Always Love You (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series Book 5)

by Shirleen Davies

  “All right.” Her voice came out as a whisper.

  Eric fumbled the phone, finally dropping it and scrambling to grab it. “What did you say?”

  She let out a breath, her heart racing. “I said yes. Let’s try again.”

  He drew in a breath, not quite believing what he’d heard. He sure as hell wouldn’t upset karma by admitting it. “That’s good, Amber. Real good.” His voice came out rough and full of emotion.

  “There’s something you need to know, though.”

  Eric felt his heart seize. He steeled himself before asking. “What?”

  “I love you and I’m scared to death about it.”

  Sweet Jesus, he thought, and fell back onto the bed. She’d almost given him a full on heart attack. He closed his eyes, thanking God for this second chance.

  “I’m scared too, babe. We’ll just work through this together. That’s all I know to do because ignoring it sure hasn’t worked.”

  She laughed at his comment. “No, it sure hasn’t.”

  “I should be back home about eight o’clock Friday night and I’ll come right over.”

  “I’ll have dinner ready. See you then.”

  “And, Amber?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m staying the night.”

  ******

  “How’s Blake doing?” Heath and Jace walked to the parking lot Friday afternoon. It had been a long week and threatened to be an even longer weekend given the danger hanging over the family.

  “He’s at the house, restless, and ready to head back to school. Given what’s happening, I think it’s a good idea. The doctor wants him to stay a few more days, then I’m putting him on a plane.”

  “What’s Caroline say?”

  “She agrees and wants him away from Fire Mountain.” Jace pulled his truck keys from his pocket. “I think we should send all the girls away. I don’t like putting them at risk.”

  “Agreed. We have the two condos in the valley sitting empty. There’s enough room for all of them, including Amber.” Heath lowered himself into the sports car he’d recently purchased, already thinking he may have made a mistake. His tall frame didn’t quite fit in the tight interior, plus his wide boots kept hanging up on the small accelerator pedal. “I’ll speak to Annie tonight and call you.”

  “I’ll talk to Caroline. What about the others?” Jace asked.

  “Probably should go through the boys, let them explain it.”

  “Coward.”

  “Damn straight,” Heath replied as he closed the door and started the engine.

  He followed Jace onto the street, trailing him to the highway, and turning toward the ranch. A couple miles down he spotted a group of motorcycles parked at the Crossing, the same place where Eric had been hassled. He slowed, noticing Jace doing the same thing before taking a quick right and pulling into the lot. Heath followed him, parking next to his brother.

  Jace climbed down, casting a stern look at Heath. “I need a beer.”

  “I’m with you.”

  They took a seat at the only empty table, ordered a couple of beers and sat back, their eyes scanning the room.

  “Heath, Jace, thought I saw you walk in.” Sheriff Tip Andrews shook one hand, then the other.

  “Have a seat, Tip. Something we want to talk to you about.” Heath pulled out a chair.

  “Figured I would’ve already heard from you.” Tip waved for a beer. “What do you know?”

  “Nothing more than what Kade told you earlier this week. Wish we knew where they’re holed up or if it was a mistake and they’ve left the area.” Heath sipped his beer, letting his gaze settle on three bikers sporting leather jackets without colors. The leather seemed almost too clean as if all three had purchased the gear recently.

  “I’ve got my deputies scouring the area. So far, nothing. The witnesses who saw the gang at a gas stop between the valley and here a couple weeks ago swear they were headed our way—one even mentioned Fire Mountain. I talked to them myself. My guess? They shucked their colors and rode in a couple at a time. Somehow they already had a safe house identified and are staying there, out of sight.”

  Tip retired as a Marine master sergeant a few years before, winning the sheriff’s election not long after returning to his hometown. He’d played football in Fire Mountain and become something of a local legend. No one seemed surprised at his success in the election. Some called him a no-nonsense, hardnosed, leatherneck—to his face. Tim would let out a robust Oorah!, agreeing with them one hundred percent. The crime rate in the county had halved since he took over.

  “You recognize those three at the bar?” Heath nodded toward the bikers he’d been watching with the clean jackets.

  “No, but I’d sure like to get those jackets off ‘em. I’m almost certain we’d find tattoos to help identify their club.”

  “If we wait long enough, they may trip themselves up.” Heath finished his beer and signaled for another.

  “You may want to slow down on those, Heath. Hate to have to detain you for being over the limit.” Tip grinned, only half joking.

  “I’m nowhere near my limit, but I’ll concede the point. You still have your boys searching for where the club is staying?”

  “Twenty-four-seven. As long as no emergencies pop up, the deputies are hunting. Got two of them outside in plain clothes ready to follow the boys at the bar when they leave. Who knows…” Tip’s voice trailed off as the bartender yelled something to one of the men standing close to the bikers. “Well, well. We might just get a crack at those boys sooner than we thought.” He stood and took a few steps toward the bar, watching as one of the bikers pushed the man away.

  “We aren’t looking for trouble. Why don’t you just back off,” one of the bikers said, trying to maintain calm.

  The man wouldn’t listen and took a threatening step forward, a belligerent glint in his eyes.

  “Harry, why don’t you do as the man asked and back off?” Tip hated to break it up and lose his chance to see what was hidden under those leather jackets. He hated even more having a neighbor carried off to the hospital.

  “Tip’s right, Harry.” One of his friends took him by the arm and pulled him toward their table, pushing him into a chair. “We’re good, Tip.”

  He continued toward the bar, looking for an opening.

  “Don’t know as I’ve seen you in here before. You boys from the area?” Tip asked, leaning against the bar.

  “Passing through. May stay a day or two, nothing more.” The tallest and meanest looking responded. “No crime is it?”

  “Not in my book, but it depends on what you do while you’re here. Staying at a local motel?” he pressed.

  “Don’t have a place yet. Know of one?” His cold stare emphasized eyes holding no compassion. Lifeless is the word that came to Tip’s mind.

  “We’ve got several just west of here. Follow the highway. You can’t miss them.”

  “Thanks. We’ll do that.” He turned his back to Tip, finished his beer, and threw some money on the bar. “Let’s get out of here.”

  Tip watched them leave, knowing his men would follow and keep him posted. He made his way back to Heath and Jace, sinking into a chair while pulling out his phone.

  “You got them. Keep me posted. Oh, and let me know which way they head.”

  “Anything?” Jace asked.

  “Nope. Say they’re passing through, but I don’t buy it. I pointed them west, toward town for a motel. We’ll see if that’s the way they head.” He answered his phone. “I’m not surprised. Yeah, keep following them.” He looked up. “They’re heading east. Either they’re leaving the area or they lied and already have a place to stay.”

  Heath pushed from the table. “Time for me to head out. Call Jace or me if you learn anything. We’re about ready to send the women out of town. I’d like to give them better news than that.”

  “I hear you. I’ll be in touch.”

  Jace followed Heath outside, Tip close behind. He’d he
ad home and wait to hear from his deputies. He sure wanted to provide his friends with something positive before long.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Amber couldn’t clam down. She’d left the office early, stopped by the grocery store, gotten dinner ready, then changed clothes three times. She’d limited herself to one glass of wine, wanting to have all her senses about her when Eric arrived.

  She’d briefly thought of stopping at Victoria’s Secret the day before, then changed her mind. The last thing she wanted was to jinx the night. They’d take it slow, see what happened. Forgetting her earlier resolution, she grabbed the bottle of chilled wine and poured half a glass, sipping it as fear began to knot inside her.

  She’d felt like a teenager after their phone call, remaining almost giddy throughout the day. Then she’d stop herself, afraid they’d discover the love they once shared had died and couldn’t be reclaimed. Doubt would overtake her, then she’d get a text from him saying he loved her and couldn’t wait until tonight, and her fear would subside. She’d brought the glass of wine to her lips when the sound of knocking froze her in place. She set the glass down and walked in slow steps toward the door. She gripped the knob and pulled the door open.

  A warm smile lit Eric’s eyes as he let his gaze wander over her. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” She clutched her hands in front her, not sure what to do next.

  “May I come in?” He lifted a brow.

  “Oh, yes.” She stepped aside, letting him pass, then closed the door, turning to see his eyes darken as they roamed over her.

  He took a step forward, his hand reaching out to send a gentle caress of fingertips down her cheek. He moved closer, letting his hand move behind her neck, drawing her to him.

  Her heart tripped as he lowered his head, his mouth covering hers in a heated kiss. Her hands crept up his arms, holding tight as he deepened the kiss. The feel of his lips, warm and insistent, shot waves of heat scorching through her.

  He pulled back on a ragged breath, his eyes darkening as they locked with hers.

  “If we don’t stop now, I swear I’ll have you in bed before you can blink,” he whispered, his rough voice washing over her. He couldn’t mistake the look of hope and love in her eyes as she shook her head slightly and leaned into him. He muttered an oath before lowering his head, pulling her so tight he felt as if their mutual heat fused them together.

  His hand splayed low on her back, lifting her to feel his body’s response as she sighed into his mouth. His other hand moved between them, opening the first three buttons of her blouse and pushing it open, allowing his lips to trace a line from her mouth, down the soft column of her neck, then lower.

  Her hands threaded through his hair, holding him in place, moaning as his lips created magic with each touch. Her head fell back, letting the sensations ripple through her.

  Eric pulled back once more, the raging desire sending shockwaves through him. He lifted her into his arms, turning toward the back. “Where?” he asked, his voice hoarse with passion.

  “There,” she nodded as he walked down the short hallway.

  He kicked open the door, taking long strides to the bed, and laying her across it. He looked down at her, his pulse racing at the sight. “God, you’re so beautiful. Even more stunning than before.” He loosened the buttons of his shirt, pulling it free as he lay beside her, letting a hand move up her thigh. He pulled her toward him, melding them together, and capturing her mouth for another kiss.

  She made a low sound of pleasure and drew back. “Make love to me, Eric. Please.”

  His heart slammed into his chest. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for this woman.

  “Anything for you, baby,” he murmured, his voice thick with need. “I hope you’re ready, as this will be a long night.”

  ******

  “Thought I’d let you know my deputies lost them.” The anger in Tip’s voice came through clearly. “They followed the bikers about a mile east. That’s when I figure they spotted our car. Bikes split up. Appears my boys chose the wrong one to follow. He ended up going onto the interstate, heading north. That’s when my men turned back.”

  A muscle flickered in Heath’s jaw, an indication of the frustration he felt. “Where did they split off?”

  “Close to the old church. The one that’s been vacant for a couple of years. I should’ve had more than one car tailing them. Sorry, Heath. Looks like we blew it.”

  “You did what you could, Tip. Those sorry S.O.B.s have been doing this a long time. They may have made your men before they even pulled onto the highway.”

  “That supposed to make me feel better?” Tip grumbled. “Because it doesn’t.”

  “Hell, no. It’s meant to keep me from punching a hole in the wall. I still can’t believe it’s happening.”

  “It’s a world few of us understand. You’re not supposed to get how they think and operate. Some of the soldiers I’ve trained have left the Marines and now ride with these outlaw motorcycle clubs. I thought I knew them, understood what made them tick, but I didn’t. Still don’t. It’s a helluva different lifestyle.”

  “Have you spoken with Kade?” Heath scrubbed his face. He’d never dealt well with what he couldn’t control—none of the MacLaren men did. This unknown threat had rocketed his concern to a whole new level.

  “No. He’s my next call.”

  “Ask him to call me when you’re finished. I think we need to move toward getting the women out of the area.” He could imagine the pushback they’d get, but keeping them safe was non-negotiable.

  “Agreed. If they do go after Kade, anybody in their way will just be collateral damage.” Tip hung up, his words settling in Heath’s head.

  He mumbled a curse as he went to locate Annie.

  ******

  “Your feet should be a little farther apart. That’s good. Now aim and squeeze the trigger.” Kade stood behind Amber, so close she could feel his breath fan her cheek. She knew Eric watched from a few feet away, encouraging her with an occasional nod while shooting Kade a warning look.

  “Darn it. I missed again.” Amber lowered the gun, irritated with her lack of concentration.

  Kade set his hands on her hips, moving her just an inch or two and earning himself a low growl from Eric. Kade glanced over his shoulder at him to see his arms crossed, his legs shoulder width apart.

  “Sorry, bro, but I need her in the right spot. You want to take over?” He sent Eric a knowing smirk. He’d seen them drive up together, noticed the way they looked—like they’d spent the entire night in bed, together. From where he stood, it was about time.

  He glared at his brother-in-law, knowing Kade had a job to do, but still not liking the fact it included putting his hands on Eric’s woman. He shook his head at the thought, not quite believing she was his again. There wasn’t a chance he’d let her go a second time.

  Last night had been explosive. Nothing could’ve prepared him for her incredible response to his touch. And the passion didn’t stop after one time. They’d made love over and over until they’d been too exhausted to do anything except drift into asleep. His body began to harden at the memory. He groaned, adjusting his stance and trying to relieve the discomfort.

  “No, you go ahead. You’re the pro and I’m just trying to pick up some pointers.”

  Kade chuckled at the comment. “Right.”

  Amber looked from one to the other, her brows knitting together.

  “Have you ever seen him shoot?” Kade asked. She shook her head. “He’s good. Wished we’d had him in Special Ops with us.”

  She narrowed her eyes at Kade before glancing at Eric, then shrugged to hide her confusion. “I had no idea.”

  “You ought to ask him about it sometime. Okay, are you ready to continue?”

  An hour later they packed up the gear and walked toward the house, watching as Heath came out to greet them.

  “Glad you’re here. We need to talk if you have time.” He directed his request to Kade, then glanced at
Eric and Amber. “Annie has sandwiches if you’re hungry.”

  Kade followed Heath into his office while Eric grabbed Amber’s hand and walked toward the kitchen. The gesture wasn’t lost on Heath.

  Kade took a seat and draped an arm over the back of the chair. “Tip told me the two of you spoke and you were aware of the tail. Wish he’d let me know what was going down, I might’ve been able to help.” He’d controlled his anger at being left out of the loop until now. His time in the Army and the DEA had taught him the biggest errors occurred when communication between colleagues ceased. “Shit, Heath. Someone should’ve called me.”

  Heath grabbed a couple of waters, tossing one to Kade before twisting his own open and taking a long swallow.

  “It went down fast. Jace and I were grabbing beers when Tip joined us. The bikers were already in the bar. Tip had an unmarked car outside with two deputies ready to tail the bikers. We didn’t even know about it until the bikers left the bar. You’d never have been able to get there in time.” He finished his water and tossed the empty bottle into the trash. “I think it’s time to move the girls to the valley.”

  Kade leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees, rolling the bottle of water between his hands. “They’ll fight us. They’re a stubborn bunch.”

  Heath chuckled and took a seat near Kade. “That they are. I think we should call the family together, explain what’s happening. Have you heard any more from your contacts? Are they sending anyone out?”

  “J.D. called this morning. No word yet, at least not enough to get the go-head from Agent Johnson for him and Clive to come out. J.D. said he’ll take vacation time if he has to if this drags on much longer. Clive Nelson’s on board with it, also. Both are frustrated. They’re certain the Brethren plan to come after me, but the agency isn’t convinced enough to cut loose with extra resources. It’s as under control here as it would be if I’d agreed to protective custody.”

  “Did they offer it?” Heath’s eyes narrowed on Kade, surprised he hadn’t pulled himself out of harm’s way.

  “I turned them down.” Kade stood and paced toward the wall of pictures, focusing on one of Heath, Jace, and Rafe when they were in high school. “I know the Brethren. Protective custody won’t work.” He turned back toward Heath, his voice hard. “If they can’t get to me directly, they’ll come after Brooke or any of my family. That’s how they operate. Threats, kidnapping, intimidation, torture—whatever it takes to get what they want. I won’t make the family the focus of the gang’s wrath. I’m better off in the open, trying to draw them out.”