“Okay, boss. We’ll be in touch with Basil.”
Addison ended the call. Finally, he’d found her. She’d regret the day she ran from him. He relished the idea of having her in his control, in his well-equipped basement.
Chapter Eight
When they arrived at the Sunshine Diner, Steel requested a table for six. Then he arranged to have Dana sitting between Chayton and him, facing the door.
Russ entered the restaurant with Angie behind him and a tall man with longish dark-blond hair walked behind her. She waved and rushed to Dana’s side. They hugged and both had tears in their eyes.
“Did you ever expect to see me here?” Angie asked.
“No, but I missed your company and your help at the office.”
“You’ll have to show me where you work.”
The four men patiently waited for Dana and Angie to sit. Their faces reflected their tolerant amusement. When the waitress arrived, Chayton suggested they all have a seat.
After ordering, introductions were made. Flint Rikward studied Dana and glanced at Angie. “You two are either very clever or devious.” His voice was calm and his gaze steady. “You managed to fool Gregor’s men and that’s saying something. But they’ll be looking for you even more intensely and may be headed this way right now.”
“I almost wish they would find me and this could be over. I’m tired of being scared,” Dana said.
“We’ll protect you and Angie.” Flint glanced at his friend, Russ.
“If anyone is going to keep Dana safe, it’s us,” Steel stated firmly.
“I’ve got agents watching to see if, or I might say when, any of his men leave town. That will give us notice to be on the alert.” He eyed Steel. “To protect her the right way, she needs to be with one of you twenty-four hours a day.”
“That isn’t possible. I have to work. I want to work,” Dana emphasized.
Flint looked as hard as his name, but a slight curve indicated he might be suppressing a smile. Dana stared right back at him.
“What is it with you two? Most women would jump at the chance for a little vacation.”
“We’re responsible, and we like what we do,” Angie answered him.
A look of pained tolerance shone briefly on his face. When Angie frowned and put her hands on her hips, he turned up his smile a notch. Then he bent down and put his nose almost against hers. “Just remember not to go anywhere without us.”
“And if I do?”
Flint spoke with quiet assurance. “Don’t even think about it.” As though he’d just realized everyone at the table was staring at him and Angie, he straightened his body, his face went blank and he added, “She’s the most stubborn woman I’ve ever known.”
Their waitress saved the day by arriving with the food. Angie glanced frantically at Dana. A plead for help in her eyes.
Dana and the others finished their meal, and while they waited for dessert and coffee Dana spoke to the group. “Since you’re determined to protect us, I’d like to make a suggestion. Angie and I want some time alone to visit and talk. One of you can stay outside on the landing and watch for bad guys. The others can go home.”
Flint frowned and looked at Russ. Chayton glanced at Steel, but at first no one spoke.
“We might have two guys, one in the back at the top of the stairs and one in front of the building watching for cars, strangers, any possible trouble,” Steel said.
Dana and Angie looked at each other while the men sat considering the suggestions. Irritated, Dana spoke out. “I am my own person. I don’t have to do what you want.” She frowned at Flint.
He shrugged one shoulder. “No, you don’t. And I can go back to my home office and let you take care of yourself with Gregor. The problem is I want to get the guy and his minions off the streets. They’re a danger to the security of our country. Now do you want to help or not?”
“You don’t have to get huffy. Of course we want to help. Don’t we?” Dana said and looked at Angie. Angie nodded yes.
“Then Steel and I will take the watch tonight,” Flint said. “But starting tomorrow you”—he looked straight at Angie—“are staying at Russ’s ranch, and Miss Wynters will stay with you two.” He nodded at Steel and Chayton. “Agreed?”
Dana frowned, but agreed and so did Angie.
Chayton raised his voice slightly. “Here comes our dessert. We need to relax and take this problem day by day. If we all work together, we’ll be successful.” His soothing tone eased the tension.
All the men walked with Dana and Angie to Dana’s apartment. Russ promised to pick Flint and Angie up at nine the next day.
Chayton pulled Dana aside. “Is our ride still on for tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“And you will stay with us until this is all over?”
“If you two promise to not push me about a threesome.”
“Honey, if you want a threesome, you’ll have to ask us.”
“Then I guess Steel and you will see me tomorrow.”
She waved and walked up the stairs with Angie.
Dana put a hand on Steel’s chest at the door. “This is as far as you can come. We’re having our girl’s night without any interruptions. Wait here.”
“She came back with pillows and blankets. “You and Flint can share or not. Goodnight. Thanks for dinner.”
Dana locked the door and joined Angie in the living room. Angie grinned and hugged her before dancing around the room. “I’m so pleased we got rid of our jailers at least for the night.”
“I’ll heat milk for hot chocolate. I even have some small marshmallows from the general store. With it getting cooler at night I thought I’d enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa.”
Angie had followed her in the kitchen. “Steel and Chayton like you, a lot. They can’t keep their eyes off of you. Do you feel the same?”
“I’ve been fighting caring for them, but I’m not succeeding. I’m an idiot. Look at all the problems Addison has caused.”
“There was no way you could know his other side. To the city he’s a rich man who makes large donations to all the needy causes. No one wants to believe any different.”
“And he evidently has people in every department of the city and county on his payroll.” Dana poured the hot water over the chocolate mix. Then she put marshmallows on top. “Come on in the living room. The moon is up high. We can enjoy the view of the mountains at night.”
Angie sat on the couch and Dana settled on the chair across from her. “I like your apartment. It’s cozy.”
“Luck was on my side when I got this place to rent.” She told Angie about meeting Steel the first day and seeing Chayton training the stallion. “It’s hard to ignore them or the way they make me feel. But what about you?”
“Flint took my breath away the first time I saw him. He’s a handsome man, but also stubborn when he’s made his decision.”
“I’m glad he insisted on you coming with him. He’s right. You might have been hurt.”
“The real reason I didn’t want to join him was because of the way I feel around him. There can’t be a future for us. He’s wrapped up in his FBI job.”
“How about Russ?”
“Another gorgeous man and they both appear to be interested in me. I think I’m convenient.”
“No way. I don’t believe it. Russ is well respected in town and Flint must be a good guy to have taken it on himself to watch out for you.”
“Were you serious about there being threesome marriages here in Triple Creeks Township?”
“The town’s a mixture of both regular marriages and the marriages between three. One of the men and the woman are married in a conventional ceremony. Then later the three are joined in a ritual that isn’t considered legal so no problem with bigamy.”
“It’d be strange to have two husbands.” Angie giggled. “Can you imagine two gorgeous men all yours?”
“I’ve imagined it, and I get the shivers.”
“Good shivers?”
“Of course,” Dana said and she and Angie laughed. “I feel much better not having such a heavy load on my shoulders. Knowing someone wants to help me has been an unexpected gift.”
“Do you think I ought to stay here at your apartment? It’d be fun, and I wouldn’t be tempted to let my guard down and probably get my heart broken.” Angie sipped her hot chocolate.
“What do you want to do? Whatever we decide, they’re going to protect us one way or another.”
Angie caught a marshmallow on her tongue and put it in her mouth. She didn’t speak for several minutes.
Dana let her alone to mull over the options. She’d made her mind up and planned to stay with Chayton and Steel, but have her own room, unless she changed her mind.
“I want to be with them,” Angie said and pulled her legs up, putting her arms around them. “My brain is trying to say no, but I’ll always wonder what would have happened if I’d stayed and gotten to know them better.”
“I agree. They certainly aren’t going to stalk us if we leave. If we get our hearts broken, we’ll take care of each other.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.” Angie glanced around. “Where do we sleep? I’m tired.”
“I’ll share my bed as long as you don’t kick me.”
Dana perked two cups of coffee. Then she went to the front door and opened it a crack. Steel turned to look at her.
“Are you all okay?”
“Yes, I wanted to say goodnight and give you and Flint a cup of coffee. Are you all going to be okay with the pillows and blankets I gave you?”
“Sure. I gave two blankets to Flint and I’ve got the same. We’ll keep warm. It’s spring, not winter.”
“We’re going to bed. Angie’s tired from her trip, and I’m exhausted from my busy week. I’m sorry you have to stay out here all night.”
“It’s worth it to know you’re safe.” He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Go on in before I want more.”
She grinned and shut the door, securing both locks.
Dana smiled when she walked in the bedroom. Angie had borrowed a nightgown and was already asleep. Being careful not to wake her, Dana slid into bed on the opposite side.
* * * *
Addison prowled the large hotel suite in Minneapolis. He’d decided to wait until early Monday morning to travel to Triple Creeks. There’d be more people around town on a Monday, and they’d be less likely to be noticed. But he was impatient to see Dana and capture her.
Basil had found and rented an isolated cabin where they’d hide out until the fervor died down. Meanwhile he’d have her at his mercy. Then he’d move her to his villa, with the special basement, on the hillside by the Pacific Ocean.
He drank his scotch and tried to sleep, but the thought of touching her soft skin and claiming her as his kept him awake. Nothing would stop him this time.
* * * *
Saturday morning Steel knocked on the door, waking Dana and Angie. “Get up. We’ll go to breakfast before heading to the ranches,” he hollered through the door.
Dana pulled on a robe and opened the door a crack. “You woke us. We have to shower and dress. We’ll hurry. I know you must be exhausted.”
“Nothing a few cups of coffee won’t help.”
“Go on to the restaurant. We can get that short distance by ourselves.”
“No way. I didn’t guard you all night to have you kidnapped this morning. I talked to Flint. We’ll be waiting for you.”
“The two of you can come in and get warm and rested in the living room. We won’t be long.”
Dana shut the door, but left it unlocked. Angie was in the shower. Dana grabbed a housecoat and handed it to her. “The guys will be in the living room.”
“I’m finished. Thanks for the robe.”
Angie hurried into the bedroom and started to dress in the clothes she’d had on last night. Dana stopped her.
“We’re close enough to the same size. Grab a sweater of mine and roll up the hems on the jeans.”
“Thanks. I’ll get them back to you.”
It didn’t take Dana long to shower and dress. She left her hair down and slipped on walking shoes. After breakfast she’d have to pack.
The diner was full. Several customers waved to Dana.
“See you are already accepted into the community. They like you.”
“It’s mutual.”
Flint sat beside Angie. He looked exhausted. Angie handed him a cup of coffee from the waitress.
“How did you manage to stay awake? You must have been tired.”
“I got a few hours’ sleep at the ranch yesterday afternoon. I don’t need much.”
“Apparently, I do. As soon as my head hit the pillow I was out.” Angie nodded to Dana. “I don’t even remember you joining me.”
“No, I was quiet. You needed the rest.”
“I feel much better this morning, and I’m starved.”
They gave their orders. After Flint had drunk one cup of coffee and started on the other, he turned his attention to Angie. “Did you two decide whether we’re going to protect you at the apartment or the ranch?”
Angie glanced at Dana. “We talked about the situation. We’re going to the ranches.” She quickly added, “We can’t expect you all to stand outside in the cold every night.”
“Is that the only reason you’re going to the ranch?” His silky voice held a challenge.
Angie flushed bright red. “I refuse to answer your impertinent question.”
Flint and Steel grinned, but no one made a comment.
Chapter Nine
Chayton saw the car coming down the drive. He tied the reins of the stallion to the corral and strode across the yard to greet Dana and Steel.
“She has several suitcases in the trunk,” Steel said. “I’m going to crash.” He winked at Dana and disappeared into the house.
“Welcome to our home,” Chayton said and gave Dana a hug. He opened the trunk and got out the suitcases.
“I can carry the small overnight bag.”
“I’ve got it.”
Dana stood in front of him with her hands on her hips. “I’m capable of carrying a small suitcase, even a medium-size one. Give me my overnight bag.”
Her stance and determined expression tickled Chayton, but he held the grin in. “Certainly, my lady.” He made a flourish and handed her the smallest bag.
When they got inside, he led her down a hallway to the second room on the left. “This will be your private bedroom and bath.” He sat the cases down. “I suggest we go riding. You can unpack later.”
“I’ll change into my boots and be with you in a few minutes.”
Chayton reluctantly left her alone. He’d had a strong desire to kiss her, but restrained himself. At the corral he untied the stallion and took him back to the barn. He wasn’t finished with the horse when he heard Dana’s soft footsteps.
“I’ll get the mare and saddle her,” she said.
“Okay. Don’t touch Wind Chaser though. He’s a one-person horse.”
He kept his eye on Dana while he worked on the stallion. When Dana headed to his office, he smiled. He had restocked the apples earlier this morning. She handed him some of the apples for Gavin’s horse and walked to her mare.
After finishing with the stallion, Chayton led him to his stall. Then he glanced at the mare he’d chosen for Dana. She wasn’t standing beside her. He glanced around the barn and saw her with Wind Chaser. She whispered softly to the large stallion as he ate the apples from her hand.
Chayton didn’t call out for fear the stallion would react. Quietly, he strolled toward Dana. His heart beat fast and hard. Wind Chaser never liked anyone near his stall except Chayton, and occasionally he’d tolerate Steel.
When Chayton got to Dana’s side, he wanted to shake her. She turned and smiled. “Wind Chaser is a sweet horse.”
Chayton’s jaw tensed at her words. “He’s a stallion and can be ornery.” He spoke in a low, but firm v
oice. “You’re lucky he didn’t bite your hand. Go on over to the mare. I’ll get him saddled.” This time he didn’t want to kiss her. He wanted to turn her over his knee and give her a good spanking for the risk she took.
“We’re ready,” Chayton said once he’d saddled Wind Chaser. “I called Gavin. He’ll come later this afternoon with his horse trailer to get his stallion.” He gave Dana a leg up on the mare. Then he led the way across the wide meadows to the river that wound its way across the ranch.
They rode silently for a few miles. Then Dana asked, “How close are we to what you want to show me?”
“We have to go around those large boulders and through the trees near the canyon. It’s not much farther.”
“You’re being very mysterious about where we’re headed.”
“Be patient. You’ll see it soon.”
When they rode between the trees, she spotted the cabin in a clearing. “Did you build this yourself?”
“I did. I wanted a place all my own where I could retreat. Steel doesn’t need the space. He works off his problems and stress.”
“I never pictured you stressed.”
“I may be quiet, but things build inside me. This is a place where I can think more clearly.”
“I’m honored you are sharing it with me. Aren’t you afraid I might ride out here and disturb your privacy?”
“You’re the only person I’d be glad to see when I’m here.”
He’d gotten off his horse and tied the reins to a tree near the river. He came back and reached up and circled her waist with his hands. Then he effortlessly lifted her down.
“I’ll tie your mare to one of these trees. Then I’ll take you inside.”
Her scent and the look in her green eyes had his hunger raging. He’d dreamed of them being at his cabin together. I need to slow down. I can’t jump her bones, even if I do want to throw her over my shoulder like a cave man and carry her to my bed. I won’t.
Dana waited patiently at the door. He threw it open.
“You don’t keep it locked?”
Captivating Cowboys [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 7