must be more comfortable without the
binding.”
“Much,” she said with feeling. Another button slipped from its hole and another until she was able to shrug out of her shirt. The garment slithered to the floor. Her jeans were next. She gave a wriggle of her hips, a tug, and the denim gave way and peeled down her legs. She stood before Jake in her matching bra and panties. Pleasure and awareness streaked through her and heat pooled low in her belly.
He stood and went to her, his callused hands sliding over her shoulders and down her upper arms. Appreciation glowed in his dark eyes, his gaze tracing the lines of her body.
“Lose the robe,” she whispered against his neck. “It’s ugly, and it brings back memories I’d rather forget.”
Jake pulled away and ripped off the robe, tossing it aside without ceremony.
“I’m sure your underwear isn’t regulation Children of Nature.” Sorrel eyed him, fascinated by the way the tight white boxer-briefs cupped him, covering yet displaying his masculine assets in a totally sexy way.
Jake grunted. “I wasn’t about to show Brother Rick my underwear. I’m not that guy.”
A giggle burst from her, the merriment unusual yet enjoyable as it spilled into the bedroom.
His hand snaked behind her back, and her bra sagged. “I still have it.” His fingers slipped beneath her bra to cup her warm breasts.
She sighed her pleasure, leaning into him and savoring his strength. “I never realized how much I needed someone to touch me. Before you my life…” She shook her head. “It was barren. Thank you.” Even if this was all the time she had with Jake, she’d always remember him, remember this.
He drew her bra down her arms, the cool air making her nipples pucker and pull to hard nubs. She sucked in a quick breath as he dragged his thumb over one nipple. The tug, the friction on her flesh reverberated through her body. His caress was still so new, yet it was familiar too. He did it again, this time harder, and she gasped. She arched into him and offered her mouth, desperate to step into the sensual snare he cast. He bent his head, took her lips with his, demanding a response from her.
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