He didn’t budge and leaned down until his face was in hers. “Not interested in being your father. You don’t want to be treated like a child, quit acting like one. Take better care of yourself.”
“I am.”
“You’re not.” Drew cupped her cheek, rubbed a thumb over the soft skin. “Go up to bed; I’ll take the wine out and let them know you went to sleep. And tomorrow,” he lowered his voice, “you are going to sit down and eat every fucking thing put in front of you. If you think I’m treating you like a child now? Keep pulling the shit you’re pulling, and I’ll take you over my knee.”
Katie inhaled shakily and her eyelids fluttered. Drew cursed his body’s response—to his threat and to her reaction, which sure as hell didn’t look like fear or annoyance. Interest. That was what he read in her expression, and his cock pressed insistently at the zipper of his jeans at that thought, and the idea of spanking her ass until it was red and hot beneath his palm.
“You wouldn’t dare,” she whispered.
He shifted his hand to grip her chin firmly. “Try me.”
Their gazes held for several long seconds then he released her and stepped back. “Do you need help up the stairs?”
“Am I allowed to use the outhouse and clean up before I go up?”
Drew bit back his smile at the venom in her words. “Of course you can.” He dropped a kiss on her cheek and walked into the pantry.
“Grace wanted the strawberry and blueberry-honey bottles,” Katie said.
After grabbing them, he turned back and looked at Katie questioningly. “Clean up and go to bed.”
She lowered her gaze and said, “Yes, sir.”
Despite the syrupy sweet, mocking tone, his cock jerked at the words and the submissive posture. He inhaled sharply though his nose and, unable to stop himself, replied, “Good girl.”
Good girl.
Those two words echoed through Katie’s head again and again as she took a trip to the outhouse and, on her way back, waved to the group around the fire as they called out their goodnights—not Drew though; he just watched her, the flames casting shadows over the planes of his face. His voice was still in her head as she washed up, climbed the stairs to the loft and changed into her pajamas. And it showed no signs of stopping even now as she lay on her mattress, staring at the ceiling, exhausted and unable to sleep.
Christ, she was all kinds of fucked up. Pissed off because Drew thought he had the right to tell her what to do, but at the same time—she squeezed her eyes shut and groaned—insanely turned on. She’d nearly creamed herself when he called her a “good girl” in that low, intimate voice as his scent surrounded her. Yeah, fucked up was what she was. No doubt about it. And it wasn’t a new development. She’d always followed whatever Drew said, ached to please him, ever since she’d come here at the age of fifteen. She knew the rest of their little family had found it amusing, what they saw as her cute teenaged crush on Drew. It had grown into more, but she’d gotten better at hiding her feelings from everyone.
Of course, she hadn’t realized just how much she depended on his approving glances, his light caresses, his mere presence until he’d left that first summer. She’d just turned seventeen, and woke one day to find him gone. Chloe had assured her that he’d be back, that he was off hunting and finding himself or some shit. And he had come back, three months later, and everything had slipped back into place, became right again. At least until the next summer. After that, Katie had learned to brace herself for his summers away, the months of just existing, and had looked forward to his return.
Of course, he’d never returned with someone else before. Katie frowned and pressed a hand over the ache in her belly. Drew said he and Charlotte weren’t together, but…Katie couldn’t forget what she’d seen, and even if it was only casual sex, it was more than Katie had ever been allowed to have with him.
She rolled onto her side at the sound of footsteps on the stairs. Drew appeared at the top, frown kissing his full lips.
“Coming to check on me?” she sniped.
He crossed the loft and sat next to her hip, his hand settling on the crown of her head. “Coming to say good night,” he murmured.
“Good night,” she said simply.
His fingers slid through her hair, massaged her scalp lazily. “Is it the nightmares again? Is that why you aren’t sleeping?”
Katie blinked stinging eyes at his quiet questions and leaned into his touch.
“I could sit with you, like I used to,” he offered when she didn’t speak.
“No nightmares,” she said, though she was tempted to lie just to get him to stay by her side. While she still had nightmares often enough, they weren’t as vivid as before, and they faded quickly. So different from the ones that had plagued her back when they’d shared this loft all those years ago, when he’d held her when she woke up screaming, not knowing where she was, not remembering right away that she was safe.
Looking up into his deep blue eyes, she realized that it had been him, more than anything else, that had made her feel safe and protected. She stifled a yawn and let her heavy lids slide closed. The warmth of his body so close to hers, his caresses on her head, and even the scent of fire smoke clinging to him comforted her, lulling her further and further into the rest that eluded her most nights.
“You don’t have to stay,” she slurred even as she scooted closer to him. “Go enjoy the company of Charlotte and the others, you big bully.”
He chuckled but didn’t move away. His fingers continued their soothing motions, and he stayed. As she drifted under, she felt his lips on her forehead and heard him murmur, “I’m not going anywhere.”
Chapter Three
Katie pushed the sweaty strands that had escaped her braid from her face as she double-checked the gauge on the pressure canner. Satisfied it was fine, she sat back and wrapped her arms around her legs. She hated this part of the winter prep, seriously loathed it, but doing it outside was a bit better than in the cabin. The heat inside was unbearable already with water being boiled to sanitize and fill jars, so she was grateful the weather allowed this part to be done outside. Still, she was sweating like mad and was glad she’d thought to dress in the lightweight shorts and tank top.
Chloe came over and handed Katie a full water bottle. “Doing okay?” she asked, lowering herself to sit on the ground next to Katie.
“Yeah, just a few more minutes on this batch. We’ll have plenty of beans for the foreseeable future. Yummy.” She grinned. “How are you feeling, mama?”
Laughing, Chloe patted her belly. “Just fine; though, this baby seems to think it’s time to party every time I want to sleep.”
“You should go take a nap now,” Katie suggested.
“Nah, there’s too much to—”
“We can handle it. Charlotte is helping Grace get the jars, I’m on fire duty and the guys are all off hunting. It’s the perfect time for you to put your feet up,” she argued.
“But if they manage to get anything big, we’ll need to start processing the meat right away and—”
“And there are eight guys to work on that in addition to the three of us. Go, sleep.”
Chloe shoved her with her shoulder. “Quit interrupting me.”
“No, not when you’re not making any sense. Get some rest, Chloe. I promise I’ll wake you up if we need your help.”
The other woman chewed her bottom lip a moment then nodded. “All right. Just for a little bit. Then, I’ll come take over so you can have a break, too.”
“Okay,” Katie agreed easily and stood to help her pregnant friend to her feet as well.
Chloe rolled her eyes. “This baby better be freakin’ cute,” she muttered, making Katie laugh.
Grace came up behind her, prepared jars in a crate, as Chloe made her way to the bunkhouse. “You got her to take a nap? Brilliant.”
“I need to go grab some more wood.” Katie glanced at the small windup clock on the ground near where she sat before. “Two more
minutes on this batch.”
“You get the wood; I’ll swap out the batches when it’s time.” Grace rubbed a hand down Katie’s back.
“You sure?”
“Mm hmmm. This is the last one of the day, unless the guys bring us back something.”
“Here’s hoping.”
Katie held her hand up with her fingers crossed, even though she dreaded the job ahead if they actually brought home a deer or something. That was something she didn’t relish—the meat would have to cured, canned or smoked so it wouldn’t go bad—and it was a disgusting process, but necessary. And she certainly didn’t refuse to eat it when it was used later on.
She walked to the shed to gather more wood—taking a couple trips to make a pile beside the fire pit as Grace exchanged finished jars with new ones. When Katie was done, Grace remained by the fire, eyes focused on her.
“What?” Katie asked.
“You seem better now.”
She lifted a brow. “When was I…not better?”
Grace gave her an incredulous look. “I believe we’ve already had that conversation. I’m just happy you’re sleeping again. You look well rested.”
“Hate to think what I looked like before.” Katie laughed awkwardly as heat from the fire crept up her neck and face.
What else could she say? She was sleeping better, and she did not want to discuss the reason why with Grace. Since that first night, Drew had been sitting with her when she went up to bed. Stayed with her until she slept. The others had to have noticed, but no one had said anything. Thank God, because admitting the man essentially gave her a bedtime and made sure she obeyed it was just…she didn’t know what. Part of her thought it should be embarrassing, humiliating for a grown ass woman. But she wasn’t humiliated; she was thankful, comforted even. It wasn’t so much the fact that Drew did that for her that bothered her; it was how the others would react. Grace and Chloe were the strongest, most independent women she knew. Surely, it would be a disappointment to them to see how weak Katie was that she needed Drew for something so basic.
“Sweetie,” Grace admonished. “I’m just glad you’re getting the rest you need. Drew’s helping? Like he used to when you had nightmares before?”
“You knew about that?” Katie gaped at her.
Graced laughed. “It’s not a large cabin; of course we knew.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Why would we?” She wrapped an arm around Katie’s shoulders. “We didn’t want to make you more uncomfortable, and Drew was helping. He was the one you were most at ease with, so we left him to it. Besides, he’d probably have pitched a fit if we’d tried to interfere. Even back then.” She kissed Katie’s temple. “He’s helping you now?”
“Yes,” Katie answered. “He is.”
She knew Grace thought it was nightmares again and let that assumption stand.
“Good.” She nodded and bent to lift the box that now held the finished jars. “I’ll be back.”
Katie hummed absently and checked the gauge before pushing around the glowing coals with a thick stick. Several minutes later, just as Grace returned to check on the jars, a movement from the woods caught Katie’s attention. Instead of the group of men emerging, as she expected, it was just one—Kyle from the farm—and he was limping.
“What happened?” Grace asked as he approached.
“Just my clumsiness,” he said sheepishly. “The rest of ‘em will be along soon, I think. I headed back early because I’m awesome and tripped over a root, twisted my ankle.”
“Take a seat; get your weight off of it.” Grace gestured to the Adirondack chairs on the porch.
“Do you have this?” Katie asked, nodding to the pressure canner. “I can go get some cool cloths to wrap around the ankle and keep any swelling down.”
“Thank you, honey. Yeah, I’ll take care of this.” Grace beamed at her. “There are some Ace bandages in the first aid cupboard as well for after.”
Katie hurried inside and, ignoring Charlotte, rushed around to gather what she needed—a basin of cool well water, several soft rags, the Ace bandages—before coming back out. She set everything down then dragged the other chair around so Kyle could elevate his foot. He’d removed his boot and sock and rolled up the leg of his jeans. Kneeling beside him, she carefully prodded his ankle, grimacing apologetically when he hissed in pain.
“Nothing broken, thankfully,” she said, wetting and wringing out the rags. She wrapped them around his ankle gently. “There’s a bit of swelling, the start of some bruising. You should keep off it as much as you can for a couple days.”
“Shit.”
She sat back on her heels and smiled. “Should be all right by the time you guys head back. It definitely could have been worse.”
“True,” he said, returning her smile. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She fiddled with the remaining rags then jolted when Kyle’s fingers brushed over her cheek.
“Why haven’t you ever come to the farm?” he asked, tucking a stray lock behind her ear. “All these years, and not one visit when the others came. Very disappointing.”
Katie felt her face flush. “Is it?”
“Oh yeah. “ He winked. “Never had a chance to get to know you. Why is that?”
She shrugged. “I prefer to stay here. It’s home.”
“Hmmm.” He leaned forward, his blond hair falling over his forehead and his green eyes intent on her. “Promise me you’ll consider coming next time.”
“Why would I do that?” she asked lightly.
“I’d like to get to know you; there’s a lot of things I could show you.” His hand shifted to cradle her cheek.
Katie pressed her lips together, her stomach clenching uncomfortably.
“Don’t look so freaked out.” Kyle chuckled. “I was thinking along the lines of things on the farm—horseback riding and the like.”
“Were you now?”
“Among other things, but there’s no rush. Just promise me you’ll think about it.” He cocked his head the side. “About coming to the farm next time.”
“Katie.”
Her entire body stiffened at the sound of Drew’s voice. Quiet, level and right behind her.
“Didn’t get anything more then?” Kyle asked cheerfully, not moving his hand as he looked over her shoulder.
“No.” A harsh, clipped response.
“Pity. Wish I’d been able to keep going, though I’ve been well cared for.” He returned his gaze to Katie’s face. “Been enjoying your sister’s company.”
“She’s not my sister.”
Katie pulled away and scrambled to her feet to face Drew. He stood just beyond the porch, legs braced apart and hands fisted at his sides. His eyes, cold and hard, were on Kyle.
“Uh, you should keep that elevated for a while. Until supper at least.” She looked between the two men who appeared to be in a staring contest.
Then Kyle suddenly turned to her. “Thank you again. And think about what I said. Please.”
“I…I will.”
Without looking at her, Drew pivoted on his heel and walked away toward the other guys who all stood near the fire pit.
Katie stared after him, frowning as she tried to figure what the hell was going on with him. After a minute, she shook her head and after a quiet “excuse me” to Kyle, went into the house to see if she could help with supper, anxious to have something to occupy her mind.
* * * *
“You all right?” Issac asked as he crouched next to Drew at the river later that evening.
After cleaning his hands, Drew splashed water on his face and over his head, the cold rivulets feeling great against his heated skin.
“Yeah,” he said. “Just disappointed we didn’t get anything more today than a couple wild birds.”
“Next time.”
“Yeah.” Drew rose and stretched.
Isaac followed suit and clapped him on the shoulder. “We’ll go out day after tomorro
w or the next day. Maybe by then Kyle will be up for it.”
“Dumbass,” Drew muttered.
“He tripped. Could’ve happened to any of us,” Isaac pointed out.
“Whatever, he’s still a dumbass.”
Isaac shook his head. “You never had an issue with him before.”
That was true enough. Drew had never been overly friendly with the guy but hadn’t had a problem with him. That was before though. Before Drew found Katie kneeling next to the dick. Rationally, he could see she was tending to Kyle’s ankle, but the man had his hand on her, was fucking flirting with her, and she was on her knees at his side. It had taken every ounce of strength and restraint not to haul the man out of his chair and pummel his stupid smirking face.
“This wouldn’t have anything to do with the eyes he’s making at our Katie, now would it?” Isaac asked knowingly.
Drew glanced at him and groaned. “Chloe filling your head with stupidity? Shame on you two for gossiping.”
“I’ve got eyes. Katie’s been, for lack of a better word, ours for years. A little jealousy is understandable. You should throttle back a bit, though,” Isaac advised. “You’ve got Charlotte now, and Katie deserves a shot at something, too. She doesn’t stop being ours just because she has a romantic interest. We won’t lose her.”
Drew closed his eyes and counted to ten. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I don’t have Charlotte; we’re friends. And I’m not standing in Katie’s way of anything. I just happen to think he’s a fucking dumbass.”
“Clearly,” Isaac drawled. “So he’s not good enough for her?” When Drew refused to answer the idiotic question, he continued, “So tell me, Drew, who is good enough for our Katie?”
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