Saved by the Rancher

by Jennifer Ryan

  “Give it to me, Ben.”

  “Please, don’t put yourself through this.”

  “Did you bring the name of the man who runs my paper?”

  “I have it.”

  “Good, I’ll need that, too.”

  “You aren’t publishing the book,” Ben stated unequivocally, concerned. “You can’t. Think about Jack.”

  “Jack will understand I have to do this. It’s the only way. Taking Merrick away from David will be a big blow. This will be an explosion. Do you think it’s wrong for me to want to ruin him?”

  Sad and contemplative, he answered truthfully, “It isn’t your nature to destroy, but to help. You’ve helped me with my charity projects and strangers. This is the only way you can help yourself. I know you well enough to say, it kills you to do it by destroying a person, even one as evil as David.

  “Having said that, I think it’s about time he gets what he deserves. He’s used his money and power to do the things he’s done to you. Taking that away and going public with the abuse is the only way to really pay him back and put an end to this. You’re right, there’s no other way. Besides, I’m tired of going up against his dirty lawyers and losing.”

  Jenna reached across the desk and took Ben’s hand, squeezing it to let him know she appreciated his support.

  “Will you ask Sam to come in here? I have to set up a few things with him. Catch up with Jack. Have a drink, and we’ll all have dinner together.”

  Ben came around the desk and pulled her up from her seat. The bandages on her wrists peaked out from beneath her sweater. “It makes me sick to see you hurt. Even worse to look into your eyes and know I didn’t stop the sadness and heartbreak you’ve suffered. I’ll help you any way I can to stop it now, for good.”

  He kissed her forehead above the cut over her eye. “I’m sorry I didn’t do more to protect you.”

  “You did everything you could. We both know that. Now we’ll end it together.”

  “Yes, we will. I’ll get Sam.”

  She waited in the office, picking up the book, which was actually a three-inch leather binder filled to capacity, and held it to her chest. The pages contained every photograph she’d ever taken of herself after David attacked her. It had an accounting in her words of each incident and the few medical records she’d managed to keep. Notes he’d written to her. Some flowery and sweet with an undertone of demand. Others threatened and terrorized, promising retribution. The record of the last two plus years of her life. Her murder book.

  She didn’t need to open it to remember what happened. She simply closed her eyes and saw each one, heard David’s ominous voice cruelly cutting her down. David never spent a single day in jail for any of it. She vowed there wouldn’t be another incident to put into the book.

  Sam walked into the office, dragging Jenna out of her dark thoughts.

  “You wanted to see me?” he asked gently.

  “Sam. I need you to do me several favors. If you say no, I’ll understand.”

  “Name it. Anything for family.”

  She rested her hand protectively on the book afraid to let anyone see it, knowing she didn’t have a choice. “This is my murder book. I want you to contact this man at the paper I own and tell him to print my story. The story I want you to put together should consist of some of these photos and notes and an overview of what happened to me since I married David. Every detail is in this book.”

  She handed him the business card for the paper and waited for his response.

  “I can do that, but are you sure? The press will hound you for more details and interviews.”

  He reached out to take the book from her, but she wasn’t ready to let it go and he pulled his hand away.

  “I know I’m putting myself into the public eye by doing this. It’s a sensational story. That’s why I trust you to put together something that will tell the story accurately. I want people to know who David Merrick really is, not just the most eligible bachelor who goes out with starlets and lives the rich life. I want them to see the monster hiding behind the elegant facade.”

  “I’ll make sure everyone knows. What else? You’re holding something back.”

  “I want you to promise me Jack will never see this book.”

  “I promise you, Jenna, I won’t let him see it. Even if he did, he wouldn’t feel any different about you. He loves you.”

  “I know he does, but if he sees this, it’ll kill him. He’s seen, twice now, what David has done to me. I don’t want him to see all the ways David’s tortured me over the years. This book should never have existed. I should have put a stop to this when I divorced David. I wish I had been able to. Promise me you’ll use only what is absolutely necessary, and you’ll return this to Ben, so he can lock it away again.”

  “I promise. I’ll do exactly what you ask, but Jack will see the papers.”

  “I know. I also know you’ll do your best not to hurt me, or him, with what you choose to have published.”

  “You have my word. What else?”

  They sat in the office a long while talking about their plans for San Francisco and the board meeting. Then they planned for what they knew would happen afterwards. She was trusting Sam with her life.

  She’d been married to David and had years to plan her revenge. She’d planned well.

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  * * *

  DAVID STOOD IN the moonlit room, staring down at the wrong woman sleeping in his bed. Despite her protests, he’d exhausted her with his ferocious lovemaking, punishing her in his own way for taking a place in his life that he’d given Jenna even before they’d said their vows. Vows he considered sacred and unbreakable. A promise he might have spoken twice, but only held credence the first time. After all, you only had one soul mate.

  Patricia was nothing more than a placeholder. She served a purpose. At times, she was even a pleasant distraction. Like tonight.

  His family thought he’d moved on, forgotten about Jenna and his love for her. Never.

  David entered his study and sat behind his desk. He pulled the left side drawer open and took out the framed photo of him and Jenna on their wedding day. She smiled brightly up at him and he traced a finger over her lovely face.

  “You’re so beautiful. We were so happy.”

  He thought of the last time he’d seen her. Not so pretty after she’d shot off her mouth and made him put her in her place. Still, her strength and determination shined when she threatened to destroy him. He had to admit, her conviction gave him pause. He dismissed the threat then and now. He was David Merrick. No one could touch him. No one said no to him. She knew that. Perhaps she needed reminding. Again.

  He knew just where to find her this time. No way would she leave her new protector, that stupid rancher. A smile spread across his face as he planned his next move.

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  * * *

  JENNA BRUSHED DOWN Blue, trying not to think about the board meeting tomorrow. Jack, Sam, and she would fly to San Francisco in the morning. The more her mind tried to predict the events and outcome, the more her nerves built.

  She’d asked Ben to return to Chicago. She hated to do it, but he had other business. She wanted to keep his involvement a secret from David. She couldn’t afford for David to take away her protector if things went terribly wrong tomorrow.

  Sam had David under constant FBI surveillance since his return to San Francisco with his new wife. As far as Jenna knew, David remained unaware someone was watching his every move.

  Sam spent most of the last two days coordinating security needed for the trip and on the ranch. He’d hired a couple of bodyguards, and with Jenna’s help, he’d sent Caleb, Summer, and Lily on vacation to Hawaii, just what their family needed before the new baby arrived. It would also keep them out of harm’s way if David decided to come after Jenna after the board meeting.

  A private jet would fly her, Jack, Sam and their security team to San Francisco and back to Colorado the same da
y. Best not to make herself an easy target by staying overnight in San Francisco.

  Jack was nervous about the trip, afraid for Jenna and the babies. He didn’t like having Jenna anywhere near David. He’d been so sweet to her over the last two nights. They would lie in bed and talk about what it was going to be like when the babies arrived. They came up with names and changed them several times. They speculated about whether the babies would be girls or boys, would they look like Jenna or Jack, and what would they be when they grew up.

  Dreaming about the future with Jack was far simpler to think about than what might happen in San Francisco. She knew all the possibilities. She, Jack, and Sam went over all the what-ifs and maybes and planned for any and all contingencies.

  Tomorrow everything would change. Once the plan was set in motion, there would be no turning back.

  She brushed and stroked Blue with the curry comb. Her body healing slowly, the stitches still itched and pulled, but she would get them out in a week. The bruises on her back were beginning to fade and brushing Blue helped work out the knots. The injuries and abrasions around her neck were still too difficult to look at, a sick reminder of how close she’d come to being killed. Her voice grew stronger. Each day she talked a little bit better. She’d been quiet as much as possible, so her voice would be strong when she addressed the board.

  She grabbed a brush and stroked Blue’s neck. He nudged her with his big head wanting more. Caught up rubbing down Blue, she didn’t hear Jack come in behind her. He put his hands on her shoulders and gave her a squeeze. Jenna jumped and almost lost her footing. Ever protective, Jack steadied her by wrapping his arms around her and drawing her back to his chest.

  His voice came out low and husky at her ear. “It’s me. Leave my horse alone and come to bed with me.”

  She leaned into him, savored his warmth and strength wrapped around her. “You scared me. I’m all wound up about tomorrow. I thought a little exercise would help me sleep.”

  Blue shifted and nudged Jack’s shoulder.

  “I think your horse is jealous.” Jenna gave Jack a sweet smile over her shoulder.

  “Yeah, well he can join the club. So far, Sam and Ben fit into that category, too. They both think I don’t deserve you. I’m sure they’re plotting to steal you away from me.”

  “No way,” she said, astonished and embarrassed. She turned in his arms and placed her hands on his chest.

  “Sam’s convinced he can get you to leave with him. He doesn’t even mind the babies are mine, because, well, technically we have the same DNA, so no one can prove they aren’t his.”

  “Good lord. Is this what you guys talk about while you’re watching ball games and drinking beer?”

  “Nah, mostly he and Ben talk about how they’ll get rid of me and hide my body.”

  “Stop it. That’s not funny. Besides, that’d be hard to do these days with all the guards. Three are watching us right now.”

  “Not us, you. They’re plotting how they can get rid of me and still keep an eye on you at the same time.”

  “All right, that’s enough. Take me to bed and claim me as yours.”

  “I’ve already done that, it doesn’t seem to convince anyone. They still want you for their own.”

  “Enough, Jack.” She couldn’t help smiling and laughing with him. Blue gave her a nudge as she passed him. She came to his head and stood in front. He bowed to her chest and she kissed him on the forehead.

  “Goodnight, Blue.”

  “Sam’s right, you’ve turned this mean beast into a puppy. Speaking of puppies, have you seen what Trixie did to my shoes? I don’t think I have a pair left that she hasn’t sank her teeth into.”

  “That’s not true. I put several pairs on the shelf in the closet. She’s going through a phase. She’ll grow out of it. Where is she?”

  “Locked in the kitchen, gnawing a bone, indulging her chewing fixation. Sally made it down the stairs on her own. She’s working on a bone of her own.”

  “She’s getting better every day,” Jenna said, thankful for small blessings.

  They walked back to the house, three guards following behind them. She tried not to resent them.

  Jack held her hand and she took pleasure in that small kindness. Jack showed her she was loved. He did it in the smallest of ways, but they never failed to pass without her noticing or touching her heart.

  Jenna headed upstairs to their room and Jack let Trixie and Sally out of the kitchen. She changed into a soft pink silk nightgown and sat on the bed. Jack, Sally, and Trixie came into the room.

  “I’m nervous about tomorrow,” she confessed. “I don’t know if I can confront him. I don’t know if I can stand there and not be afraid. At the same time I need to be strong and powerful and take over a company. Oh, God. I’m taking over an entire company. Why did I think I could do that?”

  “Because you can. You are strong. You’ll go in there and show him he can’t hurt you anymore. You’ll make him pay for everything he’s done.”

  “It’s just that, now that it’s time to do it, I’m nervous.”

  Jack stood in front of her while she put her arms around his thighs and rested her head on his stomach. He brushed his hands through her hair. Careful not to touch the stitched wound, he found the latch to the necklace he’d given her to hold the engagement ring and unclasped it.

  “Your hands aren’t swollen anymore. Let’s see if this ring will fit again.”

  He kneeled in front of her and slid the ring back onto her hand. It sparkled in the light from the bedside table. He kissed her fingers, sealing it in place. “Will you marry me?”

  “Oh, Jack. Yes, I will marry you. I don’t know what I did to deserve you. I hope this ring never leaves my hand again.”

  “Me too.”

  Jack pulled a small velvet box out of his jean’s pocket. “I bought you a good luck gift for tomorrow.”

  He opened the box. Inside lay a gorgeous green heart-shaped stone. Jack slipped it onto the necklace, held it up, and it sparkled as it caught the light.

  “I saw this and thought of your eyes. It’s a green amethyst.”

  “It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen a green amethyst. You shouldn’t have done this.”

  “When I saw you in the diner the first day we met, your eyes amazed me. I think I fell in love with you then. Now when I look in your eyes, I see the promise of the future we’ll have together. Some of the sadness is gone. I hope once all of this is over, I’ll see happiness in them every day.”

  “You make me very happy, Jack. You’ve given me my life back and so much more. You’ve given me a family. I haven’t had that in a long time.”

  He bent and kissed her gently and clasped the necklace around her neck. He leaned back, looking into her eyes, the same shade of green as the stone. How had he gotten so lucky as to have this woman in his life? How’d he manage to get her to love him so much?

  He kissed her again softly. When she buried her hands in his hair and pulled him close, he deepened the kiss. His arms found their way around her. As he stood, he picked her up and slid her further onto the bed. Still locked in the kiss, he slid his hands down her body awakening every nerve. He trailed kisses over her face as his hand found her breast and gently kneaded. His fingertips found her already aroused nipple and traced its shape. Her intake of breath spurred him forward as he ran kisses down her neck to the valley between her breasts.

  Completely overwhelmed by Jack’s attention to every part of her body, she arched into his every touch. His warm hands smoothed over her silk nightgown from her breast to her thigh. He gripped the hem and slid the nightgown up and over her head. Naked under him, his hands and mouth continued to heat her skin.

  She grabbed his shirt at his back and pulled it up over his head. His chest rested against her breasts and the feel of his strong muscles and warm skin sent her into oblivion. She stroked her hands over the muscles of his back and up into his hair where she brought his mouth back to hers for another deep ki
ss. Their tongues smoothed over each other as their passion built, and she lost herself in the feel of Jack, the taste, the warmth, his love.

  His mouth and tongue made a trail of kisses down her neck to her breast, made even more sensitive due to the pregnancy. With each kiss and stroke of his tongue she came more and more unglued. She arched into him and dug her fingers into his thick hair, holding him to her.

  Her nails dug into his shoulders. Every moan he brought out in her made him feel powerful, masterful. He rubbed and caressed her body and trailed kisses down her stomach. His hands had a mind of their own, seeking every sweet spot on her body. He kissed a path down her stomach across her hips and thighs and once his mouth found her center and his fingers moved over her heat she exploded from the fire he’d built inside of her. His fingers continued stroking along with his tongue, and when he found the sensitive little nub, he licked softly and sent her higher. Just when she was ready to fall over the crest again, he thrust his finger deep, leaning over her, he swallowed her groan with a deep kiss.

  While they were lost in the kiss, Jack managed to get his jeans off and settle between her thighs. His throbbing erection pushed against her opening and she wrapped her legs around his waist. When he didn’t come to her fast enough, she used her legs to pull him into her. Buried to the hilt, he groaned, pulled back and thrust deep again. They moved in a slow and steady rhythm. He sensed she needed the closeness, so he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.

  She moved her hips up to meet him, taking him deep. He moved his hand down her back and grabbed her bottom and pulled her up to him, increasing the pace. When she crashed over the edge, her body tightening around him like a fist, he followed her over with one last flex of his body and a deep, satisfied groan.

  Spent, he lay on top of her breathing heavily into her hair. He held her close, cocooned in his warmth, mindful of the amount of his weight he put on her and where. She felt so good pressed underneath him.