"You smell that?" said Luke.
"Smell it! I can see it!" shouted Clara. "My barn's on fire!"
"Not the fire. Accelerant. Gas, maybe."
"Someone did this?" The wind changed, sending smoke their way. Luke gathered her into his arms, pressing her head into his chest to protect her from the stinging smoke. She felt him take the phone from her hand and dial, his voice sharply asking for the fire department, giving their address. "Where's Cade?" Clara yelled, suddenly desperate to find him as she pushed at Luke's chest to no avail.
"Go to the other side of the house. I'll find him."
"No! What if he went inside the barn?"
"He's dumb," Luke huffed, barely able to hold back a mirthful laugh as he half-walked, half-carried her back to the house. "But not that dumb. Let's find him."
They found Cade hooking up the hose to the outside faucet, his face intent and smudged with smoke.
"You can't fight that fire alone. It's too dangerous," said Clara, rushing to his side. "Besides, Luke smelled gas. Water won't help."
"I'm not going to let you lose everything!"
"I won't lose everything." And in a moment of clarity, Clara realized she wouldn't. The barn was just a wooden structure. She could rebuild. Maybe even make it better, rather than try and make it into what she needed. But more importantly than that, she couldn't bear it if Cade or Luke got hurt trying to protect something inanimate just because it was hers.
Cade planted a kiss on her cheek. "I know. I'm not going in there," he grinned, jabbing a finger at the barn then to her house. "I'm going to wet the walls, roof and grass between. Make it hard for the fire to catch hold of the house, see?"
Clara blinked at him in surprise. "Oh. Do it!"
Cade coiled the hose in his hand and leaned in, whispering into her ear, "Then when I'm done, I'm going to get you very wet."
Despite the heat, Clara felt a blush creeping across her face. "That's not gonna happen," she sassed back. "I'll be ogling the firefighters."
Luke held up the phone. "It's bad that I'm thinking of calling to cancel the fire truck, isn't it?" He picked Clara up, depositing her behind him. "Go shut off the gas and electrics while we get everything wet."
Clara blushed again. Then, for once in her life, did exactly what she was told to do. It would probably be the last time too.
After shutting off the power because the last thing they needed was extra fuel for the raging fire, she retreated to the far side of the house, hopping onto a fence and watched dispassionately as the barn turned from leaky, temperamental structure to wild bonfire, the flames licking at the wet grass.
By the time the fire trucks arrived, sirens screaming, men shouting, as her sanctuary became a hive of activity, Cade and Luke had soaked the grass and shrubbery between the barn and her home. Her roof dripped with the constant onslaught of water. Really, it could have been so much worse she thought when, their backs patted by the firefighters, Luke and Cade gave up their fight and joined her on the fence, each hopping up either side of her.
"You saved my house!" She threw herself at Cade and he caught her, holding her tight. "Thank you!"
"I can't believe you're smiling, honey." Cade wrapped an arm around her, tugged her into him. Clara planted a delicate kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you so much," she said, reaching for Luke. "Thank you so much, Luke."
Cade's forehead puckered into a frown. "But you lost the barn."
"Win some, lose some. I know what’s important to me and it’s you two, not that barn." She circled an arm around both of them, holding them against her because that was their rightful place. "You were very brave."
"Wasn't I brave too?"
"Cade, I swear that's a pout on your lips! Of course I think you’re brave."
"I'd rather something else was on my lips," he teased, leaning in to her.
"Such a dirty mind," she castigated, but it was with a laugh. When they inched against her, their big bodies protecting her from either side, Cade's arm about her waist and Luke's slung about her shoulders, she relaxed into them. Nothing felt more right. These were the men who would fight for her no matter what. She would always be able to rely on them to save her and look after her...and to make her laugh even in the face of danger. How could she ever have wanted them to leave? They were hers, through and through.
It seemed it was a time of epiphanies for her. No matter how hard she'd tried to make them leave, no matter how much she thought her heart was closed to love, it wasn't and they stayed, waiting for her. She accepted it for what it was. Cade had always been her mate, and no matter how much she hurt him in the past, he still loved her; the depth of his love for her ran deeper than she ever imagined.
And Luke? Her big, brave tiger who just seemed to want to see her happy. She wanted him to be happy too. Most of all, she wanted them both with her, at the same time, to love them together. But how was she to broach such a delicate subject? To tell them that she felt ready to take their relationship to a new level.
"I...," she started, looking up as the fire chief approached them.
Cade hopped off the fence and walked towards the man, his hand outstretched. The fire chief shook it and clapped Cade on the back while they exchanged a few pleasantries. Clara realized she recognized the older man. Ron Anderson was an old friend of Cade and Colton's family.
"I hate to say it," said Anderson as he pulled off his gloves, brushing them against his protective jacket, "but that barn is gone."
"I figured," said Clara, sliding to the ground. She gave her palms a quick rub over her jeans before shaking his hand. "Thanks so much for trying."
"If it wasn't for Cade and his friend here, this could have been a lot worse. You're very lucky your house is completely untouched."
"I have a feeling I'm going to be making it up to them for quite some while." Clara ignored Cade's arched brow. "Is it a big mess back there?"
"I'll say. I can get you some guys out to clear it. They won't ask for much. The foundations still look good, but I can't say for sure just yet." Anderson shifted his feet and looked back over his shoulder. When he turned to them, his face was serious. "We found traces of accelerants. There's going to be an investigation."
"I swear I..."
"Hold up now. I'm not going to insult you by implying it was you. I've known you years, Clara, plus Cade and your husband since they were boys. I know you wouldn't do anything like this, but can you think who would? Is there anyone who would want to damage your property?"
Clara closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Yes, she could think of one person who wanted the farm bad enough to damage it, bad enough that they would try and put her out of business to do it. Stanton.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Luke took her hand in his and she nodded.
"Stanton," said Cade. "Damn it. I knew that man was bad news."
"You want to tell me what this is all about?" asked the chief, looking to each of them.
"Jack Stanton. He's been pestering Clara to sell the land since Colton passed," explained Cade. "He wants to put condos on it or something. She keeps telling him no, and he keeps coming back."
"He said he'd get this place no matter what," added Clara.
"You think he'd set fire to the barn? You could have all been killed if the house caught," Anderson said, his eyes somber.
"Guess that would have made it easy for Stanton," said Luke, his voice thick at the thought of anyone hurting Clara or his friend.
"You got any evidence I can work with?" asked Anderson.
Clara shook her head. "A few letters, but nothing nasty. He saves that for talking."
"Let me see those letters in the next week, okay? I don't like the idea of going up against Stanton, but I'm not going to see you get hurt because he wants land he ain't gonna get. You hear me?"
She nodded. "I hear you."
"Now, someone will be by to do the investigation today and then you call me when you're ready to get the barn cleared. It's not safe
, so don't go in it. There's nothing left in there anyway," Anderson finished with a shrug of his shoulders and a sympathetic look to Clara.
"Thanks again," she said politely, because there wasn't a lot left to say.
"No problem. You folks can go on home. The house is safe. We'll pack up and get outta here. Don't forget to call me." Anderson gave another firm nod, and walked away, calling directions to his men as he went.
"I'm going back to bed," said Clara, decisively. Much as she was relieved no one was hurt, she had no intention of watching like a masochist as the fire crew left the sodden remains of her barn behind. Instead, she was going to climb back into her bed, pull up the warm covers and grab some sleep in what was left of the night. And she didn't plan on being alone. A coy smile sprang onto her face as she walked towards the house. After a few calculated steps, she stopped, turned and said, "Seriously, guys? You’re gonna let me go alone? That was an invitation. Like either of you need one."
Seconds later two broad, strong men flanked her. Inside, Luke locked the door behind them and both followed her upstairs to her bedroom, cautiously waiting while she shimmied out of her smoke-scented jeans. "I know I need a shower," she told them, stifling a yawn with the back of her hand, "but I'd rather sleep."
"Plenty of time for that later," murmured Cade, tossing his clothes and sliding in after her. Seconds later, another warm body pressed against her.
"Have I told you guys how much you mean to me?" she asked, the scene of the scorched barn seared onto her mind. What would she have done without them? Losing everything didn't bear thinking about. If anything, this latest vile incident just reinforced how much she needed them, how she loved them. "I can't imagine not having either of you in my life. Cade, I missed you so much when you were gone. Truly. And Luke...you mean the world to me. I love you."
Edging onto her side, Clara raised her hand to Cade's face and drew him closer, kissing him long and deep, deeper still when his arms snaked around her and pulled her against his body, until a low rumble sounded behind her.
"I thought we were just sleeping," Cade murmured, his hands roaming her back, then down to cup her butt, hoisting her against his growing erection.
"We are. That was a good night kiss. Or a good morning one, depends on how you want to look at it." She wriggled out of his arms and turned to Luke, at the last minute pulling one of Cade's arms over her, his palm nestling on the flat of her stomach. "I didn't forget about you," she told Luke, her fingers tracing his jaw before she pressed her lips against his, parting them slightly so their tongues could tangle. A purr vibrated through him and his hand landed on her thigh, running around to cup her butt and draw her to him.
"Jeez, man. Nearly touched something I didn't want touched just then," came Cade's indignant voice as his hand ran quickly over her side to rest on her back.
"Wouldn't want to put you to shame," Luke mumbled between kisses, his thick cock pressing into her belly.
Clara couldn't help the laugh that burst from her. "I think I mentioned sleeping, not shaming." Tucking her head into the crux of Luke's shoulder, she wrapped one arm around him and closed her eyes, smiling as Cade curled his body around hers.
"Dude, where is it safe for me to put a hand?" asked Luke.
"I have one on her thigh." Cade moved his hand from on top, and slid it onto the warm patch between her inner thighs. "The other is under my own head."
"Suits me," replied Luke as he adjusted her to slide his arms under her, wrap around her body and keep her tight against him.
"Guess no one is going to ask me where my hands are," said Clara.
"No," they answered as one.
"Just as well." Clara bit her bottom lip as the hand she rested on the small of Luke's back drifted lower, her fingers dipping under the waistband of his shorts, then lower to cup his muscular butt.
Curled together at last, the three of them drifted back to sleep. The scent of burning still hung in the air, but the power of their presence together was all that truly mattered for now.
Chapter Seventeen
"I'm sorry we had to cancel the party, sweetheart." The three of them sat on the grass staring at the remains of the barn as the workmen tore the last of it down, carting the remains away to their truck.
"It would be kind of a buzzkill to have a party with that eyesore," Clara replied matter-of-factly. "Thank goodness for insurance."
"They going to cover the whole building?" asked Luke.
"Not quite, but it's enough to get started again. I guess it'll just take a little longer but this time I can do it exactly how I want to, not make do with what I had."
"That's the spirit." Cade gave her a smile of approval.
She exhaled, clambering to her feet. "Guess I'll see to lunch then I have some plans for you both to look at. Colton drew them years ago when we had bigger, fancier ideas. Maybe one of them could be adapted?"
"Can't wait to see them," said Cade. "We'll be through to help in a few minutes, okay?"
Waiting until Clara was safely out of earshot, Cade asked, "So?"
Luke raised his eyebrows. "So...what?"
"How did the cameras you installed work out? I would have asked sooner but Clara's been so nervy the past few days she's always hovering. Which, I have to admit, I like a lot but I did want to ask..."
"If they worked?" Luke finished. "Yes, they did. In fact, they worked a dream. I have stills and video."
"Enough to see who set the barn on fire?"
"Yep and plenty more besides. I have all the evidence Clara needs to get Stanton off her back once and for all."
"You know I'm surprised he hasn't been by to gloat."
"He will. He's just giving a decent enough interval between the fire and making his next move. Probably waiting for Clara to panic and insist he swoop in and buy the place below market."
"Think we should tell her?" Cade nodded towards the house where he could imagine her moving about the kitchen, preparing their meal. His heart brimmed with happiness at the thought. This was family.
"Not yet. Give me a few more days to get everything together. You think we should pay Stanton a visit?"
"Nah. Let him come to us. Clara is going to want to give him the news herself when she finds out."
"You have a devious mind, bro'."
Cade grinned. "That’s the nicest thing you ever said.”
***
"What is he doing?" Clara whispered as she nudged Cade with her elbow and nodded to Luke. "He's been glued to the laptop for an hour."
"Working?" Cade shrugged. He waved the remote control at the television. "Watch the movie."
"It's boring. I'm never letting you pick movies again." She glanced back at Luke. "When is he going to stop and come over here?"
"Maybe never. He loves that laptop."
"More than me?"
Cade laughed. "And for your next ridiculous question?"
"Do you think we can distract him with whatever he's so interested in?"
"Got a plan?"
"No."
It was Cade's turn to glance over. Yep, Luke was still hunched over the laptop, his fingers flying over the keys. "Maybe we could fornicate on the floor," he suggested as his hand slid under her t-shirt. "Want to see how long it takes him to beg to join in."
"I can hear you," said Luke, his eyes still glued to the screen.
"Sure. You're just too busy to do anything about it." Cade pushed himself up from his comfortable reclining position, freed his second hand and went to work on Clara's t-shirt, pulling it up and lifting it over her head, revealing a sexy bra in softest satin. "Mmm. Hello."
"Cade...maybe he's very busy and doesn't need distracting," Clara giggled as Cade's thumbs ran over the cups and her nipples surged into peaks in response.
"I'm not distracting him. I'm distracting you from thinking about what he is doing," Cade murmured as her bra went snap and fell apart.
"What is he...oh!" Clara trailed off as Cade planted a silencing kiss to her lips.
"You'll have to do better," Clara giggled. "He still prefers the laptop."
"Let me know if you get any ideas." Cade kissed his way to her nipple before licking it.
"Well, I do have one idea..." Clara stopped, glanced over at Luke then down to where Cade's head bobbed over her breast. It was sinfully naughty but it had been pushing at the edges of her mind ever since they started sharing a bed. Having thoroughly enjoyed experiencing each man separately, Clara had a burning curiosity to experience them together. The idea of taking turns to sleep to enjoy each other sexually felt wrong somehow, like she was constantly flitting between the two when she realized now that what she needed was the comfort and pleasure of them together.
Since they had both taken to sleeping either side of her, she had slept wonderfully and it seemed only natural to take their budding relationship to the stage where an actual threesome was not only thinkable but definitely doable. And heavens help her, she wanted them to do her. Wanted it badly; the urge growing stronger every time it flitted through her mind.
Somehow she didn't think her men would be against it. After all, the first night she had slept with Luke, Cade had been in the doorway, watching and turned on. And Luke didn't seem to have any problem with Cade touching her intimately, even fucking in front of him.
A smile slipped onto her lips. They had already initiated a threesome when she'd woken with them. Hadn't Cade gone down on her while Luke ministered to her breasts? And didn't she take Luke's cock into her mouth while Cade powered into her? It had felt so decadent.
No, she didn't think she would have a hard time telling them this was what she wanted. She wanted to be loved and adored, pleasured and climaxing with them both inside her. She wanted to bring that last piece of completion to their group mating, to make love as one entity. And it would be a mating. She planned to bite them both, to make them hers. In her head, her wolf gave a little flounce and flopped submissively. Isn't that what her wolf had been telling her all along? Don't fight it, enjoy it.
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