Protected by a Hero

by Susan Stoker, Cristin Harber, Cora Seton, Lynn Raye Harris, Kaylea Cross, Katie Reus, Tessa Layne

  Maybe his job at USSOCOM wasn’t dangerous like his overseas work used to be, but her mother had been adamant. A Reed present at Two Willows every minute of every day until the General came home.

  They needed Two Willows. All of them did.

  Why couldn’t he see that?

  Cass swallowed hard and pulled the last tile off the wall. Time to cut away the sopping mess that was the wall, fix the leak and get that backerboard up. If she couldn’t stop her hands from shaking, she’d make a mess of that, too, though. She had to forget the past. She’d realized what Bob was up to and had put a stop to it. Her sisters were safe, and she’d do everything she could to keep them that way.

  Which meant keeping her distance from Brian, no matter how hot he was. She had to drive him away—now—before he entrenched himself in Two Willows life. She knew the way this ranch worked on people. Like she’d said to Wye, it drew them in. It was never easy to rid themselves of the overseers and hands the General kept sending to the ranch. People came and wanted to stay. Bob was a prime example of that, although she knew it was the money rather than the landscape that had won his heart.

  It all came down to the house, she decided. If she let Brian stay here long enough to fix it up, he’d surely get attached to it—and to the rest of the ranch. She’d make it absolutely clear she didn’t need any help. Didn’t want it, either. Without anything to do, he’d get bored and go home.

  That meant it was time to steady her hands, fix the leak, cut the backerboard and get it on the walls.

  She took a deep breath and got back to work.

  When Brian came downstairs later, after determining to the best of his ability the extent of the damage to the roof, he was surprised to find Cass screwing on the last panel of backerboard. The tiles she’d pulled off the walls earlier were gone and her workspace was as clean as it could be under the circumstances. Tools lay on the counter in a neat row on top of a piece of newspaper.

  He had to hand it to her; she was a conscientious worker.

  “You found the leak?”

  “Yep.”

  “Sure you fixed it all the way?”

  “I’m sure.”

  He studied her work. “This all looks good.”

  “I’m sure you think you could have done it better.” She pulled the drill back and ran a hand over the backerboard.

  “Not at all. This looks fine.”

  “Then you should leave me to it.” She didn’t even bother to look his way. His earlier kiss had obviously upset her, but he knew if he apologized, he’d lose ground.

  “I can do the mudding if you like.”

  “I don’t like. Haven’t I made that perfectly clear? There’s nothing for you to do here. The General sent you on a fool’s errand.”

  Maybe he had, but Brian wasn’t ready to concede defeat yet. “Unfortunately, the General doesn’t take it kindly when you don’t follow through on his orders, so I think I’ll stick around and help fix up the place.”

  “I really wish you wouldn’t.”

  Damn, this wasn’t going well at all. On the one hand he understood her position; like Cass, he preferred to do things his way, on his own. On the other hand, he kept seeing a vision of the future in which he and Cass worked side by side on the ranch. Once the house was fixed up, he’d take his place working the cattle, but there’d always be jobs they could do together. He liked that idea.

  If only she could see it, too.

  Early days, he told himself. Things would change over time. He’d prove himself to her and she’d open up to him.

  He hoped.

  For now, a tactical retreat was best. “I’ll leave you to this job and I’ll tackle the window upstairs.”

  Cass slammed the drill down on the counter. “When are you going to get it through your thick skull you aren’t wanted around here?”

  “When are you going to get it that I’m not going anywhere?” he countered. “Look, sweetheart, I know you don’t like this situation, but I’m here to stay. You’d better get used to that.”

  He was blocking the entrance to the small room and Cass looked ready to plow right through him to reach it, but as he watched, she pulled herself together.

  “I won’t get used to it, and you’d better not either. We’ve run lots of men off this ranch. You’re nothing special.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong,” Brian countered. “None of the men who’ve come here before were Navy SEALs.” And none of them were trying to get out from under an investigation into their past actions either, he’d wager. He had everything to lose if she didn’t marry him. That definitely made this situation special.

  Funny. He wasn’t doing this to get away from that investigation anymore. Nor was he doing it to please the General. Or win the ranch.

  He was doing it for the chance to get to know Cass. Twenty-four hours in and he was smitten. With a woman who hated the sight of him.

  Figured.

  “Navy SEALs. Hah. Who gives a hoot?” She lunged for the door.

  He caught her in his arms. She might hate him, but she was attracted to him, too. That had been obvious when he’d kissed her before. Which he really wanted to do again. “You do, whether you admit it or not.” He was taking a risk, but then he loved risks, and the adrenaline thrumming through his veins was like a drug he’d gone without for too long. The surprise on her pretty face triggered an answering rush of heat that blocked out his better nature. He bent down. Brushed his mouth over hers.

  Again.

  And liked it even better this time.

  He expected Cass to protest. Maybe to strike him again.

  She didn’t. She squeaked as he covered her mouth with his, then moaned the most delicious moan he’d ever heard. It was a signal for more and he gathered her in closer.

  He tangled a hand in her ponytail and wrapped his other arm around her waist. She was so pliant in his arms. So soft. So willing.

  And then so absolutely rigid.

  Brian let her push him away, knowing he’d never force her into anything she didn’t want to do. That kiss had told him everything he wanted to know, anyway. He stepped aside and let her escape through the door.

  She was as attracted to him as he was to her.

  Which meant this war might be lengthy, but his victory would be so, so sweet.

  When he heard an engine start up outside, though, his gut twisted. He didn’t like the idea of Cass driving off in anger.

  She was gone by the time he made it out of the house, so he climbed into his truck and followed the cloud of dust kicked up in the wake of her vehicle. He wouldn’t intrude—he’d simply make sure she was all right.

  He hadn’t come here to hurt Cass.

  She’d made a colossal mistake.

  Cass drove fast over the rutted dirt track, eager to get as far away from the house as possible.

  Brian had kissed her again—and this time she’d kissed him back.

  She had no idea why, except for a moment it had felt so good to melt into his arms. Just for that second she hadn’t felt so alone—and Cass had never realized how alone she’d felt until then.

  She’d run to the shed, gathered whatever came to hand and bolted for her truck, afraid he’d come after her and try it again. It wasn’t that she thought he’d try to overpower her; she couldn’t say why, but she knew that wasn’t the case.

  She was afraid she’d let him… again. Because she didn’t seem to have any control over herself just now.

  Thank God for the empty pastures and the breadth of Two Willows. Out this far, no one would see her—or hear her, either.

  When she pulled over and climbed out, a light wind whipped her hair. Far above her a hawk circled and she watched it jealously. What she’d give to fly away right now.

  Except that wasn’t true, was it? This land was as much a part of her as her stubbornness. She couldn’t imagine leaving Two Willows, no matter what happened. Which meant she needed to be smart about what she did next.

  But firs
t she had to calm down.

  When she opened the door to the truck’s passenger side seat she laughed at the assortment of fireworks she’d grabbed back at the shed. There was no rhyme or reason to them, and that was fine; there wasn’t any rhyme or reason to how she was feeling these days, either. Her misguided romance with Bob should have soured her on men for life, instead of leaving her so desperately longing for Brian the way she was now.

  She set them off one by one, knowing right from the start they wouldn’t help this time. They did nothing for the ache inside that made her restless and desperate for something she didn’t want to name.

  For Brian’s touch.

  She was in trouble, Cass decided as more of the fireworks shot off. She—

  “It’s an M-80 kind of day, huh?” Bob said behind her, and Cass whirled around with a shriek she instantly wished she could bite back when she saw the grin on his face. “Didn’t mean to startle you.”

  “What the hell are you doing on my land?”

  “Saw you driving hell for leather down that track. Thought I’d come see if something was wrong.”

  “The only way you could see me was if you were on my land to begin with,” she challenged him, cursing her stupidity for letting Bob get her alone like this.

  “Not true. That track’s visible from the highway about a quarter mile from your house. Didn’t you know that?” He grinned his lazy grin again, the one she used to think was sexy. God, how stupid she’d been. “Thought you knew this spread like the back of your hand.”

  She did know it, and she’d never noticed a place on the highway where you could see the track. Of course, she’d never exactly been looking for it. “Well, I’m fine. So leave.”

  “Look, Cass, there doesn’t have to be this bad blood between us.” Bob came closer. Cass backed away. “You don’t think I’m husband material anymore, but you’re wrong; I’m exactly the kind of man you need.”

  “How do you figure that?” She didn’t want to continue this conversation but Bob stood between her and her truck and she had a feeling he wouldn’t let her pass.

  “Think about it—why do most women get married?”

  Because they’re deluded, Cass thought, but she said aloud, “Because they’re in love.”

  “Wrong. They do it for money or they do it for safety. Or they do it for both.”

  How had she never seen the cold vacancy of his gaze? Had he put on such a good act that he managed to cover it up? Or had she been so grateful for a little male attention she hadn’t even noticed? “That’s pretty damn cynical.”

  “It’s the truth.”

  “Well, I don’t need your protection, and the last I looked you were stealing money from me, not the other way around.”

  “Cass, you need to watch your tongue.”

  She didn’t like his silky tone, or the way he reached out and cupped her chin in his hand. She hadn’t kept far enough away. Now she was in a real fix. She tried to jerk out of his grasp, but he didn’t let go.

  “There’s trouble coming to Two Willows. You’ll want me there when it does, believe me.”

  “Screw you,” she tried to say, but still caught in his tight grip, her words were slurred.

  Bob laughed and kissed her. Had his kisses always been so cold and hard? Cass pushed him away and this time he allowed her to break free. She made a break for her truck but with several long strides Bob made it there first and leaned against the door.

  “Think about what we could do with this place together.” He was acting as if they were having a pleasant conversation on the back porch, rather than a confrontation. His overconfidence burned Cass. What did it say about what he thought of her?

  “Like what? Run it into the ground? You were on your way to bankrupting Two Willows.”

  “Like hell I was. I was building it into something better. Cattle isn’t where the money’s at, little girl. You’re such a child, aren’t you? Still waiting for Daddy to come home. Never been out of Chance Creek. What do you know of the world?”

  “Plenty!” In her mind, sticks of dynamite began to explode. Big, satisfying sticks of dynamite.

  “A trip or two to a military ball doesn’t count. Especially since it hasn’t happened in years. Face it, Cass. You’re just a little country girl no one else wants. It’s me—or it’s nobody.”

  “Brian wants me.” The words leaped out of her mouth before she could think what she was saying. All she knew was she had to shut Bob down before he reduced her to tears. He knew all her vulnerable places—because she’d told them to him.

  “That washed up Navy SEAL? You think he wants you? It’s the ranch he wants, plain and simple. What do you think he’s doing here? Why would a guy like that get the General to send him to Montana? Think for once, Cass. This land is worth a lot of money. That’s what he wants. Not you.”

  Bob’s words etched across her brain in blazing red colors and she closed her eyes, because she knew it was entirely possible. After all, it was why Bob himself had pursued her. What would a man like Brian ever see in her? She was a backwater country girl who knew nothing about anything except running this ranch. She wanted to lash out and hurt Bob as badly as he’d hurt her.

  “Brian wants to marry me,” she blurted. A flush of heat branded her cheeks as she realized too late Bob wouldn’t give a damn about that declaration. It wasn’t as if he’d ever loved her.

  Right on cue, Bob tilted his head back and laughed long and hard. “Of course he wants to marry you. How else could he get his hands on a fine ranch like Two Willows?”

  “That’s not why he wants to do it!” God, she had to shut up. She was making a fool out of herself.

  “Oh, yeah?” When Bob took a step toward her she backed up. “If he’s so hot for you, where is he? And why are you blowing shit up?” He grabbed her hand and tugged her closer. “Where’s your ring, for that matter? What kind of an asshole proposes without a ring?”

  “He hasn’t proposed yet.” Even to her ears that sounded weak. She was losing ground fast.

  Bob gave her a pitying look. “He wants the ranch, Cass. Guys like that don’t fall for girls like you.”

  “It’s what he said.”

  “And just because he used the M word, you’re ready to spread your legs for him and welcome him home, is that it? How about you and me, then? I was going to propose—and you would have said yes, you know you would. How about we fuck for old times’ sake. You know I can make you scream.” Bob wrapped a hand in her hair and pulled her in for another kiss. Cass tried to shove him away, but he wasn’t playing. His mouth on hers revolted her and she couldn’t understand what she’d ever seen in him. His hand pawing at her breast made her lash out at him, but she couldn’t budge his arm.

  “Everything all right here?”

  Cass gasped in relief when she heard Brian’s voice. Bob let her go and she ran to Brian’s side, well past caring about her pride.

  “Everything’s fine, sailor,” Bob drawled. “Why don’t you get the hell out of here? I’m talking to Cass.”

  “Seemed more like you were grappling with her.”

  “That’s one way to describe it. I prefer to think we’ve got a passionate relationship.”

  “Yeah? Is that how it is, Cass?” Brian waited for her answer and Cass took in the differences between the two men. Bob’s sardonic half-smile, the way he watched Brian out from under heavy eyelids, sizing up the competition. His perpetual slouch. And Brian’s forthright manner. The way he waited for her to speak. His calm but ready watchfulness.

  “I… I told him I didn’t… I didn’t want…”

  “She said you were going to marry her,” Bob cut across her. “She said you’d fallen head over heels for her the minute you met her, and now it’s only matter of time before you’re down on one knee. I explained to her it was her ranch you’re really after. Isn’t that right?” His cocky sneer made Cass want to scream. The last thing she wanted Brian to know was that she’d been talking about him to Bob.


  He’d think she was interested. Which she wasn’t, despite the fact she was using him as a human shield at the moment. She wanted Bob gone. For once in her life she’d hoped a man would back her up, but of course that was too much to expect, Cass realized as Brian turned to assess her. Was Bob right about him? Was he here for the ranch?

  Of course he was.

  Bob began to chuckle as the seconds ticked by. “Cass, you’re priceless,” he said. “I’ll see you later—when you come to your senses and realize I’m the only man who’s ever really going to want you.” He saluted Brian with great exaggeration. “Don’t work too hard fixing up my house, sailor.”

  Brian finally spoke. “Two Willows will never be yours, Finchley. Cass was telling the truth; I do want to marry her. When she’s used to that idea I’ll put a ring on her finger. But not until she understands it’s her I want, not this land.”

  Brian’s words sent a thrill through her veins, but Cass shook her head, unwilling to fall for another man’s tricks. What else could he possibly say when confronted with an accusation like that?

  “Cass, do you actually believe that crap?” Bob asked. “He came here yesterday, and now he’s so in love with you he has to marry you? If you do believe it, you’re not the woman I thought you were.”

  “I don’t believe it. I don’t believe either of you.” Cass headed for her truck, desperate to get away from both men.

  “I’m telling the truth,” Brian said. “Finchley, get the hell off the General’s land.”

  “Are you speaking for the General now?” Bob laughed. “That ought to make your choice easy, Cass. Fuck him, and you’re doing Daddy’s lackey. Fuck me and together we’ll give the General the finger. We’ll take this ranch from him once and for all. That’s what you always wanted, right?”

  He left before she could find an answer. A moment later, his truck peeled out and headed down the track. Cass wrenched open the door to her truck and climbed inside. As she started the engine, she noticed Brian bent over the collection of fireworks she’d left on the ground, carefully gathering up the unspent ones. When he straightened, he turned to her, his confusion clear.

  Her heart lurched and her foot rose off the gas pedal.