Loyal Hearts (The Barrington Billionaires Book 4)

by Danielle Stewart

  “Let’s just agree that tonight isn’t the right night, but I’m not ready to say never. I’d hate to have to live in a world where you can’t stand too close to me.”

  “I’m going to go check on the guards switching out now,” Dallas said, unable to ignore her chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. He could see her excited nipples poking against the thin cotton of the large T-shirt. It would only take one second, like the snap of a twig, to have everything inside him break open. He’d prop her up on the desk, tear away whatever she wore under those tight yoga pants and bury himself deep inside her. But tonight was not the night. “You’re killing me though, just so you know.”

  “I’m going to run a bath,” she whispered as he forced himself out of the study. “I’m going to run a hot soapy bath, pour myself some wine, and soak. I’ll have the water so hot my skin will tingle and turn pink from the heat. The bathroom gets full of steam, you can just barely see a few inches in front of you. I’m going to soak in there. Alone. Just me and the hot, hot water.”

  “Fuck,” Dallas said, speeding back toward her, barely catching her lips curling into a smile before grabbing her tightly in his arms and lifting her onto the desk. “Fuck, you are killing me,” he breathed into her ear as her hands clutched his back. Pushing her hard nipples against his chest, she arched to him, grinding against his firmness and losing her breath.

  “Just think how amazing it’ll be. Think about the right night,” she said into his ear, licking his lobe and then pulling it between her teeth. “Just think of what we’ll do to each other. Think of how bad we’ll want, no, need it by then.”

  “You are a dangerous woman,” he moaned in a husky voice. He pulled away, putting her back down on her feet. “Go take that bath. And maybe when you’re in that steam and you’re thinking of me—” Dallas was cut short by his ringing phone, which sent Harlan jumping, holding him tighter for a minute.

  “Good night, Dallas,” she sighed, rubbing against him as she slid by and headed out the study door.

  “Fuck,” he groaned as he watched her tight ass prance away. “What the hell did I get myself into?”

  Chapter 11

  Tim was great at plastering on a fake smile and pretending his life wasn’t in shambles. Every time he was escorted into the visiting room and placed in a seat across from Dallas, he tried to play it off, but it always faded.

  “You didn’t have to come today. I’m fine about the ruling. Melissa has been explaining everything to me. We have more options.” Tim’s voice was shaking enough to give him away.

  “I know we do,” Dallas said, resting his elbows on the cold metal table between them. The rest of the room was empty other than the two-way glass likely monitored by at least one guard. “She’s working hard for you, and I am too. I’ve got some fresh eyes looking at the case; I’m hoping that will help.”

  “Same fresh eyes you had sitting next to you at the hearing?” Tim’s mouth rose into that familiar crooked smile he’d been flashing since they were kids. “She’s beautiful. Who is she?”

  “Right now she’s a client,” Dallas explained. “Remember the guy I told you about, Emmitt Kalling? He helped me out of a jam years ago, and he knew if he needed a favor I’d be willing. His sister, Harlan, had some trouble, and she needs a protection detail. They’ve got the house covered well, her mother’s place too, but I’m keeping her close for now.”

  “How close?” Tim chuckled, his mop of dark hair bouncing a bit. “I thought you were always playing by the rules. Never fraternize with someone you’re supposed to protect.”

  “It’s not like that,” Dallas lied, and it was clear Tim wasn’t falling for it.

  “I’ve known you a long time man. I can see it in your eyes,” he said. “There’s a reason for those rules, but I’m happy to see you looking something other than half dead. You’ve cleaned up that messy beard, you look like you’ve gotten more than an hour’s worth of sleep. This girl must be good for you.”

  “Forget about that.” Dallas waved him off. “I want to talk about the case. I’ve got copies of the case files, and I’m starting from scratch. I didn’t know enough about appeals. I thought that idiot of a lawyer you had the first time would be reason enough for a new trial. I had no idea how rare it is to win an appeal on those grounds. We need something else. New evidence. Or even better—catch the actual killer. I need to know more about Larry. I need to understand how he might have been involved with the victim. Can you tell me anything else?”

  “I wish you’d live your life, Dallas.” Tim sighed, leaning back in the rigid metal chair. “I want to get out of here. I want to be exonerated, but how much more time can you dedicate to something that doesn’t seem likely?”

  “Every minute of every damn day if I have to,” Dallas reiterated, slapping his hand down on the metal table. “You’re innocent, and I’m going to make sure you get out of here.”

  “Why?” Tim asked, a bite of anger in his voice. “What is it that keeps you showing up? What twisted broken shit within keeps you coming back here all the time?” Tim’s gunmetal-gray eyes snapped shut as he slammed his palm to his forehead. “Why, Dallas . . . why are you here?”

  “Because you shouldn’t be,” Dallas answered simply. “It’s not guilt about our past. It’s not some cross I have to bear. The reason doesn’t matter. I’m not going anywhere until we walk out of here together. That’s happening. So cut the bullshit and work with me.” They had a brotherly relationship that included all the relentless fighting in spite of unwavering loyalty.

  “I don’t know why Larry testified against me, but I don’t think he killed Angus. He’s not that kind of person.” Tim bit nervously at his thumbnail as Dallas pressed on.

  “What kind of person is he then? Because he told a very elaborate story about how you confessed everything about a murder to him. Right down to where the body was buried. Is that a coincidence? How are you justifying that?”

  “I can’t answer that,” Tim shrugged, beginning to look defensive. “I’ve thought a lot about it. If I knew that answer, I’d be the first to tell you.”

  “How can we keep going ’round and ’round on the same thing?” Dallas asked, knowing they’d avoided so much of this conversation for too long. Tim had held fast to his story but never offered any guesses into why Larry would incriminate him. The few times Dallas had pressed, Tim would only stick to his same story, never trying to guess Larry’s reasoning. That was who he was as a person, but Dallas was sure prison would force him to do whatever he had to do to get out.

  “What if he knew who actually committed the murder? Larry is the kind of guy who wants to feel big and important. He was always getting in over his head. He’d exaggerate everything. His stories were laughable half the time. If he was in with the wrong crowd and one of them murdered Angus, he’d never turn on them for fear of retribution. But pinning it on me, that would solve plenty of his problems.”

  “That’s a good theory,” Dallas agreed, nodding his head in support. Encouraging Tim at this point was the only angle he had. “So if he was afraid of them, maybe even in debt to them in some way, he could have thought you were an easy target. You went home most afternoons, you lived alone. Pinning it on you would kill a few birds with one stone.”

  “But I still don’t know if Larry—”

  “Stop defending him. I don’t care what kind of bond you formed in juvie or what you think you know about him. He sat in front of a packed courtroom and lied, knowing full well it would likely send you to prison for the rest of your life. Any man willing do to that has no loyalty. You need to pick a side, your own damn side, and fight. Melissa is doing everything she can for you. And I am. Now you need to forget the idea that Larry needs protection of any kind and start protecting yourself.”

  “That’s what it is,” Tim smirked, a little light returning to his tired eyes. “Loyalty. That’s what keeps you here. That’s what keeps you coming back. That’s what has you protecting Emmitt’s sister righ
t now. That’s every move you make, every day of your life.”

  “Then the choice should be easy,” Dallas said, leaning in. “Help me find out who actually committed this murder. It’s your best shot of getting out of here.”

  “Only if you promise me something,” Tim said, looking serious again. “Your life is bigger than just these debts you pay and these jobs you do. I get that you’re the hero. You’re dependable and solid. People count on you because you’ve shown them time and again they can. But one thing I’ve learned from being in here is that life is all about the small moments in between. It’s everything you aren’t paying attention to until it’s gone.”

  “It’s not gone for you, Tim; it’s just on hold.”

  “Promise me even while you do this, you won’t miss the life that’s happening right in front of you,” Tim implored him with a serious glare. “I’m serious.”

  “Fine,” Dallas acquiesced. “Fine. I promise. But you have to give me everything. Tell me everything you remember. I’ve been leaving all of this up to the courts; that ends now. I know you are innocent. As of right now we’re done trying to prove that. We’re going to catch a killer.”

  Chapter 12

  Harlan laid her phone on the kitchen table and hit the speaker button. “Emmitt, for the last time we are fine. It was a mix-up with the new security guy last night. The idiot jumped the fence to get in. It’s really no big deal. We can go back to our house now.”

  “You’re far more secure at Mom’s,” Emmitt snapped. “Your place is too small, on too much property. It’s a security nightmare. It doesn’t even have a gate. Let me talk to Dallas.”

  “He’s not here,” she groaned, blaming her frustrated feelings on the intrusion of her brothers into her life. In actuality, it was the time spent away from Dallas that was driving her mad. He’d been gone all day and the sun was starting to set. It had been a long time since she’d had room in her mind for fantasies. But with Dallas, the daydreams were vivid and endless.

  “What the hell am I paying him for if he’s not even on site?” Emmitt’s voice boomed.

  “He told me you weren’t paying him at all. That instead he owed you his life, and he was paying back that debt. What exactly did you do that saved his life?” Harlan probed.

  “I’d hire him either way. Friends or not, history or not. I trust Dallas, but it would be nice if he was on the job.” Emmitt was a pro at avoiding a question.

  “He sent three guys in his place, and we’re basically on lockdown here. I’d like to get back to my own place. I have a life, you know.”

  “The girls love being at Mom’s, and you’re safer there. Just stay.” Emmitt had a finality in his voice that drove Harlan up a wall.

  “You’re finding a competent replacement for Dallas though, right? Like soon.” Harlan peeked out the window again, expecting him to appear out of thin air the way he kept doing in her mind. The start of a very vivid fantasy.

  “Why?” Emmitt asked, sounding concerned. “He’s not giving you a problem, is he?”

  “No,” she answered too quickly to sound natural. “He’s great, but he’s not looking to keep this job forever. I’m just wondering if you have a replacement in the works. Better than the guy who jumped the gate last night to get in.”

  “Suddenly you want security?” Emmitt asked skeptically. “You’ve been fighting me every step of the way. Did something else happen? Is it Rylie? Dallas told me about him acting up at the club and following you.”

  “Forget Rylie,” Harlan said with a huff. “Never mind. Just pretend I didn’t say anything and when you find someone to replace Dallas let me know.”

  “She likes him,” a far-off voice said from Emmitt’s end of the line. His sweet girlfriend, Evie, was about to out her. Damn.

  “What?” Emmitt asked, sounding like he was playing catch-up.

  “Yeah, she probably only wants a replacement for him because he takes his job too seriously for them to get together while he’s supposed to be protecting her.”

  Double Damn.

  The only thing that would have saved Harlan from her brother’s merciless teasing about this would have been a swift disagreement of Evie’s assessment. But she hesitated. Just a beat. But it was long enough for her brother to detect.

  “Really?” Emmitt laughed hardily. “That’s great. I’ll hurry up and find someone else for your protection detail. You’ve burned through most of the guys at the top of my list, and I think you were enough of a pain in the ass that they wouldn’t consider being rehired. I’ve got some other options. The Barringtons owe me a couple favors. That’s a family I enjoy having on speed dial. I’m networking with some people who could help.”

  “Oh yeah, like you would want me dating Dallas,” Harlan scoffed, knowing exactly how Emmitt felt about men in her life over the years.

  “I hated Rylie,” he said flatly. “My biggest worry was you’d get back with him. Dallas is a good guy. If you have to be with someone, I can live with it being him. But he’s right. Messing around while you’re on the job is dangerous.”

  “I’m not going to be with anyone,” Harlan corrected, now annoyed. “I’m perfectly happy alone. Just do me a favor and for once stay out of this. I’ll take the damn security now if I have to, but don’t interject yourself into the rest of my personal business.”

  “I’m so excited for you,” Evie sang, completely ignoring Harlan’s pleas. “I’ve seen a picture of him in Emmitt’s office. He’s gorgeous.”

  “Down girl,” Emmitt scolded teasingly. “I’ll stay out of your personal life as long as you stay out of trouble. Do what Dallas says. Keep yourself safe. Even if that’s at Mom’s place for now. I’ve got my hands full with some consulting stuff, but I’ll be around to see the girls soon.”

  “Hey,” Harlan said, her voice falling low and sad, “they know what happened that night. I thought we all played it so cool, but they know that Azeela’s men took us and you came to get us. I’ve been pretty pissed at you lately for trying to control everything. I don’t think I’ve said thank you. The girls and I,” she paused, the images of her angelic children appearing in her mind, “I’m not sure where we would be if it weren’t for what you did that night. What you’ve done for Dad ever since. This family is lucky to have you.”

  “Cut it out,” Emmitt barked, clearing his throat and with it any emotions that were creeping up. “It’s what big brothers do. Don’t get all mushy.”

  “Seriously,” she laughed, “we’ve made it all these years without emotions, let’s not start now.”

  “Call me if you need me,” Emmitt said, Evie chirping a cheerful goodbye in the background.

  Emmitt was hardheaded, stubborn, and a pain in the ass to argue with. They agreed on almost nothing. Debates spiraled into full-fledged screaming matches until their voices were hoarse and their heads were pounding. She didn’t understand his views but she always knew what made him tick.

  Something occurred to her as she held her phone to her chest and thought of both her brothers. The people who broke down every boundary you had were the same ones who’d walk through fire for you. The ones who wouldn’t listen when you begged them to leave you alone would never leave you alone when you needed them. The best people in life were the ones who loved you intrusively and relentlessly.

  Knowing that wouldn’t stop Harlan from complaining, but maybe every now and then she’d remember to thank them.

  Chapter 13

  “I think I’ve got something,” Dallas said, his voice quieting as Harlan shushed him.

  “The girls fell asleep on the couch. I have to take them upstairs.” Harlan gestured over to the two tiny lumps under a large comforter on the couch. “Mom wasn’t feeling well tonight, so they camped out here with me while I was working.”

  “Working on Tim’s case?” Dallas asked, peeking at the girls to make sure they weren’t stirring.

  “Yes, and I found something too,” Harlan said, silently clapping her hands together in excitement.
“Let me take them up to bed, then I’ll come back and tell you.”

  “I’ll carry them up,” Dallas said, wondering how Harlan would navigate the stairs with even one of the girls in her arms.

  “I’ve been lugging these two around for all these years. Usually with groceries at the same time.”

  “But right now you don’t have to,” Dallas said, gingerly lifting Anna up and resting her head on one shoulder then doing the same to Logan. He moved up the stairs, trailing behind Harlan, not able to tell if she felt he was overstepping his position.

  When both girls were tucked in, Harlan’s sweet kisses planted on their foreheads, they backed out of the room and went downstairs.

  “What did you find?” Harlan asked as she clutched a folder she’d just lifted from the desk.

  “You first,” he said, gesturing at the folder. “You look anxious to tell me.”

  “I am,” she divulged, flipping it open and spinning a photograph toward him to see. “I spent time today looking through archived newspaper articles. At first I was just looking at everything relevant to the case. Then I realized I should look farther back at the victim, Angus. He was a business owner in the community and lived there his whole life.”

  “That’s him,” Dallas praised her with a wide smile. “It’s the opening of his newest restaurant on Church Street.”

  “And that is Larry Monroe,” Harlan explained, pointing to the man positioned to Angus’s left. “I checked the testimony on the court records that Melissa shared, and Larry testified he’d never met Angus. Yet here they are at the opening of a restaurant three months before Angus is murdered. They’re just inches from each other.”

  “He knew him?” Dallas noted, the wheels in his head speeding into action. “So at a minimum he perjured himself.”

  “Well,” Harlan cautioned, “he could easily still claim just because they were in close proximity to each other while the picture was snapped, they didn’t really know each other.”