by Leah Brooke
Struck by the underlying anger in his tone, Stormy reached out to touch his forearm. Remembering his tenderness when she’d confided in him in the shower, she leaned close, propping her chin on his bicep. “You’re all the same age?”
Seeming surprised by her teasing, he smiled faintly. “Our birthdays are all in August. We just turned thirty-four.”
Running her hand up and down his arm, Stormy lifted her head, smiling up at him. “So you met up when you were twelve? I’ll bet all three of you were hell-raisers.”
Caleb rose and went to retrieve the coffee pot. “You have no idea, but not in the way you mean. None of us had ever had real friends before, and we didn’t want to be separated. We’d all been moved around a lot and knew it could happen without warning.”
Taking his seat again, he refilled her cup and his own before handing the pot to Lucas. “In Brooklyn, there were a lot of ways for boys big for their age and feeling like they had nothing to lose to make money. Big money.”
After refilling his coffee mug, Lucas refilled Devlin’s and set the pot aside. “We gave half to our foster parents so they’d keep us together and secretly kept the other half for ourselves. By the time we turned eighteen, we had enough money to get out, and one night, we walked out and never looked back.”
Taking her hand in his, Devlin lifted it to his lips. “At twelve, we finally got some control of our lives. At the same age, you lost control of yours.” Releasing her hand, he reached for his coffee again.
Stormy picked up her fork again, stabbing a bite of pancake. “Why didn’t any of you take me?”
Devlin choked on his coffee, hurriedly setting it down again. Catching his breath, he turned to her, his eyes wide. “Excuse me?”
Aware of both Caleb’s shocked amusement, and Lucas’s anger, Stormy stared down at her plate, her face burning. She dragged a bite of pancake through a puddle of syrup, knowing that she’d choke if she tried to eat it. “Forget it. I know the answer.”
Devlin gripped her elbow, turning her to face him. “I doubt that very much.” With a small smile, he raised a brow and tucked a strand of hair that had come loose from her braid behind her ear. “I’m curious to hear what you think is the reason, though.”
Forcing a smile, Stormy shrugged. “One reason is because I’m Logan’s sister. You think that if you screw me, I’m going to run to my brother and tell him. Don’t worry. If we ever have sex, I’m not telling Logan, and you don’t have to worry about him trying to force you to marry me. I told you that I’m going home just as soon as I can.”
Lucas frowned. “I don’t care for the term, screw, especially in reference to you. Don’t use it again.” Gathering his dirty dishes, he rose and went to the sink.
Devlin smiled again, his brow going higher. “So you think we’re scared of Logan?”
Stormy shrugged again. “Not scared of him—just unwilling to lose a good friend over a quick—”
“Careful.” Lucas turned from the waist to send her a sharp look.
Stormy lifted her chin. “A quick lay.”
“So you think it would be quick?” Devlin bent over her, blocking her view of Lucas. His hands closed on her waist, sliding higher to run his thumbs up and down over the outer curve of her breasts. He bent low, his lips hovering over hers. “When I take you, darlin’, and I will, it’s gonna be nice and slow.”
Her nipples tingled, aching for his touch, but he confined his caress to the outer curves of her breasts.
Amazed at how readily her body reacted to his touch, Stormy leaned closer, breathless with anticipation. “I’m sure you’re used to more experienced women.”
“I am, but I find that I’m more interested in one who seems determined to fight her own needs.” He took her mouth with his, pulling her closer and deepening his kiss.
She clung to him, some part of her recognizing the gentleness of such a strong man in the way he held her.
It made her feel so incredibly feminine and secure, and she found herself meeting his kiss with a passion that stunned her.
Reveling in the possessiveness in his kiss and in his hold, she leaned against him, another thrill going through her when he lifted her on his lap to straddle him.
Like Caleb, he was solid and strong, and she instinctively knew that their strength would be more than just physical.
With a groan, Devlin lifted his head, cupping her jaw to keep her face lifted to his. “Your innocence makes me nuts. I want you, Stormy—and I’ll have you. When I do, though, I’m gonna do everything in my power to keep you.”
She laid a hand on his chest to push away in panic but found her hand lingering. “Not possible.” Shaking her head, she let her hand drop. “I’d never be happy in a town like this. Besides, I’ve got a business to run.”
Without a word, Lucas shared a look with Devlin before turning and walking out the back door.
Scrambling from Devlin’s lap, she grabbed her coffee mug and went to the pot to refill it. “What did I do to piss him off now?”
Devlin rose, smiling in Caleb’s direction. “I’m gonna go talk to Lucas.”
Stormy watched him leave, waiting until the door closed behind him before turning to Caleb. “Did I miss something?”
“Not a thing.” Turning, he smiled again. “I’m still thinking about the way you fell apart in my arms. I’m gonna spend all day thinking about the next time. If we weren’t expecting company any minute, I’d lay you on the table, take off your pants and panties, and bury my face between your thighs again right now.”
Sucking in a breath at the answering pull to her clit, Stormy started to gather the last of the dirty dishes. “Did it arouse you?”
After rinsing a plate, he turned to look at her over his shoulder. “Of course. I’ve been hard ever since.”
“Then why didn’t you take me?”
Blowing out a breath, he wiped his hands and turned to face her fully. “A lot of reasons.”
“Such as?”
Taking the dishes she’d gathered, he set them in the sink before turning to her again. “The main reason is because you seemed so surprised and overwhelmed. You’re more innocent than any of us had thought, and none of us wants to take advantage of you.”
He smiled faintly. “We all want you, Stormy, but we know that this is a strange situation, and we don’t want to push too fast and mess this up.”
Her alarm grew at the implication that he wanted more than just a quick screw. She shook her head, determined to get him to understand. “There’s nothing to mess up. I’m willing to have an affair with you. I don’t know why you have to make a big deal out of it.”
She went back to sit at the table, took a sip of her coffee to ease her dry throat and smiled. “Or don’t you think a woman could ever walk away from an affair without demanding more?”
Caleb’s eyes narrowed. Hardened. “So, you want to have an affair with us and then leave?”
Stormy set her coffee aside with a shrug. “Sure. Why not?”
Gripping her arms, Caleb lifted her to her feet, remembering to avoid her injury even though her shirt covered the bandage. “So you think you’re gonna fuck us and walk away?”
Stormy winced at his wording, something she suspected he’d intended. Lifting her chin, she met his hooded gaze. “Men do it all the time. Don’t tell me you haven’t done it yourself.” Flattening her hands on his muscular chest, she pressed against him but couldn’t break free.
Caleb got in her face, his eyes flashing. “With women who know the score and don’t expect anything more.”
“And that’s what I’m trying to do! I’m telling you the score and that I don’t expect anything more, and I don’t want you to, either.”
Caleb’s cold smile sent a chill through her as he released her. “Well, isn’t that nice? Thank you so much for the warning.”
Men!
Blowing out a breath, she faced him with her hands on her hips. “I thought you’d be happy! Jesus, men are such pains in the ass.”<
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Caleb’s eyes narrowed, but leaning back against the counter, he said nothing.
Hating that she’d hurt him, she moved toward him, laying a hand on his chest. “Look. It’s nothing personal.”
One brow went up. “Sounds pretty personal to me.”
Hoping to get him to understand, she smiled. “I owe you so much. You’ve shown me that I can feel something I never thought I could feel.”
“Lust?” Caleb spit out the word, grimacing as if it had left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Stormy shrugged. “Lust. Need. Desire. It doesn’t matter what you call it. I like it. You seem to want me. I trust you—something I never thought I’d say to a man—and want you, too. I never thought I could feel that way. What’s wrong with having a little fun?”
A muscle worked in Caleb’s jaw, his eyes narrowing to slits. “A little fun?”
Running her hands down his chest, she smiled up at him and leaned closer. “Sure. What’s wrong with that? Isn’t that what you usually do, or do you have a wife or girlfriend that you haven’t mentioned?”
Stiffening, he took her hands in his, removing them from his chest. “Of course not! If I had a wife or girlfriend, I certainly wouldn’t be kissing you!”
“So what’s the problem?” Smiling at the feel of his cock pressing against her belly, Stormy lifted her hands to his shoulders and rubbed against him. “Don’t make a big deal out of it, Caleb.”
Caleb’s hands slid to her waist, massaging gently. He stared down at her for several long seconds before inclining his head, his eyes still hooded. “Fine. We’ll do it your way. Tonight, you’ll sleep with me.”
Sliding his hands higher, he cupped her breasts, the friction of his palms against her nipples just enough to be frustrating and making her wish he would rip away her shirt and bra.
Taking her bottom lip between his teeth, he slid his hands to her bottom and lifted her against him, encouraging her to wrap her legs around him. After nipping her lip just hard enough to make it sting, he lifted his head and smiled down at her. “And we’ll have a lot of fun.”
The back door opened suddenly and Devlin walked in, his eyes widening. Smiling, he closed the door behind him. “I just wanted to let you know that Hoyt and Nat are here.” Moving in behind her, he nuzzled her neck. “Am I interrupting something?”
Caleb held her gaze but spoke to Devlin. “We were just having a conversation about Stormy wanting an affair. She plans to have a little fun exploring her newfound needs before walking out of our lives.”
Devlin slid his hands around her and cupped her breasts. “Yeah. I got that impression during our shower.”
Reveling in their attention, Stormy leaned back against Devlin, smiling up at him over her shoulder. “You had your chance to take me while we were in the shower, but you blew it. Tonight, I’m sleeping with Caleb.”
Chuckling softly against her neck, Devlin slid his thumbs over her nipples. “And I’ll be sleeping on the other side of you.”
Caleb set her on her feet and patted her bottom. “But we’ll make sure you have a little fun first.”
Already trembling with anticipation for the night ahead, Stormy smiled. “Good. Now where’s my gun?”
Caleb blinked. “You plannin’ to shoot us?”
A giggle escaped, her good mood surprising her. “Not yet. So where did you put it?”
Devlin slapped her ass. “It’s in that drawer.” He pointed to the top drawer near the back door. “I cleaned it, and it’s loaded. You can get it later. I came in to tell you that we have company.”
Stormy glanced out the window, studying their guests from across the yard.
Hoyt spoke to Lucas, his posture that of a man with a military background, his eyes scanning his surroundings, something she noticed that Lucas, Devlin, and Caleb did whenever they went outside.
Remembering that Clay had mentioned that Hoyt had been a Navy SEAL, she studied him.
He carried a paper grocery bag in his left arm, keeping his right arm free. He also kept the woman with him on his left side, something that brought the danger back into sharp focus.
Turning, she found both Devlin and Caleb watching her. “Why would he put her in danger? Why would he bring her here? I thought you said that the men in Desire take care of their women.”
Devlin’s lips twitched. “Believe me, she’s safer with him than she would be anywhere else. Besides, Hoyt said she insisted and is bringing some things that she said men wouldn’t think of.”
He opened the back door and paused on the threshold. “Hoyt would die before he let anything happen to her, and if something happened to him, he knows she’d be safe with us. No man in Desire takes his woman’s safety for granted, Stormy. Ever.”
Chapter Nineteen
After being introduced to Hoyt’s wife, Nat, Stormy decided to sit back and watch her interactions with Lucas, Devlin, and Caleb.
They’d brought in bag after bag of groceries before bringing in large duffel bags, which they’d taken to the living room.
Sipping coffee, they dug into the doughnuts that Nat and Hoyt had brought with boyish enthusiasm.
With Caleb on one side of her and Devlin on the other, Stormy picked at a cream-filled doughnut and gave her attention to Hoyt and Nat.
Intrigued about the claims she’d heard about how the town worked and their views on women, Stormy wanted to watch Nat for signs of unhappiness and stress.
Nat, though, was nothing like she’d expected.
The other woman’s dark hair shone with health, her cheeks flushed at the look Hoyt gave her as he settled her in a chair and kissed the top of her head.
The brief look she shared with Hoyt when he dropped into the seat beside her spoke volumes, filled with a love and intimacy that made Stormy feel like an interloper.
Dressed in jeans and a dark blue cotton blouse, Nat had a confidence about her that Stormy envied.
Sitting back, she ran a hand over Hoyt’s shoulder, smiling at Devlin. “I wanted to come out with Hoyt because I wanted to meet Logan’s sister.”
Eyeing Stormy curiously, she gave her a friendly smile, seemingly completely comfortable with Lucas, Devlin, and Caleb in a way Stormy could never imagine experiencing. “I’ve never been here before. It’s beautiful. I want to take a look around before we leave.”
Devlin chuckled. “As long as you go with Hoyt or one of us. We don’t want you springing any traps.”
Nat’s eyes widened, her excitement palpable. “You’ve got this place booby trapped? Oooh! How?”
Shaking his head, Hoyt leaned back to look at her, his hard features softening as he let his gaze linger on her face. “I’m sure it’s nothing compared to what you would come up with given the chance. Tell them the other reason you wanted to come.”
Feigning innocence, Nat stared at him wide-eyed and reached for her coffee. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Chuckling again, Hoyt slipped an arm around her shoulders and smiled at Lucas. “Ace is going nuts. He wants to be here, but he knows he’s needed in town. He wants to be everywhere at once and hates that what’s going on here is out of his control.”
He ran his hand over Nat’s hair, eyeing her with a combination of frustration, indulgence, and love. “So, of course, Nat had to come out here so she can go back to town and let him know that she was here.”
Nat shrugged and lifted her coffee cup to her lips, her attempt to hide her smile unsuccessful. “You can’t blame me for wanting to needle the sheriff a little. It’s rare that anyone gets the chance to ruffle Ace’s feathers.”
Lucas smiled, his affection for Nat evident. “True. Our sheriff is pretty unflappable.”
Nat’s smile fell. “Yeah.” Her eyes narrowed as she glanced at each of them. “All of you seem pretty adept at handling whatever life throws at you.” She paused, glancing at Stormy before turning her attention back to Lucas. “I know the three of you like to do things on your own, but everyone’s worried. You’ve got a
lot of people just waiting to help you.”
Stormy stiffened, her gaze going to Lucas, the ankle bracelet feeling more and more like a brand. “I knew this was too dangerous. You should let me—”
Lucas’s lips thinned. “No.” He rose, inclining his head in Hoyt’s direction. “We know there’s help available if we need it, but we’re also well aware that there might be trouble in town. Hoyt, why don’t you show us what you brought?”
Nodding, Hoyt rose, running a hand over Nat’s hair. “Behave yourself and stay away from the windows.”
Devlin, Lucas, and Hoyt disappeared into the living room while Caleb stayed behind.
Nat waved a hand. “Caleb, go in there with the others. I know you’re dying to see all the toys Hoyt brought, and I’d like a chance to get to know Stormy without all you men around.”
When Caleb paused, Nat smiled. “Get out.”
Chuckling, Caleb started from the room. “You must drive Jake and Hoyt crazy.”
To Stormy’s surprise, Nat giggled. “And it’s a hell of a lot of fun. Ask Hoyt if he’ll please bring the bag I brought for Stormy.”
Caleb nodded and paused next to Stormy. “Stay here at the table with Nat. I don’t want either one of you near the windows, and we need to be able to hear you if you need us.”
Stormy poured herself another cup of coffee from the pot on the table. “I’d rather keep an eye out. I’ll let you know if I see anything.”
Lifting a brow, Caleb rose to stand in front of the kitchen sink, angling his body so that he could look out the window and still see both of them. “We’re monitoring the cameras, but I still don’t want you standing by the windows, so I’ll just stay here.” He smiled at Nat. “Make sure you let me know what I owe you for the things you brought Stormy.”
Hoyt chose that moment to walk in, holding a large purple bag, which he handed to Nat. “Here, baby. I had to fight to keep Devlin out of it.” Bending, he touched his lips to her temple, another intimate smile curving his lips and making his eyes dance. “He wanted to see the things you brought Stormy, and threatened to hurt me if I didn’t show him, but I fought for you.”