Reno

by Nini Church

  It was for the best, quietly slipping away to avoid any more confrontations between Reno and Conn. A keep the peace gesture – with her heart in her bejesus mouth! It hurt that she was leaving behind what might have been with Reno. Never to know if they were anything together.

  Besides, if anything happened and her Da found out, he had a harsh way of taking it as a slight to his clan where none was intended. He was also known to hold a viscous grudge.

  Aili didn’t want any of that to happen. Abe and Jericho were great to her, she liked everyone at the compound, not to mention those two gorgeous babies. And, Reno. A too handsome devil by far with a great sense of humor and the finest body that was truly a temple – and one she’d like to worship at.

  Once on board the private jet, Aili closed her eyes, letting her mind drift as she recalled Reno’s smile, nice white teeth and very inviting kissable lips, his incredible blue eyes and muscles everywhere. He kept in good shape, took care of himself and that was important to her in a male. His sense of humor, his confidence in speaking up for her when she’d never asked him to, the way he watched out for her was everything she’d ever wished for in a male.

  Not naive by any stretch, Aili knew males – she had five brothers. Often, they were only after one thing. Sex, lots of it, as many times as possible. The double standard of her life, her brothers could have as much sex as they wanted and she could have none until mated.

  A heavy sigh erupted when finally admitting to herself it was probably only sex that Reno was after. Secretly, she loved that he was all male – all the time and she had felt the hard length of him pressing into her body. A hot reminder of what was really on his mind.

  That her cousin, Conn, was so angry he physically fought with Reno made her shiver – all over – he would only get that protective and pissed off if Reno had a bad rep. With females. Didn’t that say it all?

  It was also hard to miss the way they called Reno Hollywood behind his back. Aili had only heard a few slip ups and Jericho and his team had apologized profusely when she did overhear – other times it was natural and went unnoticed when they referred to Reno as Hollywood.

  Aili caught her breath and let it go very slowly.

  Away from home for the first time and she had stars in her eyes.

  Blinding stars that hid an unpleasantly painful truth.

  Reno had to be a consummate player when it came to females. And, it was very likely that Conn was protecting her so she didn’t get enmeshed in Reno’s games.

  What a fool she’d been – assuming there was something different about Reno. Was it just for the sex? Was that all he wanted? Eyes growing dreamy as Reno’s face remained plastered in the center of her mind – she gave a hearty shake that did nothing to dislodge the fairy tale she wanted with Reno. It lingered until finally Aili snapped herself out of the fog of infatuation she was drowning in.

  In truth, if it was just sex he wanted, she was better off at home rather than a one–night stand – most likely forgotten the next day.

  She knew a few lasses who made that mistake with her brothers – who gave them little respect – having gotten what they wanted way too easy. Males liked that females gave in, but how quickly was an ultimate judgement on them.

  Sick of all the opposing standards when it came to males and females in her family – hell, the whole clan – she wanted to vent her fury and scream at the top of her lungs.

  The three warrior chaperones never left her side even after they settled in the private jet. When she went to the bathroom, one stood outside the door. Da meant business and had obviously ordered them not to let her out of their sight.

  She felt like a prisoner, an almost escapee, catching a sweet, but all too brief, glimpse of life away from her smothering family. She loved that Abe, Fifi and Matty were so refreshingly themselves and Jericho and his team were all males with huge reputations that they lived up to. Conn, she loved to bits and understood he only followed Da’s orders, but still she resented he took his anger out on Reno.

  Gone only a little over four days, Aili landed at the Edinburgh airport hours later confused as hell about what she’d just done, not to mention grumpy and feeling strangely exhausted.

  A rough cough burned her throat and she felt feverish. She better not be coming down with anything. The clinic needed her and she needed to keep busy. The ride to their Edinburgh home didn’t take long. Da was waiting on the front portico as were two of her brothers, Sean and Marm. They loaded into the car and set off for Skye.

  Reno went ballistic when he found Aili’s room empty. Empty of clothes, empty of her person, empty of everything. Only her scent remained. It dug into his brain, strawberries and magnolia.

  His fist hammered into the closest wall and a picture smashed to the floor, sliding sideways as broken glass shattered. His anger explosive, Reno kicked it away – as his protective instincts went full blown. Was she okay? Was she safe? What if danger were lurking nearby?

  Reno scrubbed a big hand over his face as a muscle ticked in his jaw.

  How was he supposed to just go on with shit?

  Like she’d never been here.

  Never shared a part of his world – never became a part of him within seconds of meeting her.

  His heart clenched hard – he couldn’t believe Aili was gone.

  What the fuck was he gonna do?

  A sleeping babe cradled in each arm, Abe swept into the room, eyes glistening with tears, noting the smashed glass scattered across the floor. A weak smile for Reno didn't stop her tears from falling. “We wanted Aili to stay too. She’s a great doctor. I feel terrible that her Da ordered her home to live the life they dictate. I know what that feels like.” Abe motioned to Reno, holding out her left arm.

  Reno moved closer only to gape at the tiny bundle offered. It caught him off guard – he didn’t know what the fuck to do – about Aili or with this teeny baby.

  Abe smiled. “It’s Daisy. Let her lay over your chest next to your heart and she’ll sleep forever. She loves a good strong heartbeat that one.”

  Reno gently shifted the pink bundle into both hands, curving his left around her bottom and snuggling her legs up as she settled on his chest.

  “Keep one hand on her back,” Abe suggested.

  Unexpectedly his rage evaporated and a wide, white grin split his face. “Cool. I got her.”

  “I think you do.” Abe nestled Deos on her shoulder well away from her breasts. Greedy baby boy. “So, what are we going to do?’

  “About?”

  “Aili.”

  A male who usually ran at the top of his game, it was unusual that Reno felt so confused or didn’t have a clue what to do – he was lost now that Aili was gone. As Second–in–Command, his response was automatic. “Talk to Jericho.”

  Abe quirked her brow. “Already tried that. Seems Aili’s Da just over ruled him. At least with us she could’ve had a bit of a life. Now, she may likely die a virgin just like Mamam wanted for me. Horrible, just horrible.”

  “Virgin?” Reno heard nothing else as it echoed through him, making certain body parts tingle and hum in a great way. Mine. All. Mine.

  “Sheesh! Sorry, that slipped out. Please, please, you can’t let on I just said that. Aili will be embarrassed and Jericho will be furious.”

  “I’ll keep your secret and Aili’s too.” For the first time in eons, Reno was out of his league and knew it. WTF – a Virgin?!

  “Oh Reno, it’s no secret Aili's family keeps her so close she can’t have a life of her own or that no male will ever live up to their clan standards.”

  “Shit, Abe. I, uh, didn’t know that either.” Too stunned by Aili’s virgin reveal, his mind refused to move on. But now, it kinda shook him up that he knew virtually nothing about his Aili and hadn’t really bothered to ask, too busy fantasizing about stripping her clothes off, taking her down to the floor, or the nearest fucking wall…

  One hand sliding to her hip and wearing a mischievous smile, Abe asked, “So, w
hat did you two talk about that night?”

  Reno blinked a few times before he caught her meaning. Had his fucking brain turned to mush? Blue eyes hooded and chin dipped down, Reno sheepishly admitted, “Aw shit, I never thought about the cameras. Hell.”

  Abe giggled. “That says a lot. Your mind was elsewhere, huh?”

  Reno flushed red as he clamped his mouth shut, handing Daisy back to her mother before rushing out. Abe’s giggles followed him. Would she keep his secret? Yeah, shit, some secret since it was all on vid. Had Cal shown it to everyone? He liked to stir the pot and did it with his usual seeming innocence. Reno didn’t buy it then or now.

  Jericho had to know Aili left the compound. No way in or out without his okay. Reno was ready to go at the big Jinn for not telling him his mate had left. His protective instincts pumped, he drilled down the front stairs, but midway down drew up short.

  Too stunned to move.

  Holding his breath.

  In utter disbelief.

  Aili wasn't his mate.

  He couldn’t dictate to anyone where Aili was concerned. Did he want to mate her? Hell, no – yeah. Maybe... Shivers crawled along the backs of his arms and he felt unsteady – he, Hollywood, settle down? Never in a fucking million, man.

  Last thing he needed was a female. Look at Jericho, his life wasn’t the same anymore. Yeah, shit, it was way better than it ever had been.

  A few more steps down and he realized that Aili was a lot smarter than he was. She might also have her own ideas of what she wanted in her male – and he probably didn’t fit that mold. Huh. He’d never considered that.

  Hell, he hadn’t considered much. Indeed, when it came to Aili McFeerson, he turned into a fucking idiot.

  Yet, even thinking about her now, his protective instincts reared up, his mind turning to the facts – when she was around, he hung on her every word and gesture, every sway of her breasts and ass. Her legs were killer. He also loved the little things about Aili – her dry wit and her lilting accent coming to bear when she was mad or wanted something.

  Now, simply put, the facts proved one thing to be inevitably true – to Reno, Aili bore the stamp of his mate. With instincts wide open and in a deep and abiding place within him – heart and soul – he sensed Aili was his. Every breath he was ever gonna take would be with her in mind.

  Fuck! Now he had to face the fact that Aili had left the compound within minutes of saying good–bye to him – why did she leave so abruptly?

  Eventually, it all came back to one question – What was he gonna do about Aili?

  To be sure, Aili had returned to Scotland and her life there – not much of one if what Abe said was true. Reno’s heart clenched when considering that maybe her family had already picked a male of worth for her? That thought bit his ass with a painful sting.

  Or was there someone else in her life?

  He’d never asked her. Never needed to ask a female that kind of shit. Never cared enough to want to know.

  Before now.

  Before Aili.

  Resoundingly dead silence abruptly drew Reno back to reality. His intense blue gaze swept the great room, noting that everyone he needed right now was right here.

  Conn swore softly at the expression Reno wore. He’d best describe it as murderous.

  Jericho sucked in a harsh, long breath and relaxed his body. He would step in if necessary and take on his Second–in–Command if only to help him release some of his rage. Jericho would do anything for Reno. Virtually anything. They had a long history together.

  For now, he had a short plan to hit the bull – Reno – on the head with something he loved – undeniable facts. Jericho only hoped it would appeal to Reno’s rational mind, which was obviously not present right now.

  The sounds of shuffling shit–kickers immediately erupted, everyone shifting quickly, not wanting to give away they’d all been keenly eyeing Reno as he metaphorically made his way down the front stairs – of his life.

  Too casually, Conn and Jericho shifted side by side, leaning against the pool table, arms crossed defensively, but faces calm. Zulu bent over the pool table and suddenly stilled to rack and set the balls.

  Reno jumped off the last three steps, landing hard and pushing off, gunning for Conn.

  The big Scot threw his hands up, but didn’t move. He was fine with it if Reno still had unfinished business with him. He’d take the fecker down this time. “It was her Da. Even superseded Jericho’s orders.”

  “True?” Reno pulled up, eyeing Jericho, realizing Conn just confirmed what Abe had revealed to him.

  Jericho nodded to Cal who flicked his roid and tapped once. In the great room, a burly voice boomed out of speakers, giving exact instructions for Aili’s exit from the compound, right down to the minute. McFeerson added at the end for good measure, “Ye’ll nae be countermanding me orders even if ye aer a King.”

  On the opposite side of the pool table, a small screen whirred down and lit up with Aili coming down the front stairs. Cal said, “I can count it down. She does it like clockwork. Knows just what’s expected. The three big Scots were sent by her Da to guard, uh, escort her home. They all fucking checked out, Reno. She’s safe at least.”

  Reno watched the wall screen as the front door swung open and all three warriors slightly bowed to Aili, who only gave them a curt nod without her usual smile. Not one of them touched her as she slid into the back of the waiting vehicle.

  He couldn’t fucking believe it. For Reno, it was surreal the way she went with them so submissively, shoulders slumped and her head tucked down. That wasn’t his fucking Aili.

  His heart heavy, Reno burned to reach out and soothe her, let her know it was gonna be okay ‘cause he was gonna stop this shit and make it good for her. His body went rock solid, shoulders one hard line and chest torquing that anyone would dare take his Aili and twist her into something she wasn't.

  His Aili held the brightest spark inside her, a light that shone over him and soothed him. Never would he let anyone diminish that in her. Tied in knots and emotions flowing through him that he wasn’t used to all drove him to the edge of desperation. He loved the constant twinkle of amusement in her eyes, the way she looked at him, tended to him. He wanted his Aili. Yes, she was his. "Fuck, man, I don't even have her... Cal? Cell number?”

  “Yeah sure.” Cal called out Aili’s number so fast it was obvious he had already memorized it.

  Intense blue eyes snapping up, Reno watched the tech wizard closely. What the fuck was he up to? Cal seemed a couple steps ahead of him, more ahead than he should be.

  He left the room and stood in the hallway as Aili’s cell rang and rang finally flipping to voice mail. Her voice was rough and thick, telling him to leave a message. He did. One word. “Reno.” Was something wrong? Was she sick?

  Cell cupped in his big hand, staring at the colorful apps, he waited for Aili to call him back.

  He’d never done this for any female before.

  Waited on her.

  Aili was new to him – his usual picks were fast and furious and always ready. He had to stay steady and patient with Aili, let her guide him a little. Reno knew it wouldn’t take him long to figure out what she wanted.

  Indeed – a mistake on his part to be sure – he just didn’t know it yet.

  He quirked a blonde brow at his cell when it didn’t ring.

  Huh? It wasn’t ringing. That made him even crazier.

  Or maybe he had it all wrong. Maybe, just maybe, he had a sense of what females experienced when males never got back to them. Never having been here before his only response was WTF!

  Unbelievably, he shook the cell – to make sure it was working – pressed a couple of apps that popped into action immediately. Yeah, it was working fine.

  Did she have a male of worth? He thought back to their brief time together, she’d been friendly, didn’t throw her natural sexiness around, nor did she rub her breasts against his arm the night of their walk as he prayed feverishly she would
. No, Aili had conducted herself – she had set the pace – and he’d followed accordingly.

  Reno found that sexy as hell.

  Which either meant she really was a virgin or it might point to the fucking worst possibility – Aili was interested in someone else. She hadn't ever come on to him, well maybe a little after his fight with Conn, but she had kept a professional demeanor and hadn't in any way acknowledged Rock Hard's incredible presence.

  Dr. Aili McFearson was truly a female of worth and behaved as one.

  Was he such a fucking idiot! Conn's words rang in his brain – her five brothers and a Da as big as a house. Was she used to males coming on to her? The very idea burned a hole in his brain.

  Was she even attracted to him or had he imagined it? Strangely, he was starting to think he’d made the whole Aili thing up altogether. It had only been four days and they weren’t constantly together even if he was constantly thinking about her in many ways.

  His cell didn’t ring.

  Reno couldn’t believe it.

  What did he do now?

  Call again, be a pest who couldn’t take a hint?

  Not his style, but maybe he’d try it.

  He took a deep breath and sent her a short text.

  Jericho paced the command centre, features set in hard lines and his brow furrowed – he didn’t speak aloud what he was thinking. What he hoped would be a somewhat smooth mating between Reno and Aili was exactly the opposite. Obviously, Aili had taken Reno by storm, then left him flat. “Conn, tell me about Aili’s personal life. She have a male? Engaged? Someone her family chose for her?”

  Regretfully, Conn shook his head. “Nae, they haven’t chosen anyone yet. I suspect its because Esme and Duke know Aili will reject anyone they pick. She’s strong headed, aer Aili. Whoever her mate is, he’ll have to tow the clan line and bow to her Da. Until he appears, Aili remains within the protection of aer clan.”