by Nini Church
Reno was a master with females. They loved Hollywood, all of him whenever and wherever he wanted. One after another after another until they were all just nameless females. It happened to the even best males – losing their emotions, their sense of connection and sex becoming only a physical release devoid of any true pleasure.
Now, he suspected that Reno did so many females ‘cause he was looking for that elusive pleasure – that never came. With Aili, maybe Reno was feeling that pleasure he had been seeking all along.
Cal flicked his roid, tapped once and a big wall screen revealed the two warriors in the workout room. He wasn’t going to interfere. Both males were highly skilled, but in different areas. Reno was faster and more agile with a finely toned body while Conn was a big Scot with more poundage than needed, but he loved a good fight and usually walked away the winner.
They were intent on pounding the piss out of each other.
Cal suspected there was no telling who was going to get his ass beaten off this round.
Jericho burst into the command centre, skidding to a stop beside Cal. Silently, he focused on the wall screen where the two males prowled around each other, their bodies torqued and fists ready to pound.
For several moments, Conn and Reno continued to dance, circling each other, when Conn’s guttural, raging roar ripped apart the silence as he bent low into a full–frontal charge. His fists smashed into Reno’s abs as his head charged upwards, but Reno pulled back, missing the blow to his chin.
Conn’s fists connected repeatedly before Reno uppercut him square on the chin. A loud Ooof erupted from the Scot as blood splattered across the mat. He shook his head once and roared again, trying to get in closer for another fierce blow.
Reno gut punched him, hammering into his ribs before he broke the connection and pushed away. It was rare for him and Conn to disagree, but this time Reno meant fucking business. No way in hell was anyone, least of all a male he respected highly, gonna challenge him on Aili. He wasn’t a monster or a lecher. “Aili’s a great doctor and a nice person. Like you said, she’s a fine lass from a good family.”
“Aye, and I guarantee not one you’ll be gettin’ to know any time soon.”
Reno’s fist smashed into Conn’s face, his head spinning and snapping back as the big Scot’s blood sprayed in a wide arc. “Don’t fucking threaten me. Don’t. Do. It.”
“T’ain’t a threat. Aili has five brothers and a Da as big as this house to protect her. They never let up when it comes to her. Course, you wouldn’t know that, never having met any of the other McFeerson’s. Yet.” Conn panted loudly as his massive fist drove into the side of Reno’s face, sliding off his nose as cartilage cracked painfully.
Reno hissed with pain before bellowing, “You need to show Aili more respect, man. She can make her own decisions. It’s Jinn law. I won’t put up with the way you take things over for her.”
Blood flew as Reno took a hard blow, snapping his head around as his temper unleased and he went for Conn in a big way, grabbing the big Scot around the waist, lifting him high and slamming him down. “You don’t tell me what the fuck to do when it comes to Aili.”
“She’s nae yours. Never will be.” Conn’s legs buckled as Reno kicked out with both feet, hitting Conn’s kneecaps.
“You need to let Aili make her own choices.” Reno swung in hard, taking out Conn’s shoulder as it painfully popped from its socket.
In seconds, the big Scot leapt to his feet, various wounds healing as he bounced around the mat. “Aer ye thinking ye’d be a good choice for me Aili? Surely, ye can’t be that fecking stupid. Ye’ve nothing to offer a lass like her and ye’ve consistently been a male who doesn’t spend more than twenty minutes at a go with any female.
"Ye don’t fecking have a clue how to handle a female of worth. Wouldn’t know what to do with one.” Conn’s fist plowed into Reno’s cheek just below the right eye, busting skin wide open as blood poured over his chin.
The wounds healed almost instantly, but that only added to the pain inflicted. Reno didn’t hesitate, going in strong and hard, pounding on the centre of the big Scot’s body until he began to wobble as a loud low groan wailed out.
It brought Reno up short. “What the fuck are we doing, man?”
“Fighting. Over Aili. A good wee lass.”
“Best female ever. Beautiful, smart,” Reno pummeled Conn in the upper chest. “She’s a fucking doctor, I bet Dedication is her middle name.”
“Unlike yours, Variety,” Conn sneered. “Ye need to stay away from her. Take this as a warning.” His fist drove up fast, connecting directly with Reno’s chin – it laid him on the mat not out cold. Conn didn’t hesitate, cutting in hard with both fists, beating on Reno’s torso and face, hammering home his need to protect Aili from this fecking rotter.
On the wall screen, Jericho watched two of his best warriors go at each other and chuckled. “Cal, we might've just lost our doctor. Conn’s gonna make sure she gets home safe and sound.”
“Or...” Cal didn’t finish.
Always agile, Reno easily flipped to his feet and shoved at Conn forcefully and repeatedly. Hair loose and wild around his face and his intense blue eyes drilling into his opponent, Reno tried to dial back his rage as his powerful fists opened and closed. Time after time.
A sure tell about the big warrior – Reno – that no one and nothing was gonna lay him down when it came to Dr. Aili McFeerson.
His rage building, voice thunderous, Reno taunted the big Scot. “Aili’s a grown female with rights even her family cannot deny her. It’s her choice if she wants to stay here at the compound or not.” Reno drilled into the big Scot, moving around him so fast Conn couldn’t spin quick enough to deflect the blows.
A hefty Scot, Conn was thicker of bone and sinew, not able to move as fast as Reno. He groaned loudly, trying to push Reno away when he danced in close for a couple of stinging blows. It was pissing Conn off with a vengeance that Reno wasn’t giving in or up, but only seemed to gain more momentum. WTFeck?! “Get the feck off me. We’re done here. Aili goes home. End of.”
In a final show of strength, Reno went in with his specialty one–two punch. Worked every time once his opponent was weakened – Schwop, schwap.
An odd, breathless sound was all that came out as Conn hit the floor, flat on his back, arms splayed at his side. He shook his head, groaning loudly, but didn’t get up from the mat.
Jericho turned to Cal, studying him before prodding, “Or?”
Cal shrugged. “You’re King. Petition her father. They’ll be honored you made a formal request to have her at the compound as our Doctor.”
“Huh. I like the way you think, man. However, I have to deal with Conn and Reno first. If it doesn’t work for them, then it ain’t gonna work at all.”
Cal looked at Jericho, but didn’t say – Not gonna work then – it was pretty clear that neither Reno or Conn were coming to terms about Aili. After just reviewing the vid from last night, he was sure of one thing – Dr. Aili meant a lot to Reno and the reason why he was all fired up and taking it out on Conn, who was intent on keeping Hollywood a million miles away from Aili.
He tapped his roid and a second wall screen lit up. Rather than try to explain, it was easier if Jericho saw it himself. “Boss, you need to check out some of last night’s vid.”
“Last night? What the fuck happened? Why wasn’t I aware something happened last night?”
Cal shook his head, tapping his roid, then a flick of his finger and on the second wall screen Aili’s image appeared as she walked down the shadowy hallway directly to Reno’s bedroom door. Without hesitating, she knocked.
Jericho held his breath. Maybe there was a real good fucking reason why two of his best males were in the workout room going at each other like never before. Was it an honor fight between the two? Christ Jesus, what next? He let out his breath as Hollywood gallantly offered his arm after stepping out of his bedroom.
Cal sped up the images so it wouldn�
�t take too much time to get the gist of what happened last night. All caught on vid.
When Reno walked her to her bedroom without even snatching an innocent kiss – or copping at least one feel – it was simply unbelievable. Face inches from Aili’s now closed bedroom door, they watched as Reno remained with his powerful arms bracing the doorframe.
Jericho just had to ask, “Who the fuck is that? It sure as fuck isn’t the Hollywood I know.”
Flicking his eyes to the time stamp on the bottom of the screen, Jericho was so stunned he blurted, “He was with her more than an hour and didn’t fucking touch her? Didn’t try once to get his shit going? Un–fucking believable. This means something, man.”
Cal seriously agreed, but didn’t say so.
“Aye, I caught only the last bit, but I dinna recognize Reno either.” Face still swollen and limping, Conn twerked a saggy brow, shuffling into the command centre, taking a seat and groaning loudly all the way down.
A few minutes later, Aili found them in the command centre – Conn beat to shit and Reno nowhere in sight. Jericho and Cal appeared amused and gave her wide smiles, but with one glare, both quickly turned stoic – repentant even. She wasn’t buying any of it. “Where’s Reno?”
“He needs some time, lass. Best leave him to it.” Conn nodded sagely as if Reno couldn’t wipe himself off the floor.
“Connor!” It came out a screech and Aili didn’t give a shit. Angry and severely pissed off, her brogue thickened. “I swear tae ye, Connor McFeerson, tis the last time ye’ll interfere.”
“Your Da gave me strict orders, lass. Well aware you were headed into a nest of vipers here.”
“What…?” Jericho sputtered.
Both shaggy brows came together as Conn's mane of thick red hair framed his face. “Tis true. There aer only three females in a compound full of males. If not for my word, McFeerson would've never agreed to let his Aili come. King and Queen of the Jinn or not.
"McFeerson doesn’t hold with titles outside the homeland. He’s a ferocious Scot and mean as they come if his family’s involved. Her brothers are even worse. None of them are above killing.”
Aili squared her shoulders, repulsed that Conn would suggest her family were murderers. He was just trying to scare everyone off as usual. “Da trusts me. He knows I won’t go traipsing off with the first male that comes along. Not that it would do any good if I did.”
Jericho’s eyes flashed to purple. WTF! “I won’t have anyone threatening my mate, my family or my team. Is this true, Conn?”
The big Scot nodded immediately. “The McFeerson Clan is not to be trifled with especially when it comes to the apple of her Da’s eye – Aili.”
Jericho turned to her. “Is he exaggerating? Blowing this out of proportion like usual?”
“Yes and no. If I choose a mate, I think Ma and Da would respect it.”
“Mate?” Jericho quirked both brows high. Yeah, hell, after the video and seeing the way Reno was around her – it had now become politely evident – the two just might be mates. Dr. McFeerson in her own sweet way had just owned it.
“I only meant it as an example.” Aili shrugged defensively. “My family does like to scare away every male I date, but they’ve not killed any of them yet.” Aili decided it was best to shut up. Nothing was coming out right and she was left on defense trying to explain how her clan worked in one sentence or less. Wasn’t going to happen. “Where’s Reno?”
Silence was the only answer until Cal lifted his head. “Probably in the shower, cleaning up.” He liked to stir the pot when he could, mix things up. Usually, he was subtle about interferring, but Cal added in his best innocent expression and carried it off as usual.
Secretly, he wanted to help Reno and Aili get together as much as anyone else in the compound. The two were a good fit for one another and it was evident Reno was hungry for Aili – in many ways – but also had a lot of respect for her. The one and only time that had ever happened with Hollywood.
Jericho sniggered softly – it was becoming an art – as Aili turned away from them and moved for the door.
Conn heaved a big sigh. “Lass, don’t ye dare. Leave the poor bugger alone.”
“Aye to be sure, Connor, I’ll dare it all right.” Opening the door, she slammed it behind her.
Conn groaned from his chair. “Fecking hell! Somebody stop her. Jericho?”
“Nuh, uh, man. Not my gig. Saw the vid. That’s enough for me. Hollywood has some serious shit for the good doctor. He won’t step out of line.” Jericho wanted to start praying it was true, could be true…
Aili found Reno dressed in sweatpants – low around his hips with his broad muscled chest on fine display and a damp towel around his neck. The ends of his towel brushed the finest set of abs Aili had ever seen and she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the glistening water droplets dotting his taut, smooth skin. Wet hair hung around his still swollen face although it appeared to be healing as she watched.
Reno scented magnolia first, then strawberries and glanced up as a wide white smile creased his face, making him groan.
Aili rushed him, hands everywhere, smoothing soft fingers over bruises and broken skin.
A balm to his soul, he held his breath as she tended him.
Fingertips brushing his chest, abs, then stalling – go lower or leave it alone? – until deciding to sweep her hands upwards to run across both shoulders, along his muscled arms and pausing over a deep gash on one hand. “I’d like to stitch this knuckle, it’s ugly and almost to the bone.”
A wide grin of delight split his face – he couldn’t help it. His sweats tented out, Rock Hard’s head nestled next to her sweet Vee. At first, Aili was unaware and wholly focused on his wounds as Reno’s big hands slid around her waist, pulling her into his body.
Her hands cupped the tops of his shoulders as she smiled widely, now well aware of Reno’s lust. She got chills of pleasure at how hard he was and was about to let her mind wander a bit when Reno broke into her reverie.
“Aili, get the fuck out of here. The last thing I want is to make more trouble for you and Conn’s gonna charge in here any second.”
“Let him. I’m going home, Reno. I just wanted to check on you. There’s another doctor who can take over the twin’s neonatal care.” It all came out in a breathless rush as she smiled too brightly before pulling away. If there was ever a male that encompassed everything she’d always wanted – Reno was it. His scent captured her once again and she knew she’d miss it.
Campfire smoky and sea fresh.
Not Scottish, nor part of any clan and with no connection to the homeland, it was doubtful Reno’s name would ever be mentioned again in her presence.
Oh, how she wanted to stay here at the compound and lose herself in Reno’s arms – his bed too. Decisions already made and set in place, Aili knew she had no choice.
Spontaneously, Aili leaned in close to Reno, curling one hand around the back of his neck and drawing him in for a chaste kiss on his lips. Yes, Aili lingered for a few seconds before breaking the kiss. A watery, regretful grin slid over her face and she dipped her head, not wanting Reno to see her haunted chocolate eyes or that she was going to miss the Maybes with this delicious male.
Reno didn’t know what to say and there was some kind of sweet, but sorrowful magic happening between them and he didn’t want to bust into that. It was so awesome being around her, having her near that he had a driving urge to explore every inch of her soft skin and start all over again. And, again.
Yet, something bothered him as she left him standing alone. Before she went home, they would talk – work out some kind of a fucking plan to see each other. How to make it work on two different continents was beyond him, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t gonna try.
Truly, if Reno had his way, she wouldn’t go twenty steps away from him.
Ever.
Again.
Chapter 4
Aili left the compound almost immediately.
After
her call home, and never mentioning staying on at the compound, Da had ordered her to return to Skye. Unhappy, she got organized and checked on the twins, happily having their breakfast, before going in search of Reno.
She so wanted to stay, loved the sense of freedom and making her own decisions without someone hovering over her. Aili tried hard to keep her mind off Reno – it hurt to think about him.
For her entire life, her clan smothered her with their prying attention, watching her every move. She had always hated it. Yet, left to her own devices here at the compound – even if Conn and Reno continued to fight – Aili was going to get to know Reno better. A lot better.
If Da got wind of any of it, well… Aili turned her thoughts away, she didn’t need to stress out any more than she already was. This time her Da was right though and it was best to head home.
By the time her suitcase was packed – it seemed as if she’d just unpacked! – Aili took a moment to sit on the bed and gather her thoughts. It didn’t really matter what she brooded about or that thinking about her and Reno had changed her mind again and she didn’t want to leave the compound – her Da had ordered her home and home it was going to be. Whether she liked it or not. Changing her mind made not one whit of difference.
Like a leaf blowing in the wind – with no clear direction or aim – she wasn’t sure what she wanted – but knew for sure what she didn’t want – to return home.
Calebre released the locks on the front door, letting Aili slip past as three behemoth Scotsmen waited outside. After a call from her father giving strict orders about his daughter, Caleb’s hands were tied. As instructed by Duke McFeerson, Cal alerted only Jericho that Aili was exiting the compound.
Yet to his mind, the good doctor was leaving way too fast. Kinda smelled liked running away. Cal grimaced, knowing he nailed it.
Aili was running from Reno.
Aili’s heart was breaking as she crawled into the back of the SUV, seatbelt clicking closed. A big warrior got in beside her with two more in front and they pulled away from the compound. She would miss it, had enjoyed her time here even if it was only a couple of days. This was the kind of life Aili wanted for herself – just like Abe, Matty or Fifi.