Dakota Bad Boys of Dry River, WY Book 5

by Susan Fisher-Davis

  “Damn right.” He gritted his teeth as he inched into her. “Christ, you feel so fucking good.” He pulled out and thrust back into her making her gasp. He did it again, and again. “Wrap your legs around me. Come on, Nutmeg. Move with me.” She did what he commanded, and he picked up the pace. Her nails scraped his back as she nipped his neck. His hand slipped under her ass to pull her tighter against him.

  “Kiss me, Dakota. Please,” she pleaded on a moan.

  He kissed her deep and thorough as he started to pound into her harder. Her inner muscles clenched around him right before she tore her lips from his and screamed his name. It threw him over the edge. He groaned her name as he came and followed her over. He collapsed on top of her and tried to catch his breath before he rolled off her. He heard her breathing hard too.

  Dakota sat up, waited for his breathing to even a bit, then walked to the bathroom to dispose of the condom. He placed his hands on the counter, and stared into the mirror. Fucking idiot! After a few minutes of self-recrimination, he walked back into the bedroom to see her sitting up with the sheet under her arms. She smiled shyly at him. He took a deep breath, walked to the bed, and sat on the edge, his back to her.

  “You’re regretting it, aren’t you?”

  “If you mean, it shouldn’t have happened...yes. I won’t let you back in,” he muttered.

  He heard her getting out of the bed and when he glanced over his shoulder, it was to see her dressing. He saw a tear slide down her cheek and swore under his breath.

  “Megan––”

  “No. I get it. It won’t happen again. Goodnight.” She walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.

  Running his hand around the back of his neck, he swore again, wanting to shout at the top of his lungs. How fucking stupid are you? You just couldn’t keep your dick in your pants. You had to have her. Just when you were getting to the point where you didn’t think of her twenty-four seven. Yeah, that’s a fucking lie and you know it!

  Taking a deep breath to calm his anger, he walked back into the bathroom. He needed a shower. Reaching into the stall, he turned on the tap, and soon steam filled the room. Opening the glass door, he stepped inside, placed his hands against the black and white tiles, and stuck his head under the spray.

  Damn it, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. His dick started to think about her too. Stepping back, he turned the water to cold, and jumped back as the icy water hit his skin. It did the trick though. Now, if he could only get some sleep without thinking of her, thinking of her being in the bed with him or her legs wrapped tightly around him.

  ****

  Megan lay in her bed and sobbed. Being with Dakota again had been so good, but then he hurt her by saying he wouldn’t let her in. It wasn’t fair. He was deep in her heart and he’d never leave it. She wanted back into his. The sex had always been so good between them, and obviously still was but even without that, she would never stop loving him. He’d taught her how to let go and be uninhibited in bed with him. She did things with him she’d only read about. With a sad smile crossing her lips, she remembered once thinking sex couldn’t be all that good, but she’d been so wrong and now she’d never want another man. Dakota Walker was the love of her life but after what just happened, she knew she’d have to move on and find someone new. Her problem was that she had a lot of trouble picturing that happening because, she wanted only Dakota.

  Sitting up, she wiped the tears from her face and entered the bathroom to shower. She should have told him she was still on the pill. He’d talked her into it after the first time they made love. He told her he didn’t want anything between them and she’d loved it. She shivered when she thought of how he pulsed inside her when he came. Lord, she loved him so much and now she’d lost him for good.

  Where are you, Aiden? You have really put me in a bind.

  She knew he was out there somewhere and she hoped he was safe but couldn’t help but be as angry with him as she was worried. Caporale would be looking for both of them since she’d run too. He probably thought she was with Aiden and they were on the run together, but going where? Where would Aiden go? Canada? She knew in her heart, that was exactly where he was going. She finished her shower and dressed quickly then ran down the hall to Dakota’s bedroom. She knocked on the door. He opened it with a scowl on his face.

  “Back for more? Sorry, I’m not interested.” He tried to close the door but she put her hand against it.

  “I think Aiden might run for Canada.”

  “Of course, he will. Anyone with a brain will know that.”

  “The FBI?”

  Dakota sighed and opened the door for her to enter. She walked past him and sat in the chair beside the bed. Dakota sat on the bed across from her.

  “The FBI is looking everywhere but especially close to Canada. He won’t be able to cross the border without them knowing. No matter how he tries.”

  “Will they shoot him?”

  “Only if he shoots at them first. They’re hoping he’s not armed and cooperates with them.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Mont has connections in the FBI and he’s keeping me abreast of what’s going on.”

  She jumped up. “And you didn’t tell me?”

  “Thought it was better if you didn’t know.”

  “Why? Why would it be better?”

  “In case Aiden doesn’t cooperate. The FBI will do everything they can to get him home but they also know Caporale has to know he’s heading that way too. He’s not a stupid man and he has a lot of connections. I guarantee Caporale has men scouring everywhere for your brother. Aiden did a real stupid thing by running from the embezzling charges but it was even worse to run from Caporale. He’ll kill him in a heartbeat because he double-crossed him. It was just better not telling you all this. You have enough on your mind.”

  She collapsed back down into the chair. “He’s going to end up dead.”

  “This is why you weren’t told. Now you’ll worry and it will be all you think about. It was better if you thought he was hiding somewhere safe.”

  “I am not a child, Dakota. I’m twenty-eight years old and I should be told what’s going on. He’s my brother.”

  “Trust me. I know he’s your brother. He was rammed down my throat enough.”

  “That is such bullshit.”

  Dakota came at her, grasped her arms, pulled her up out of the chair, and put his nose so close to hers they breathed the same air.

  “Is it? It’s because of him we aren’t together anymore. It’s because of him I lost the love of my life. It’s because of him I’m out ten thousand dollars and it’s because of him you’re here now,” he said through clenched teeth then he pushed her back down into the chair. She watched him walk away from her and comb his fingers through his hair.

  “You were the love of my life too, Dakota.”

  “Now that right there is bullshit. Go to bed, Megan.”

  She stared at his back for a few minutes then ran from the room. Closing the door to her room, she ran to the bed and fell across it. Damn it! He was right. It was all Aiden’s fault. Once he came home, she was done with caring for him. He was on his own. Of course, once he came home, he’d probably be in prison.

  Rolling to her back, she stared up at the ceiling. Tears rolled down into the hair at her temples. He was going to prison no matter what, if the FBI found him. Of course, he’d be dead if Vincent Caporale found him. What if he found Aiden first and killed him? Would he still come after her? For the money? That had never occurred to her. She’d had so much on her mind with Aiden running that she never considered Caporale would come for her if Aiden were arrested.

  Oh, Aiden, what the hell were you thinking?

  How was this going to end? She started shaking and couldn’t stop. She crawled between the sheets, pulled them up to her chin and prayed sleep would come.

  ****

  Dakota lay on his bed with his hands clasped behind his head. He shouldn’t have told
her but damn it, she needed to know what she was up against with Aiden. The FBI would try to talk him into coming back and possibly making a deal, but Dakota knew how Aiden was. He thought he could get himself out of anything or that Megan would get him out of it. Not this time. There was no way she’d get him out of this. He was going to prison no matter how you looked at it. Even if he made a deal to testify against Caporale, he’d still go to prison for the embezzling charges.

  Dakota huffed. Aiden probably didn’t have anything new he could say about Caporale that the FBI didn’t already know. He was definitely caught between a rock and a hard place. If he testified against Caporale, there was a good chance that he’d be killed in prison. If he didn’t testify, he’d get a longer sentence and unless Caporale actually did something to Aiden himself, the only thing Aiden could do is testify that Caporale was a loan shark. Caporale would have to do something to Aiden, and Dakota knew the only thing he’d do to him was kill him or have his goons do it for him.

  Son of a bitch! Damn Aiden for putting Megan through this. She’d taken care of him for years and he repaid her like this. It just proved what Dakota had said all along. Aiden was nothing but trouble. Megan never listened to him when he’d try to convince her. She’d get angry and they’d ended up arguing. In her eyes, Aiden could do no wrong. Now she knew he could. Dakota knew he was going to run once he’d gotten out on bail. He knew it but Megan believed in Aiden. As always.

  Rolling out of bed, he walked to the window, and peered out. It was quiet. He glanced up at the yard light and watched as flurries floated through the beam. More snow. The only good thing about it was it might keep people away who weren’t supposed to be here. The ranch hands were keeping a lookout for anything unusual.

  This time of the year, it was tough in Wyoming. December was next month. God, he hoped she was gone before Christmas. He had spoiled her the one time they’d spent the holiday together. He’d bought Daisy for her and she’d loved the horse even more than the diamond pendant he’d given her. It sure hadn’t seemed like she’d been after his money then. She’d loved the pendant but when he took her out to the barn to see Daisy, she’d cried. She’d thrown her arms around his neck and sobbed. The horse meant the world to her.

  He smiled sadly, as he thought of her telling him why.

  “I love the necklace, Kota, but I’ve come so far with riding a horse. I love having my own horse to ride any time we come here.” She kissed his lips quickly then walked to the horse.

  “If I’d known that, I wouldn’t have gotten you the necklace.” He grinned.

  “You’re lying. You spoil me every day. I was certain you’d go all out for Christmas. I just wish I’d gotten you more.”

  “Megan, I needed everything you bought me and that was enough. Let’s go back inside. You have more gifts to open.”

  “I do?”

  He’d nodded then laughed when she ran to him and jumped into his arms. Then they walked to the house together. It was a good day.

  Dakota swore. He hated when memories of her rushed back at him. He’d been doing fine without her but now she was here. Damn it! He hoped the FBI found Aiden soon. Once he got Megan out of his home, she’d be out of his life forever.

  You know that’s bullshit, Walker. She’d never be out of his life. He loved her and he always would. There was no way around it. That was why she had to go. Maybe if he didn’t see her, he’d eventually be able to forget her. Some days, he actually believed that. Others, he knew she’d sneak into his head. No doubt, for his sanity, she had to go. Soon. Like yesterday soon.

  Groaning, he sat on the edge of the bed and rested his arms on his knees, and stared at the floor. His life was such a mess right now. The only good thing about his life was he loved the work he did as the District Attorney in Dry River and he loved working the ranch on the weekends. Tomorrow was Monday so he’d be going into his office in town, if the weather permitted. If not, he could handle cases from his home office. It wouldn’t be the first time but now he had a distraction here and he’d rather go to his office so he could get away from her. The ranch hands would be here to watch her. He trusted all of them and they’d already told him he didn’t need to worry while he was away. Hell, he was going to worry no matter where he was. Vincent Caporale was on the warpath and that was never a good thing. The man was ruthless and Dakota knew he wouldn’t give up until he had Aiden or Megan. Shit! Shit! Shit!

  If Aiden were in front of Dakota right now, he’d kill him. Not literally, but he’d beat the hell out of him for doing this to Megan. She didn’t deserve this, especially from the brother she’d taken care of for so long.

  Dakota clenched his hands into fists. Just one shot. That was all he wanted.

  He snorted. It was probably all it would take to knock Aiden’s ass out.

  Taking a deep breath, Dakota stood and walked to the window and stared out at the snow again. Leaning against the sill, he folded his arms and wondered how long this situation would continue. Not long, he hoped, or he’d lose what sanity he had left.

  Chapter Six

  Megan woke up the next morning with bright sunlight streaming through the curtains. She stretched then swung her legs over the bed and stood. Walking to the window, she gazed out. The snow was blinding as she looked out at it. After blinking her eyes to get them adjusted, she saw a few men walking around in the corrals putting hay out for the horses but none of them was Dakota.

  After a quick shower, she entered the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Once it finished, she poured herself a cup. It was then she saw a note on the table. Walking over to it, she picked it up and read it.

  Megan,

  I’ll be in my office in town. If you need me, call.

  Dakota

  Nothing like short and to the point. Pulling a chair out from the table, she took a seat then about jumped out of her skin when the back door flew open. Nathan stepped in and smiled at her.

  “Hello, Megan.”

  “Hi, Nathan.” Grinning, she stood when he reached her.

  Nathan pulled her into a hug. “It’s good to see you again—despite not exactly being the right circumstances. We didn’t get to talk much on the plane. I knew you were scared so I just let you be.”

  “I’m still scared but I feel better being here. What are you doing here? Dakota’s at his office in town.”

  “I know. I’m waiting for an agent from the FBI to arrive. They have some questions to ask you. He should be here any minute.” He walked to the coffee pot and poured himself a cup of coffee.

  “I don’t know anything, Nathan.”

  “Just tell him what you do know. How Caporale came by. How he threatened you.” He shrugged. “I’m sure you’ll be asked about that.” As Nathan pulled a chair out, he glanced out the window. “Ah, there he is now.”

  She watched as Nathan opened the door and smiled at someone. He stuck his hand out to the man entering the kitchen. “Good to see you again, Micah,” she heard him say.

  Megan’s attention shifted to the man Nathan called Micah and was sure her mouth dropped open. The man was very handsome and tall, with dark hair and eyes. His suit, in no way, hid the rock hard body under it. He turned toward her and grinned showing white teeth, and dimples peeked at her from his cheeks. If this man was FBI, he could arrest her anytime. She smiled as he walked toward her.

  Offering his badge for her inspection, he addressed her, “Miss Carson? I’m Agent Micah Turner with the FBI.”

  “Nice to meet you, Agent Turner. Please have a seat. Would you like some coffee?”

  “I would, thank you.” Agent Turner pulled a chair out but didn’t sit until Megan handed him his coffee and resumed her seat. “Miss Carson––”

  “Megan, please.”

  He smiled at her. “Megan. Did you know your brother had gambling debts?”

  “No. I had no clue.”

  “It was bad enough that he embezzled money from the bank but to take a loan out from Vincent Caporale and not pay it back...wel
l, it could be his death sentence.”

  “He allegedly embezzled—” Megan quit her statement when Micah shook his head.

  “He did it, Megan. We have proof. Aiden Carson sent the money to an offshore bank account. I’m sorry but he did do it, and he will be arrested for that charge. The thing is, we need to find him before Caporale does.”

  “If he embezzled the money, why didn’t he just pay Caporale back?”

  “Most likely greed, plain and simple. Vincent Caporale owns a horseracing track in Boulder. It’s well known throughout the area that he gives loans out to gamblers who can’t really afford a big bet. Caporale’s employees know how to spot that type of person. They draw them in and before they know it, the person is up to their eyeballs in debt. From what I could find out, Aiden had taken several loans from Caporale but he repaid the first few. Giving Caporale, the idea Aiden could be trusted with bigger loan amounts but he took off owing the bank a hundred thousand dollars, and Caporale, fifty thousand dollars. He’s in deep, Megan.”

  “Caporale will kill him, won’t he?”

  “I hate to say it, but yes. He won’t care if Aiden can pay him back now or not. He double crossed him and no one double crosses Vincent Caporale.”

  “What can I do?” Tears burned her eyes and she tried to blink them away.

  “Expect the worse but hope for the best.” Micah shrugged.

  Megan placed her hands over her face for a minute. “Will Caporale still come after me for the money?”

  Micah blew out a breath. “It’s a possibility. I’m trying my best to get him, but nothing has ever stuck. He’s like the Teflon don. It took years to get Gotti and I’ve already invested five years in trying to get Caporale. I’m not giving up, but we need to keep you here for a while.”

  “Isn’t there somewhere else you can take me? Dakota hates having me here.”

  “This is the safest place for you, Megan,” Nathan said, and Micah nodded his agreement.

  “Tell me what Caporale said to you,” Micah continued.

  “He told me I’d better hope he finds Aiden before the FBI does or he’ll be coming after his family for the money. I’m his only family.” She sighed. “I knew what he meant. If I had that kind of money, I’d pay him off.”