Run To You: The Damaged Series - Book Four

by Shayne McClendon

  Having him even closer was almost too much to bear.

  The breeze lifted his hair and the scent of him flowed over her. An incredible blend of man, subtle cologne, and what she swore was a pheromone intended to coax her into his lap.

  A place Nina’s body assured her she very much wanted to be.

  Softly, he asked, “How long will you be in town, Miss Adams?” Her lips parted but she could make no sound. “Allow me to rephrase the question.” His voice didn’t carry beyond the cocoon that seemed wrapped around them. “While you’re here, I’d like the chance to speak with you privately.”

  Staring at him unblinkingly, she simply said, “Yes.”

  More importantly, she meant it.

  “My position as the head of Bennett’s security means I need to ensure others cover him at all times. If I took your hand and lead you away from the other guests...would you come with me, Nina?”

  “Yes.”

  His fingers tightened around hers. “The only answer I allowed myself to consider.” There was a small pause and then, “Do you feel it?”

  Confused - but not about the question - she nodded.

  “You strike me as a runner if anything makes you feel vulnerable. I’m particularly skilled in pursuit.”

  “A hunter then?” she asked quietly.

  “No, Nina. Not with you. With you, I think I’ll be something else entirely. Let your curiosity overcome your fear.” His thumb stroked the inside of her wrist. “How fast your heart beats.”

  All her life, Nina had used men and been used by them. Not one of them had ever given her butterflies in the pit of her stomach. It wasn’t a sensation she recognized initially.

  “Who are you?” She didn’t intend to ask the question aloud but managed to do so anyway.

  “James. You can decide what that means.” He winked. “I’ll give you control...to a point. I sense you need it.”

  Leaning forward slightly, she murmured, “Do you think you know me, James?”

  He stared at her for almost a minute without speaking. “I know enough about agony to recognize a fellow carrier. I know you like the way you feel right now. Your breathing is rapid. Your nipples are furled like tight little cherries, and your upper chest is flushed.” James leaned closer and added even more softly, “If I were to slip my hand along your thigh, beneath your dress, and inside your panties, I know your pussy would be wet.”

  She released a barely contained whimper of need.

  One side of his mouth lifted in a smile. “I may not know everything about you, Nina...but I’m a quick study. Particularly regarding a woman who makes me harder than I’ve ever been in my life.”

  He pressed his lips to the back of her hand and stood, releasing his grip on her slowly. She wanted to grab him and pull him back.

  James murmured to Bennett and walked rapidly across the courtyard to speak to several men scattered across the property.

  Nina listened to the conversations around her with a small portion of her mind but kept James in her line of sight at all times: watching him move, seeing how his men interacted with him, and wondering when he would take her hand and lead her away.

  Part of her wanted to run; to call a car service and get away from Bennett Jefferson’s estate and as far from his bodyguard as she could.

  Instead, she stayed where she was.

  Still, silent, waiting.

  Chapter Five

  Two hours later, Nina watched as James returned to the canopy and assisted his employer to his feet. He was kind to Bennett and she could see the bond they shared.

  It resembled the relationship Gage once had with his father. The Chambers were the only normal family Nina had ever witnessed in real life.

  Rowan stood and fear was clearly written in her expression. She twisted her fingers nervously but played along with the ruse that Bennett was suffering from nothing more than the heat.

  The younger man allowed Bennett to retain his dignity as he all but lifted him fully from the chair in which he sat.

  Holding her husband’s cheeks, Rowan whispered, “I’ll run inside in a bit to soak up some hubby time in the air conditioning.”

  He bent and kissed her lips. “You take such good care of me.” Looking at her friends, Bennett said, “It’s great to put faces to the names at last. Make yourselves at home and I’ll see you in a couple of hours.” Winking at Rowan, he said, “There are going to be fireworks.”

  “You think of everything.”

  “Only with you.”

  He delivered another chaste kiss and leaned subtly on James as they made their way across the yard to the rear entrance of the house. An older woman joined them as they went inside and Nina assumed she was an assistant of sorts.

  Miss Jeffries stared at Rowan’s fake smile and said, “That never worked on me, honey. Sit down and tell me what’s happenin’ to flush your entire body with fear.”

  “Nothing. Everything is-is wonderful.”

  Gage asked softly, “Is your husband sick, Rowan?” She jerked her gaze to his. “He requires support that counters his fit body and buoyant personality.”

  Lowering slowly to the chair, Rowan whispered, “No. H-he’s fine. Bennett is going to be fine.” Tears filled her eyes and Nina’s chest constricted in fear for her. “He will.”

  Nina moved to the chair Bennett had vacated and handed Rowan a napkin to blot her tears.

  “No one knows. He-he has spongiform cardiomyopathy. It’s a genetic disease of the heart they didn’t diagnose until he was in his fifties. By then...” Rowan closed her eyes. “The tissue of his heart is too damaged for a transplant. He barely survived the minor procedures they attempted....there is no way his ravaged body could withstand the stress of options intended to save him.”

  “Oh, Rowan. I’m sorry,” Nina told her.

  “Thank you.” Nodding, she stared at the table. “I’m sorry. I need to be with him.” She stood. “The estate is massive. You can explore it with the golf carts.” Glancing at Gage, she tried to smile. “There’s a gorgeous stable filled with great, wild beasts.”

  His expression was difficult for Nina to look at. His pain for Rowan - the woman he still loved - was written all over him.

  Gesturing to one of the regular staff, Rowan introduced a cheerful older woman as she approached. “Jess is our groundskeeper. She manages the gardens, stables, and aquatic center.” Putting her hand on Jess’s forearm, she said softly, “Please make sure my friends have whatever they need. You know the estate better than anyone. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

  “Of course, ma’am.”

  Lifting her hand distractedly, Rowan walked as fast as she could across the lawn.

  When she disappeared into the mansion, Jess looked at the three of them and said, “Mary-Margaret, Mr. Jefferson’s assistant, ensured that three of the guest bungalows were prepared for your stay with us. The valets took the liberty of placing your luggage there.”

  Miss Jeffries asked, “They want us to stay here?” She frowned. “I thought we’d get a hotel on the way home.”

  “Ma’am, Mary-Margaret wished to speak to each of you personally on behalf of Mr. Jefferson. She’ll be along shortly. In the meantime, I have a golf cart waiting to take you over. With this heat, you might want to cool off before the evening festivities. It’s brutal today.”

  Gage met Nina’s eyes and gave a slight shake of his head. Then he bent and helped Miss Jeffries to her feet. She mumbled something and he snorted.

  Jess pointed out places of interest on the estate as she took a winding path around the property. A second golf cart followed them at a distance.

  Rounding a corner, two rows of small houses came into view. It was as if a section of Cape Cod had been transplanted to Texas.

  “Oh, this is lovely,” Miss Jeffries said happily.

  The groundskeeper seemed thrilled for the opening. “We have six of these little communities set up around the estate. Two are for staff and the rest are for guests. Each has
a specific theme. Rowan, I mean Mrs. Jefferson, likes guests to have their privacy. We didn’t put any other guests in this section. They’re snug but luxurious. They should have everything you need but staff can bring out anything you request.”

  Parking the golf cart, she looked at them. “She’s mentioned each of you. Little pieces here and there that show how close you all are. I imagine she’s thrilled to have you visit at last.”

  Stepping out on the miniature driveway, the second golf cart parked beside them driven by another member of the staff.

  “Mr. Chambers, we placed you in this one. Miss Jeffries, you’re right next door. Miss Adams, you’re in the last one of this row. This golf cart is for your use. Just follow the green markers back to the house when you’ve had a chance to cool off.”

  She handed each of them a small phone. “These are pre-programmed with any numbers you might need. Mrs. Jefferson, Mary-Margaret, Mr. Jefferson, and me. I believe you met James - Mr. Jefferson’s personal bodyguard - we provided his main line as well, just in case.” Smiling at Miss Jeffries, she added, “Mr. Jefferson asked that the number for your house be included so you can check on the young girls you care for. Simply go to the contact then hit the green call button.”

  “I sure appreciate that, Jess.”

  “Certainly, ma’am. Once you have a minute to get your bearings and soak up some air conditioning, I can take you on a full tour. Dinner will be served at seven and fireworks start at nine when it’s full dark.” Rubbing her hands together, she asked, “Any questions?” They all shook their heads. “Alright then. I’ll get out of your hair. Give a ring if you need anything. Welcome to Jefferson Wood.”

  Gage turned his head and stifled a laugh. Miss Jeffries elbowed him in the side.

  Jess grinned. “When this estate was built, Mr. Jefferson was known to be rather mischievous. I’m sure he’d love to tell the story.” Walking toward the second golf cart, she got in. “See you in a bit!”

  They watched the staff disappear down the trail toward the house and Nina asked, “What’s going on?”

  With a heavy sigh, Miss Jeffries said, “If I had to guess, I’d say Bennett is preparin’ for his death. Bringin’ us fully back into Rowan’s life so we can help her when he’s gone. After seein’ them together, she’s gonna hurt real bad.” Shaking her head, she added, “One thing’s for sure...it’s hot as blazes out and I’m gonna soak up some A/C before I shrivel like a raisin.”

  Gage escorted her to the front door and she closed it behind her. He returned to the golf cart and leaned against it with his arms crossed over his chest.

  “Nina?”

  “Yes, Gage?”

  “I get why you’re here. I get why Miss Jeffries is here.” He inhaled deeply. “I still don’t understand what the hell I’m doin’ here. There’s no sense in it…”

  “Of course there is.” Nina met his eyes. “You’re Rowan’s first love and when she loses her second, I think he’s hoping you’ll step in and help ease her through it.”

  He frowned. “No…”

  “Absolutely yes. I’ve never met anyone like him but...there’s no doubt he has a plan.” She shrugged one shoulder. “Keep your chin up and your mind right.” She stared at him intently for a long moment. “When she was seventeen, you were crawling out of your own skin within six months. This could be a situation that drags on for years, Gage. Are you...prepared for that?”

  Lifting his hazel eyes, his voice was strong. “I’m not twenty-two anymore. I know life without her, life in a lot of other women’s beds. If there’s even the slightest…” His voice trailed away and he straightened. “I can wait for her as long as I need to.”

  “She’s even more beautiful now.”

  He closed his eyes. “She fuckin’ radiates joy.” Opening them, he held her gaze. “Even if I can’t touch her, the chance to be close...I’ll take it. I’ve earned the hell it’ll be.” With a small wave, he walked rapidly to the bungalow assigned to him.

  Nina soaked up the heat, the sun, for a few more minutes before heading to her own accommodations. Jess had described them perfectly.

  Snug but luxurious.

  She took some ibuprofen and laid down to rid herself of the last cobwebs from her drinking binge.

  Before she closed her eyes, she checked the time on the clock beside the bed and whispered, “You’re to wake in an hour.”

  Nina slept deeply and opened her eyes at one minute shy of an hour. Glancing at the clock, she smiled sadly.

  Control took many forms.

  Getting up, she opened her suitcase and selected an outfit she’d questioned herself for packing. The flowing cream mini-dress would highlight her long legs and firm breasts with a short hem, low neckline, and spaghetti straps. Placing high-heeled sandals beside it, she chose diaphanous panties that consisted of little fabric and skipped a bra.

  It was an outfit designed to hunt, to bring down her desired prey, to advertise what she offered.

  One of many such ensembles she possessed and had worn to her advantage over the years.

  Grabbing her toiletry bag, she showered and washed her long hair. A towel wrapped around her, she blow-dried her tresses until they were straight and loose down her back.

  Dabbing a light layer of edible lip gloss over her lips, a delicate perfume in all the right places, she removed the towel and took in the image of her body in the mirror above the sink.

  “The only arsenal you’ve ever possessed to protect yourself.”

  Walking naked to the bedroom, she dressed and removed a small clutch purse from her suitcase. Dropping the phone Jess gave her inside, she added half a dozen condoms from the economy pack she took with her wherever she went.

  Outside on the adorable front porch, she sat to wait for Gage and Miss Jeffries to be ready. Legs crossed, she stared at the woods and allowed her mind to zone out on the green of the trees.

  “Whoa,” a voice said from beyond the rail. She glanced up to look at Gage. “Uh, you have plans?” Nina arched her brow. “Let me guess...the bodyguard?”

  “A lady never tells, Gage.” Snorting, she stood. “Not that I’m a lady by any stretch of the imagination.”

  “You’re wrong, Nina,” he told her. “Who you do or don’t have sex with doesn’t decide whether or not you’re a lady. My mama always said it was how a person walked through the world, how they treated other people...not what they wore or who they had relations with. You are a lady. Always have been.” He shrugged. “Don’t let anybody make you think different.”

  Bizarrely on the verge of tears, she replied quietly, “Thank you, Gage.” His smile was gentle and Nina wished she’d never touched him, never intruded on what he had with Rowan. “I’m sorry.”

  “You’ve said that a lot over the years, Nina. You gave yourself the role of the villain in our history and it’s never been right, never been true. Cut yourself some slack. I wasn’t a boy. I was a man and I knew it was wrong. Just too greedy to stop myself.”

  He took a deep breath. “Seein’ Rowan again, breathin’ the same air, hearin’ her voice...it’s like all the years disappear.” Hands on his hips, he looked off at the trees. “I fucked up and I gotta make it right. It probably won’t ever bring her back to me...and that’s okay. It might help me sleep at night and drink less when I remember.”

  Miss Jeffries appeared on the little porch of her bungalow and Gage walked over to assist her down the steps. She looked up at him with a frown.

  “Gage Chambers...you been drinkin’?”

  “Just a sip for courage, ma’am.”

  “That’s false courage, son.” She patted his chest over his heart. “Gotta draw on what’s in here for real courage.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I could sure use another glass of that sweet tea.” The elderly woman looked at the porch and did a double take at what her former charge was wearing. “Nina girl. You are a trial on my peace of mind.”

  Nina walked down the steps and bent to kiss her cheek.
“I know it. I try to be good but...it gets so boring, ma’am.”

  “You’re a mess but I sure love you anyway. The Lord turned my heart to you within minutes and never pulled it away so I know He has plans for you, Nina. You just wait.”

  “I don’t think…”

  Reaching up, Miss Jeffries placed her fingertips on Nina’s cheek. “Don’t think. Just know. I do.” Exhausted from unfamiliar emotions she’d spent most of her life shutting down, Nina nodded. “That’s a good girl.”

  Ten minutes later, Gage parked the golf cart beside rows of others and handed the keys to the valet. Miss Jeffries held his arm as they walked up the shallow steps to the courtyard.

  Nina circulated, a glass of wine in her hand, and shut down the men who wanted her attention.

  A few people recognized her from the shoot she’d done for Calvin Klein. It was something she’d accidentally fallen into after fucking one of the photographers for the brand on a whim during a chance encounter.

  One man - some Texas real estate tycoon who presumably did business with Bennett - thought to tempt Nina with a lucrative modeling contract...in exchange for her time.

  With a smile frozen on her face, she emphasized her happiness with the theater.

  “You’d be a fool to turn down what I can offer, Miss Adams. I’m sure you’ve done more for less.”

  Stepping close, she placed her hand on his chest and stared into his eyes. “Never presume to think you know anything about me again. I fuck who I want, when I want, and have never - not once - taken compensation for it. Some would call me a whore. I consider myself a woman of action. You ever attempt to buy me again and I’ll make sure you can’t use your adorable little cock for a year.”

  Patting him roughly, she turned and walked away.

  She drained the wine glass in one go, left it with a passing server, and went rapidly down the steps to the trail. There was no real destination in her mind but she knew she couldn’t fake another moment until she calmed her racing thoughts.

  A big hand wrapped gently around her upper arm and tugged her to a stop. Ready to beat the hell out of the real estate guy, Nina turned in a fighting stance.