by Maya Banks
MAX Wilder pulled into his drive and turned off the windshield wipers. The snow was coming down harder, adding to the few inches already accumulated on the ground.
He got out, eager to see Callie again. He didn’t spend much time apart from her, but when Lauren had called, and he’d heard the quiet desperation in her voice, his single-minded goal had been to get to her as fast as possible. In retrospect, he should have taken Callie. It would have been good for Lauren to have Callie there. He hadn’t thought. He’d simply reacted and had done as he’d always done. Gone immediately to protect his family.
Only now his family went beyond Lauren. Their mother had passed just a few years earlier, leaving Max and Lauren alone. He’d always been fiercely protective of both his mom and his sister, and he’d been used to being a lone wolf. He was the protector. The provider. He didn’t depend on other people. His sister depended on him.
Now he had Callie. And he had the Colters. All of them. It was something he was still getting accustomed to. This whole idea of having a large, extended family. Not just any family, but one that was closely knit and fiercely loyal and would do anything, go to any lengths to protect their own. And he and Lauren were a part of that now.
As he mounted the front steps, he frowned. Usually Callie was at the door to meet him, even if he’d just taken a short trip into town for groceries. He’d grown accustomed to her enthusiastic greetings, and he loved the way she lit up when she saw him again.
He let himself in and opened his mouth to call out to her when he saw her on the couch in the living room. He smiled and put his suitcase down. On quiet feet, he walked to the sofa to stare down at her, curled into a ball, sound asleep.
It wasn’t like her to sleep in, but if he had to guess, she’d worked the night before in her brother’s bar. He wasn’t crazy about her doing it, but he didn’t say anything about it. Plus she only did so on the rare occasions when he was out of town and she stayed home.
He leaned down to kiss her temple but as soon as his lips touched her skin, he frowned and drew away. He put his hand to her forehead, cursing softly when he felt the dry heat radiating from her flesh.
She was sick.
And he’d left her alone.
He knelt by the couch and gently shook her. “Callie. Dolcezza, wake up.”
She grumbled softly in her sleep, and when she opened her eyes, they were dull. Her cheeks were flushed with fever and she blinked several times as if she were unaware of her surroundings.
Worry ate at his gut. She was his. Completely and utterly his. To love, to protect, and he’d left her alone because he’d been gutted by his sister’s plea for help. He should never have left Callie. She should have been with him every step of the way.
“Max,” she whispered. Then she smiled. A warm beautiful smile that made the very heart of him ache. “You’re home.”
He leaned forward to kiss her forehead. “Why didn’t you call me? I would have come home immediately. How long have you been sick?”
“Just last night,” she croaked. She broke off and rubbed her throat.
He frowned again because he didn’t like to see her in discomfort. “Hurt?”
She nodded. “I was okay when I went in. Really. But I started feeling bad not long into it. I didn’t want to call Dillon. I thought I could make it. I crashed here as soon as I got home.”
He stroked a hand over her forehead. “Wait here. I’ll go get something for your fever.”
She nodded, her eyes already closing again.
He got up and hurried into the kitchen to the cabinet where they kept the medicine. He frowned as he stared at the acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Finally he grabbed the bottle of ibuprofen, filled a glass half full of water, and went back into the living room.
Callie was back into a tight ball, and he could see her shivering from across the room.
He set the glass on the coffee table and carefully pulled her up and into his arms. She promptly burrowed into his chest and sighed in contentment.
“Take your medicine, dolcezza. It will make you feel better. After you’ve swallowed your pills, I’ll take you to bed. I’m sure you’ll be more comfortable out of these clothes.”
She shook her head against his chest. “Will you build a fire instead? Want to stay here and snuggle.”
He kissed the top of her head. “You know I’d do anything to make you feel better.”
“Love you.”
The soft words came out a little breathy, but they gave him the same thrill they always did. No matter how often she told him, he soaked the words in and held them close. She was everything to him. Her love was the most precious gift he’d ever been given.
“I love you too.”
“Missed you.”
“I missed you too, dolcezza. Now take your medicine so I can build a fire and make you more comfortable. Want your pj’s or one of my shirts?”
“Mmm, your shirt, please.”
He smiled. It was a wonder he had any sort of a wardrobe left, because she routinely stole his shirts to sleep or lounge in. It gave him a ridiculous thrill to see his clothing on her. Just another stamp of his possession. Like the bands she wore on her wrists. She was his.
Oh, she had a wedding ring. A gorgeous princesscut diamond that had appalled her with how much it cost. But the platinum cuffs she wore around both wrists … Those were more special than even the symbol she wore on her finger. They were what signified her bond to him. Her submission.
They were intricately designed, made especially for her, and he’d had them engraved. On the outside of one, along the bottom, read two halves of a whole. And on the other was we are one. And on the inside of each in flowing script, Max and Callie.
He gently placed the pills on her tongue, then held up the glass so she could sip at the water. She winced and swallowed hard, putting her hand to her throat as the pills finally went down.
“I should take you to the doctor,” he said. “You might have strep throat.”
“If I’m not better by tomorrow, I’ll go. Promise. Going to the doctor means having to move, and right now I just want you to hold me.”
He eased her back onto the couch, pressing another kiss to her temple. “I’ll be right back. Just need to get some wood to start the fire. I’ll get one of my shirts and pillows and another blanket.”
She opened her eyes to stare up at him. “I’m so glad you’re home.”
His heart softened at the love in her eyes and voice. He touched her cheek and then hurried toward the door leading outside to the patio where he kept wood stacked.
A few minutes later, flames licked over the dry wood. He hurriedly collected the items from the bedroom and returned to Callie.
He sat her up and she leaned into him as he undressed her down to her socks. He left them on, not wanting her to get cold, and then pulled his shirt on her and buttoned it all the way to the top.
After kicking off his shoes, he settled onto the couch, propping pillows around her before pulling her against him.
She let out a sigh and snuggled deeply into his arms, burrowing until she was damn near underneath him.
“I feel better already,” she said against his chest.
He kissed her again, unable to stop himself from touching her. His arms were full of the woman he loved. He was home. There was no better feeling.
“Is Lauren all right?”
He blew out a long sigh and clutched her a little closer to ease the pain that had suddenly crept through his chest. “No. She’s not.”
Callie tried to raise her head, but he pulled her down, holding her against him.
“What happened?”
“The man she was with …” He couldn’t even form the words. It made him angry to even think it. He closed his eyes and rested his cheek against the top of Callie’s head. “He abused her.”
Such a simple word that in no way conveyed what this man had done to his baby sister. He’d savaged her. Broken her in body and spirit. Abused? No, the w
ord simply didn’t do justice to the damage he’d inflicted.
“Oh, Max, I’m so sorry. What happened? Where is she now? Why didn’t you bring her back with you?”
“I tried. She wouldn’t come. She’s ashamed. God, Callie, I can see it in her eyes. She can barely even look me in the face. She called me only because it had gotten bad, and she was afraid he’d kill her. She was hiding at a friend’s house, terrified that at any moment the bastard would find her.”
This time Callie did sit up and fire was in her eyes. “Max, she has to come here. She shouldn’t be alone now!”
“No of course not,” he soothed. “I’d never leave her alone and unprotected. I’ve taken care of it. And yes, I agree. She needs to be here. I don’t plan to back off, but she’s overwhelmed right now. I was …” He broke off and sighed. “I was afraid to push her too hard. She seems so fragile and so near her breaking point. I moved her into an apartment. I’ve hired someone to shadow her at all times. I also reported the asshole who abused her to the police. There’s a warrant out for his arrest right now.”
“What did he do to her?” Callie asked, tears brimming in her eyes.
“He beat the hell out of her,” Max said, bleakness nearly overwhelming him.. “She says he didn’t rape her, but I’m not sure I believe that. I’m so angry. And I feel helpless. She was ashamed to call me and wouldn’t have if it hadn’t been a last resort.”
“She’ll be safe here,” Callie vowed.
Max nodded. “I want her here by Christmas. I’m giving her space and time for the bruises to fade. She didn’t want anyone to see her as she is now. It’s frustrating because I don’t care. I just want her here, with me, where I know she’s safe and taken care of. But she refused to even consider coming right now, and as I said, I was afraid to push too hard. I have a cop friend who’s going to check in on her as well, and he’ll also keep me posted when they find that little bastard.”
Callie hugged him tightly and he shook his head at the idea that as sick as she was, she was offering him comfort. He kissed her again and hugged her back, letting her sweetness wash over him.
“I should have seen it.” He let some of the pent-up despair that had lived with him for the last few days ease from his chest. Grief was thick in his throat. “I’ve always checked up on her boyfriends in the past. But this time I let it go. I told myself she wasn’t a baby anymore. That I should trust her judgment.”
Callie reached up and cupped his face. She looked at him with such love and tenderness that, again, he was shamed by the thought that he should be doing all he could to offer her comfort.
“What could you have done?” she asked softly. “You can’t live her life for her, Max. She has to make her own choices. How could you have known? Men who abuse women don’t wear a sign. A lot of the time they’re outwardly charming. Nice guys. No one would ever guess what they do behind closed doors.”
“It just makes me sick to see her the way she is now. She’s so sweet. Sees the best in everyone. And now she’s full of shame for something that was done to her.”
“She’ll get it back. She’ll come here. We’ll surround her with love and support and she’ll get her confidence back. I don’t know that you’ve ever heard the details of how my mom met my dads, but she was abused by her first husband. She knows what it’s like. She’ll take Lauren in and mother her senseless, and my dads will kick the ass of anyone who comes near her.”
Max smiled. “She loves your family. I think she’s awed by them.”
“You have to go get her, Max,” Callie urged. “Soon.”
He pulled her to him and stroked his hand down her back. “I will, dolcezza. I will. But first, I’m going to get you well again. I’m not leaving you when you’re so sick.”
CHAPTER
3
WARM lips nuzzled her neck, sending chill bumps dancing down her spine. Holly Colter smiled and turned into her husband’s arms.
“Good morning,” Adam murmured just before he captured her lips in a long, tender kiss.
She sighed because this never got old. It was the way he’d greeted her every morning for more than thirty years. She returned his kiss hungrily even as she melted more firmly into his strong embrace.
“I love you.”
He pulled away and smiled. “Love you too, baby.”
They both turned when they heard the back door into the kitchen open. Ethan and Ryan came in, stomping snow from their boots. Her heart melted as their gazes found hers, as if they’d looked immediately for her.
“Is it still snowing?” she asked.
Ethan nodded. “Not too bad. Just steady. Supposed to quit by this afternoon.”
She broke away from Adam and closed the distance between them. Ryan caught her first, pulling her into his arms. His face was cold, his lips colder, but as soon as their mouths met, heat surged through her veins.
He slipped his hand into her hair and curled his fingers around the strands, holding her in place as he devoured her lips.
As soon as he relinquished his hold on her, Ethan tugged her toward him. He kissed her but dropped his mouth down to nuzzle at her neck.
“Are the roads clear?” she asked as Ethan tucked her into his side.
Adam frowned. “I think so. Why do you ask?”
Holly rolled her eyes because she knew what was coming. But she barged ahead anyway. Her men hadn’t changed one iota over the years. She didn’t love them any less but it didn’t mean she paid them any mind when they started in with their worrying.
“I’m going to see Lily. Thought I’d call Callie and see if she wanted to ride over with me.”
“Max is back,” Ryan said. “I saw his SUV before we came in. Doubt we’ll see Callie for at least a day.”
Holly chuckled softly. She was glad Max was back home. Callie had missed him fiercely. She was always glad when her family was where they belonged. Home. On their mountain. Right where she could see them and talk to them anytime she wanted.
“Guess I’ll be going to Lily’s by myself then.”
Adam’s frown grew bigger and he shook his head. “You know one of us will drive you over.”
“Not necessary,” she said lightly. “Lily and I have women stuff to do and you’ll just get in the way.”
Ryan scowled but he didn’t argue.
“Take the SUV and make sure it’s in four-wheel drive,” Ethan said.
Holly sighed. “At what point will I be able to get into a vehicle to drive myself into town without the three of you worrying?”
Adam sent her a quelling stare. “Try never? We’ll always worry when you aren’t with us, baby. That ain’t going to change. And it’s not like you’re taking a drive down some city street or the interstate. The drive down the mountain is dangerous even in great weather. It’s snowing and the roads are wet and messy.”
She broke from Ethan, went over to Adam, and stood up on tiptoe to brush her lips over his. “I’ll be fine. Do any of you need anything from town?”
They all shook their heads.
“Call one of us when you get there,” Ethan said.
She sent him an exasperated look.
“Just do it,” Ryan growled.
She left the room, grumbling under her breath, but as soon as she was away, she broke into a huge smile. Her heart felt as light as it had so many years ago. The love of her husbands was constant. It was true. It was her shelter.
LILY drove aimlessly, her direction unclear. The wipers moved across her windshield, melting the spiraling snowflakes in a wet path across the glass.
Instinctively she turned toward home and the road at the edge of town that led upward to the cabin where she lived with Seth, Michael, and Dillon.
When she pulled into the drive, she parked and sat for a long moment before opening the door. A whoosh of cold air skittered over her. She shivered but plunged out into the chill, needing something to center her.
She dragged her sweater around her and trudged through the snow toward
the back of the house where her husbands had built a private memorial to Rose. It had been a gift to her, a place where she could go and be at peace, surrounded by the mountains and the quiet.
The rose of Sharon vine that covered a trellis framing a spectacular vista was brown and withered, the burst of color long gone since winter had descended on the mountains.
She perched on the edge of a wooden bench that Dillon had crafted with his own hands. Intricately carved on the seat was a flowering vine mirroring the one on the trellis. Roses for Rose.
Tears crowded her vision as she looked up. She inhaled deeply, taking in the cold, crisp air. Snowflakes landed on her lashes and she blinked them, and her tears, away.
But they continued, warm trails down her cheeks, quickly turning to ice.
“I don’t know what to do,” she whispered. “Help me.”
Her chest swelled with grief and sadness. And fear. So much fear that it threatened to overwhelm her.
“I don’t know if I can do this. I know I was angry with you for taking her from me. I don’t deserve your mercy or understanding, but I need your help.”
She wiped ineffectually at the tears that ran in streams down her cheeks. Emotion knotted thick in her throat until breathing was nearly impossible.
Losing Rose had nearly destroyed her. She would still be so very lost if it weren’t for Seth and his brothers. Seth had taken a young woman from the streets and given her so much love. A family. To her bewilderment, his two brothers had loved her as much as Seth had. There were times she still couldn’t wrap her mind around the dynamics of her relationship with the Colter brothers, but she gave thanks for them every single day.
They’d saved her. Given her a reason to live again. They’d given back to her when everything in the world had been cruelly yanked from her.
They’d given her the strength to confront her past. To go to Charles, her former husband, stand up for herself, and tell him he’d been wrong to blame her for their baby daughter’s death.
But nothing could give her back her baby.
And now she was pregnant. Another child. A precious gift.