by Fiona Archer
“She hurt you. And by hurting you she hurt Kane, too. Those actions make her my enemy.”
Air stayed strapped in his lungs. He couldn’t breathe out. No woman had ever defended him with such simple worded ferocity.
He traced a finger over her cheek as he looked into a face that hid nothing. He saw the determination behind her statement in the clearness of her gaze and the strength of which she held his stare, returning it with just as much conviction.
“Seems we’ve got all the backup we need, bro.” Kane’s words held extra meaning, but Olivia didn’t give him time to reply.
“She’s the one, isn’t she? The one that made you relationship phobic?” Olivia didn’t wait for his confirmation. The tiny muscles around her lips tightened. She pushed her hands against his chest, forcing his back harder into the chair’s plush fabric. “We bury her.” At his raised brows, she flicked her head in a dismissive gesture. “Metaphorically speaking. She’s gone. History.” Her hands smoothed over his chest, as if soothing the savage beast. “Time for all of us to move on, don’t you think? Me from being pissed with myself for giving over my voice to someone underserving, you for daring to trust a liar, and Kane—” She turned her gaze on his brother, held it as Kane stiffened in his chair—as if waiting for the blow—then said softly, “for feeling guilty your mom was a bitch to Alex and not to you.”
Christ, she was going to be the death of both her Doms.
Kane swallowed. “Started that process last week. Getting there.” His voice was thick with emotion, making his words sound like they’d fought their way up this throat and out into the air, all battle weary and bloody.
“So what do you say? We go forward, clean of baggage and all equal?”
Alex couldn’t resist. “Well, equal to a point, little sub.”
She giggled, showing an impish disregard for his reminder of their other dynamic.
As she and Kane laughed, he smiled, but being a man who had dodged bullets and weighed up risks against the chance of not coming out alive, he couldn’t let go of the underlying truth that rested like a lead ball in his gut.
On some levels, the three of them were all equal. But their little sub, with her giving nature and ability to draw him in like an irresistible temptation, leaving him open to attack, was in King’s Bluff parlance, the one holding the cards.
And in this game of poker, she had all the aces.
Chapter Thirteen
Kane swallowed the last mouthful of the white chocolate and raspberry cake, relishing the taste of the creamy frosting. “Maggie, that cake was superb.”
The older woman’s face shone with pleasure. “I’m glad you like it, Kane, especially since you picked it out.”
“Good call, brother.” Alex licked a drop of raspberry filling off his finger as he smiled at Olivia’s mom.
They’d arrived at Maggie Fletcher’s house for coffee ten minutes before. Olivia sat opposite her mom at the small square dining table in a kitchen that looked like it had seen a heap of cooking, and many family meals over the years. Slightly worn in places, like the avocado-green seventies style countertops, but kept scrupulously clean, it had a homely feel, from the teapot with its brown owl knitted koozie, to the magnet-covered fridge covered with flyers, invitations, coupons and clippings from newspapers.
It was the most welcoming kitchen he’d been inside in years.
“Your daughter’s a great cook.” No kidding, hours before at lunch he’d been ready to lick his plate from the chicken and dumplings she had prepared for him, Alex, and Caleb. He thought the tough as nails Sheriff was going to cry when Olivia had told him there wasn’t anything left for seconds, which was understandable considering the way she’d filled their plates. “She confessed she learned everything from you. So, what I want to know is who showed you?”
“My mama.” Maggie’s eyes softened, turning wistful as she gazed at the tablecloth. “She started teaching me when I was just a little one. I decided to do the same with my Livy.”
“It sounds like you had great memories learning at your mom’s side. Olivia said you grew up in Colorado. Where exactly?”
“Oh, just a small town. The kind you drive through in a blink.” Maggie turned her gaze to Alex. “So what did Caleb have to say about that girl Lacey’s shenanigans?”
Kane kept his face blank at the quick change of topic.
“Hard to argue with Olivia’s movie of their confession.” Alex’s face reflected the pride both men felt over their woman’s ingenuity. The fact she was in danger and had suffered a fall in her attempt to get to them afterward wasn’t so satisfying.
“You’re pressing charges?” Maggie looked at both brothers.
Kane didn’t hesitate in his answer. “Absolutely. People that abuse your trust and try to bring harm to others deserve no mercy.”
“Sounds about right to me. They’ll get what they deserve.” Maggie flicked her gaze between him and Alex. “You’ve heard the gossip starting up in town? Questioning your employee practices and safety record?”
Kane’s gut burned. “Caleb warned us at lunch. It would seem a small but concerted effort to smear our name is in action.”
“Wagner knows when to strike. He’s an opportunist.” Olivia’s face turned hard. “I can’t believe people would be stupid enough to fall for that garbage.”
“Olivia, folks have the right to be stupid. Many exercise that right every day. But don’t you worry. There are enough of us prepared to speak up for these boys and the lodge. We’ll kick that bad press to the curb.” The older woman rose from her chair. “Anyone else for more coffee?” Maggie asked brightly.
“Sure, Mom.” Olivia’s smile lacked its normal wattage as she glanced at the guys to check with them.
“Love one, babe.” Kane passed his mug toward her, as did Alex.
He felt a light thump against his leg. Glancing down, he saw the small black bottom of a dog, maybe a Dachshund he couldn’t be sure, swaying from the force of the dog swishing its tail. Its gaze was fixed on Alex.
“You’ve got an admirer, bro.”
Alex looked down. A smile broke out on his face, showing Alex’s softer side. “Hey there, little buddy.” He lowered his hand for the small dog to sniff. Its whole body started to shake when the traces of cake and icing were detected.
“That’s Hercules.” Maggie placed a filled mug before Alex and Kane. He couldn’t help but notice the white line that ran out from under the full-length sleeve of her lilac jersey top where it had ridden up on her forearm. A scar, definitely. “He’s partially deaf and was asleep on my bed when you arrived. I’m guessing the smell of cake woke him up.”
Kane chuckled, earning him a smile from Maggie. “His food antenna is that good, huh?”
“The Air Force could use him as some kind of food radar.”
“He okay being picked up?” Alex asked.
“He’ll love you for it.” Maggie reached behind her to a blue tin on top of a low cabinet. “Give him one of these and he’ll be your best friend.” She passed over a small biscuit. It looked homemade. “I’m trying out a new recipe from Boone Knox, the vet. Low-fat treats. He’s okay with them so far, but it’s touch and go depending on what else is close by.”
He and Alex both chuckled as his brother scooped the small dog up in his hand. Settling the black and tan bundle on his lap, Alex held up the biscuit. “Want this, Hercules?”
With the utmost gentleness, the dog bit off a quarter of the biscuit and crunched, then proceeded to finish off the treat.
“Hercules is a rescue dog. He’s been Mom’s constant companion even before Dad’s passing.” Olivia blew a kiss at the small dog.
“Matthew used to bring home strays all the time. He found Hercules on the highway. Starved, covered in burs, I wasn’t sure he’d make it. But his strength is mighty, and he’s got a big heart.”
“You’re good with dogs,” Olivia said, watching Alex gently pat the dog’s head as the canine ruler of the household licked t
he crumbs from his snout. “I hadn’t seen you with any, so I wasn’t sure if you liked them.” Approval rang in her voice.
Kane liked the fact she both enjoyed the company of animals, and that it mattered to her if he and Alex did, too.
“We love animals,” Kane answered for them both. “Our old lab, Mutley, died six months ago.” He glanced at Alex, saw his hand pause on Hercules’s coat. “We’ve been holding off getting a new dog.”
Alex met Olivia’s gaze. “It didn’t seem…right to do so straight away, and then I couldn’t see another dog taking his place.”
They had both cried like babies as the vet had put their buddy down. Cancer. Only six years old.
“You know, Boone is always looking for good homes for animals that get dumped at his practice.” Maggie sipped her coffee, her eyes on Hercules. “The vet’s a good man, tries to do the best he can, but there’s only so much he can do. Lots of people work hard to find the animals homes.” Slowly, she raised her gaze to Alex’s. “I think Mutley would think it pretty special if you saved a life. Sometimes the best way to get over pain is to put it behind you and start anew. You’re not forgetting your friend, but honoring that bond by sharing your love with another dog.”
“Oh, Mom, stop it. You’re making me cry.” Olivia sniffled and brushed a tear from under her eye.
“She’s a sucker for animals, too. Won’t get no jealousy from that one.” Approval shone in Maggie’s eyes.
It was time.
“I’m sold.” Kane checked Alex’s face. Saw the longing in his brother’s eyes, even as he sighed.
“I guess it won’t hurt to look.” Alex fixed him with a beleaguered look.
Kane rolled his eyes. The chances of them walking away without getting a new dog were slim. At the very least, Boone would get a healthy donation toward the cost of sheltering the strays.
Olivia clapped her hands, obviously loud enough to startle Hercules from his blissed-out mood and earning her a reproving look from the dog. “Sorry, Herky,” she said, contritely.
Talk about a dog ruling the roost.
And people thought Doms were bossy.
* * * *
Olivia leaned in the comfy tan chair and cast her gaze around Beauty To Dye For’s light-filled interior. The salon’s colors of white teamed with granny-smith apple green lent freshness to the atmosphere. “I’m in love with this rose hip tea.” She sipped from the clear glass cup. Lark had said the tea’s properties promoted healing and calmness. She could do with some of that right now. Was it really Tuesday already? It had been such a hectic time since Saturday’s Community Day with sending out press releases and answering all the questions coming in from town folk about the lodge.
“No kidding.” Suzie stretched her legs out in front of her, admiring the deep magenta polish on her freshly painted toenails. “I think I’m in heaven. Thanks for treating me to a pedi, Livy.” She reached for her tea sitting on the side table next to the salon’s beige couch she had sunk into minutes earlier. “Only one problem, I’m never going to leave. Ever. Lark’s tea, the music, and this couch that I think I’m going to fall asleep on have cast a spell over me.”
“I’ve got a feeling Gabe may come looking for you before nightfall, if only to save himself from his and your mom’s interference.” Olivia smiled as Suzie rolled her eyes.
“You know I’m grateful for all their help, right?” She waited for Olivia’s nod, then continued. “But with Gabe busy preparing for school to restart, the moms have taken over the house. They’ve reorganized all my dry goods in the pantry, rearranged the furniture in Rosie’s rooms, and even changed where I place my sheets and towels in my linen closet.” Suzie’s blue eyes widened at the apparent audacity of such actions. “If they’d found the missing Tupperware containers for the three hundred spare lids lurking in the cabinets, I’d be ecstatic, but no, they had to change what worked.” She sighed and flicked the swirly glass beads of her necklace against her white shirt. “I’m an ungrateful cow.”
“No you’re not.” Olivia waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “You’ve had a hell of a week and been separated from Rosie.” She leaned over and squeezed her friend’s arm. “When you get back, take stock of what’s changed. When you feel ready, I’ll come and help you make it how you want. No biggie.” That was what girlfriends did for each other. That and share their favorite books, and help them eat chocolate. At least that was how it had always been between her and Suzie.
Sounds of laughter came from the shampoo station, where Lark was washing a customer’s hair. The blonde owner looked up, the brilliant azure color of her eyes sparkling with her humor. “You ladies okay over there? Can we get you anything?”
The young trainee, one of two Lark had hired since opening, along with a fully certified technician, glanced over from where she was sweeping up tuffs of freshly cut hair.
“We’re fine.” Olivia reassured her and Lark. “Our nails are just about dry.”
“Stay as long as you like. Mandy’s an ace at blending the teas. She’ll make a blend for you from scratch.”
“You bet, just ask.” The young trainee’s face glowed under Lark’s praise. Not for the first time, Olivia saw why the owner of the salon had become friends with many of the people of King’s Bluff. Good karma was rewarded in return.
Suzie shot a wry smile at Olivia. “My own personal blender of tea, a comfy couch, and foot massages. There’s no way you’re going to convince me to leave.”
“I see your point.” Olivia chuckled before taking another sip. “Hey, I forgot to tell you, Alex and Kane have adopted a rescue dog.”
“That’s so cool.” Suzie lowered her cup back to the end table. “What’s the pooch’s story?”
“He’s a real sweetie.” Olivia couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “I went with the guys when they visited Boone yesterday afternoon.” The vet had a small kennel set up outside his practice, which five dogs currently called home. Two were waiting for their new owners, and one was too sick to be considered for adoption until he responded to some much-needed TLC. The two left were the Australian cattle dog, aged around seven, who had been badly neglected, and a small puppy that already had prospective families ready to adopt.
“This guy is older and abused by his former owner. Since he was in such poor health, he’s been with Boone for a couple of months. He’ll be staying there another couple of days while he gets neutered.” Olivia’s heart had melted at first sight of the poor baby. He’d hung back in his enclosed kennel, taking a while to pad forward and respond to the guy’s soft encouragements.
“Aww, poor baby.”
“He’s got scarring on his blue-gray snout and sides.” Olivia’s mouth tightened at the memory of seeing proof of the dog’s suffering. Alex and Kane looked murderous when Boone gave a harrowing account of the dog’s condition when Caleb had responded to a report of animal abuse at the country property. Caleb had apparently been rather angry as well, and somehow the owner had ended up with a broken nose and black eye. Boone and the accompanying deputies told the judge they had no idea how that had happened. Certainly the sheriff wouldn’t do such a thing.
There were so many reasons to like their local sheriff.
Suzie’s face brightened with her smile. “Does your new family member have a name yet?”
“Nope. The guys are still deciding. He was never given a name by his owner. Just called ‘dog.’ Boone’s been calling him ‘buddy,’ in the hope a new owner would give him a name.”
Suzie pushed her empty plate to the side. “He deserves a name that shows his character, what makes him special, something fun, quirky. He’s endured tough times. Come through it, but still hanging in there.”
“That’s a cool idea. I’ll tell Alex and Kane. Thanks, honey.”
“Since Lark’s busy with other customers”—Suzie glanced over to where Lark was seating a woman in front of a hair station and chatting in the animated way—waving her hands and smiling—that Olivia had come to ass
ociate with the younger woman—“we won’t be interrupted. So, it’s official. You’ve fallen for the MacKenzies?”
“I, well…” She bit her lip, even as the grin started to take over her mouth.
“Yep. That’s what I thought.”
Olivia leaned closer to her friend. “I’ve never been with men like them before. I’ve worked for powerful men, but…there’s something about these guys that I just can’t explain.”
Her friend’s body sank into the couch. “It’s like you feel this energy, like a force field when you’re around them. It makes you tingle.”
“Yeah.” She shouldn’t be surprised. Suzie was married to a Dom.
“I’d say it will all calm down, but I’d be lying.” Suzie lifted her cup to her mouth, then regarded Olivia over the cup’s rim. “How are you with the BDSM aspects?”
Olivia shifted in her seat. “We’ve”—she waved her hand—“you know, played around.”
Suzie chuckled as she placed her cup back on the table. “Babe, don’t panic, I’m not asking specifics. I mean the part about you taking orders. Last time we spoke about this you were certain all Doms were out to steal your soul if you obeyed their commands.”
“The guys made me see…” Through hours of sexual torment and straight talking. “That my issues with Alan overshadowed some of my perceptions about dominant men.” She risked a glance at her friend. “You were right. Alan was a selfish bastard.” She waited as Suzie nodded. “But I also allowed him to be that way. I should have told him where to shove his attitude.” She squared her shoulders. “Or had the courage to walk away when I knew in my gut it wouldn’t change.”
Suzie’s watchful guardedness broke with her happy sigh. “Thank God, she’s back.”
Olivia stared. “What do you mean?”
“Livy, I’d been telling you to stick up for yourself for ages, but you never heard me. You said that I was just too impatient, that I didn’t understand Alan.” Suzie’s mouth turned down. “It was all Gabe could do to keep me from flying to New York and staging a one-woman intervention. But he told me as much as both of us wanted to force the issue, if you weren’t prepared to listen, all we’d do is alienate ourselves from you when Alan finally lived up to his promise of craptasticness.” She sighed. “Gabe was right, and both of us hung on until that dick left you.”