by Leah Brooke
Sarah’s face burned. “No, thank you.” At Maggie’s stunned look, Sarah rushed to explain. “Please don’t be offended. For some reason, Hawke doesn’t want me to take anything, and I don’t want to do anything to upset him.”
Shaking her head, Maggie smiled. “I understand. Believe me. Until you figure them out and learn how to get around them, you have to be careful. But I started making these soaps for myself. I only take them to town for a little extra money. I like buying things for Eb and Jeremiah, and I’m certainly not going to do it with their money. Just take them home. You’ll figure out a way to get around him. Just pout.”
Sarah sighed, remembering Hawke’s distance the night before. “I can’t imagine ever getting around Hawke.”
Savannah laughed softly, and looked up from the box where she packed rows of the scented soap. “I thought that way, too. I figured it would be easy for Maggie to get around Eb and Jeremiah. She’d been doing it for years.”
Sending a look of amusement in Maggie’s direction, she reached for the soaps Sarah had just cut. “Wyatt and Hayes are both hard men. When I agreed to marry them, I knew they loved me, but I never thought they would love me the way Eb and Jeremiah love Maggie.”
Blushing, she shook her head and started packing the other soaps. “There’s nothing like having the heart of a strong man.” Grinning, she looked at each of them. “Or strong men.” She sighed again, staring at the far wall, obviously thinking of her two rugged husbands. “They’d do anything to make me happy. In turn, I’d do anything to make them happy.” Shrugging, she went back to packing the box, sharing a look with Maggie. “Of course, they’re really possessive and perhaps a little overprotective, but I know that they mean well. It’s hard to argue with a man who would do anything to keep you safe.”
Wrinkling her nose, she grinned. “Still, I manage to rile them up now and then.”
Maggie lifted the baby onto her shoulder, rubbing his back when he began to fuss. “I used to think Eb and Jeremiah regretted bringing me here because they were so cold, but after I realized how worried they were about keeping me safe, I understood. How in the world is a woman supposed to resist a man like that?”
Sarah forced a smile. “I’m so happy for both of you, but I don’t think it’s ever going to be that way for me.” When they looked at each other wide-eyed, she rushed to reassure them. “Not that I’m complaining. I’m just so grateful that they gave me a home. Feeling safe is something I’ll never take for granted.”
“Amen.” Savannah turned back to her and smiled. “But I think you’re in for a real surprise with those men you married. I saw the way Phoenix looked when he brought you here.”
Maggie rose, placing the baby in the large padded basket in the corner of the kitchen before straightening and turning to her. “How’s Hawke?”
Sarah didn’t feel comfortable telling her new friends that Hawke had been the only one to make love to her. Shrugging, she cut into the large block of soap again. “He’s been very kind to me. When I met him on the platform, he was so nice. So protective. I found myself telling him everything. I was going to leave again, but he talked me out of it.”
Savannah frowned. “Why were you going to leave? After what you escaped from in Waco, I thought you’d be happy to come here. You said that you saw one of Eb’s posters.”
Remembering the relief she’d felt when she’d had a plan, Sarah smiled. “I did, and it seemed like the answer to my prayers. Once I got to the train station and Hawke told me about the ranch, I had second thoughts. If Willy Krenshaw comes here and causes trouble, I’ll never forgive myself. You won’t forgive me either, if one of your men gets hurt.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Maggie touched her arm. “I can’t believe you escaped the way you did. Good for you for stealing his gold. He deserved it.” With a shiver, she turned away. “I can’t imagine how scared you were. I’m just so glad you got away.”
Setting the knife aside, Sarah wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly chilled. “I appreciate that, but I’m scared. You tolerate me now because Willy hasn’t come yet. But he’ll come for that gold. He’ll hurt someone, and then you’ll hate me.” She dropped into a chair, choking back a sob. “You’ve been so nice to me. I’ve never had friends before.”
Savannah jumped to her feet. “Oh, Sarah!”
Shaking her head, Sarah got to her feet again, wandering around the kitchen to keep Savannah from hugging her. If she let her, Sarah knew she’d break down for sure. Pausing next to the baby, she couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like to have one of her own. “I’ll need that gold when I leave. I know I’ll have to, and I’m dreading it.”
She feared she’d never be safe again.
Dropping into a chair, Savannah smiled and shook her head. “Running away isn’t the answer. You’d be alone, and even in more danger. Besides, I don’t think Hawke, Blade, and Phoenix are going to let you go.”
Maggie placed several more bars of soap in the box. “If Willy comes here, the men will take care of them.”
Sarah moved again, too restless to stand still. “I wish I had your confidence.”
Maggie smiled. “You would if you knew them better.” Sharing a look with Savannah, she sighed. “I still get scared every time they go out, but I know how the men all watch out for each other. It helps more than you know.”
She picked up the knife and cut the last of the soap with expert precision into perfectly even bars. “Eb and Jeremiah won this place in a poker game and knew just how they wanted things done around here. They made a home where the three of us could be together. They made a home where I would be safe. They hired the best men—men they could trust completely.” Glancing at Sarah, she smiled. “They can be hard. Cold. Deadly, if necessary. They have to be, but they all have hearts of gold. They’re very protective of us and each other.”
Savannah ran a hand over her abdomen. “Now that I’m with child, I appreciate that more than ever. It can be a dangerous place, and we all need to count on each other. I heard Wyatt and Hayes talking last night. If Willy and his friends come, the men are ready for them. They have lookouts anyway so no one can sneak up on us. They’re just staying a little sharper.”
Maggie patted Sarah’s shoulder. “It won’t be the first time the men have dealt with trouble, and I can’t imagine that it’ll be the last.” Grinning, she went to the coffee pot and poured each of them a fresh cup. “Now, let’s talk about something more interesting. You say that you and Hawke actually talked? I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say more than three or four words strung together since I came here.”
Savannah gave her a sly grin. “Hawke usually nods, shakes his head, or grunts. He doesn’t talk more than he has to. I can’t wait to see the two of you together.”
Maggie placed a cup of coffee in front of Sarah. “You haven’t said much about Blade.”
“I don’t know what to say.” She couldn’t forget the look of possessiveness in his eyes the night before, or the satisfaction in his eyes as he watched Hawke make love to her.
Her nipples tingled with sensation every time she thought about the way he’d held her hand firmly above her head, or his firm caress as he tenderly explored her.
She didn’t want to admit that she was nervous at the thought of being alone with him, or that it gave her a secret thrill to know that it would happen.
Her face burned under her new friends’ expectant looks. “Blade hasn’t really talked much. He’s been very kind.”
Savannah nodded. “They’re all very kind—with each other, and with women.” She raised a brow, running a hand over her abdomen. “As Willy and his gang will find out, they’re not so kind when it comes to men who show up to make trouble.”
Maggie wrapped up the remaining bars into three bundles, handing one to Savannah and one to Sarah before setting the other aside. “And they’re nothing short of deadly when it comes to protecting their women—and you’re one of the ranch women now, so you’re unde
r the protection of all the men here.”
When Sarah started to speak, Maggie frowned and shook her head. “And if Hawke says something about you accepting the soaps, tell them they’re payment for helping to make them. If that doesn’t work, get Blade or Phoenix on your side and get around him that way.”
Sarah eyed the burlap bundle, nervous about Hawke’s reaction, but she didn’t want Maggie and Savannah to think he was being mean. “He bought me so many nice things, so it’s not like he doesn’t want me to have them—”
“He’s very proud.” Savannah sipped her coffee, making a face. “I used to love this stuff.” Setting it aside, she took Sarah’s hand in hers. “Hawke and Blade are both very proud. Phoenix is a little more easy going because Hawke and Blade kinda raised him. Hawke’s real sensitive about taking handouts and won’t accept charity from anyone. If not for his brothers, he’d be a real loner.”
The image of Hawke’s eyes, warm and then distant, went through her mind. Lifting her gaze, Sarah forced a smile. “I’m grateful for whatever closeness he allows. He’s a good man.”
Maggie nodded. “They all are—but that doesn’t mean they won’t be firm enough to do whatever’s necessary to protect what’s theirs. I know things happened fast for all of you, but make no mistake, Sarah, Hawke, Blade, and Phoenix consider you theirs. They can be hard and cold about getting their way, but don’t mistake that coldness for distance.”
Sharing a look with Savannah, Maggie laughed softly. “Distance is the last thing these men want when it comes to their women.”
Chapter Nine
Sitting on the bench across from her in the crowded chow shack, Phoenix watched Sarah eat her dinner with gusto.
Her hands waved through the air as she talked excitedly about her morning to Hawke and Blade, who sat on either side of her. “Maggie and Savannah were so nice to me. You should see how many boxes of soap we made. The baby’s so beautiful. Maggie wants to show me how to quilt. They’re both so friendly. The morning just flew by.”
Hawke’s lips twitched. “Heard you got a late start.”
She stilled, lowering her gaze. “Yes. I’m sorry.” Sarah looked away, her face burning when she glanced at Phoenix.
Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, Hawke touched his lips to her hair in a show of affection so unlike his brother that if Phoenix hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed it. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” Bending low, he touched his lips to her ear, his voice barely carrying to Phoenix. “It does a man good to know he can wear his woman out, and you were probably worn out anyway.”
Blade grinned and bent to kiss her shoulder, keeping his voice low. “It was hard as hell to concentrate on work, though. We kept looking back at the house and thinking about you lying naked in bed.”
Her blush made his cock stir, and when she glanced at him, she turned a fiery red.
Delighted with her, he watched her closely, noticing with no small amount of pleasure how often she looked in his direction.
The woman sitting before him had changed so much in the short time they’d known her, glowing with happiness at the small amount of attention and affection they’d shown her.
She’d become more animated, and eyed the other men with curiosity instead of the fear that had been in her eyes the night before. Her eyes danced with amusement, and although she seemed hesitant at times, and she tended to lean toward Hawke whenever she felt uneasy, she’d come a long way in such a short amount of time.
Phoenix smiled to himself, imagining what she’d been like when they grew closer.
After taking a sip of her milk, she wiped her mouth and smiled at each of them, her eyes sparkling. “It was such a lovely morning. It’s so nice to have friends.”
Gesturing for her to eat her stew, Hawke scooped up a spoonful of his own. “No friends in Waco?” He kept turning to look at her as if finding it hard to look away.
Sarah shrugged and looked down at her stew. “No. Not really, although Mrs. Anderson was kind. Most people don’t want their daughter to talk to the daughter of a whore. Maggie and Savannah were both so nice to me.”
Phoenix had a strong suspicion that few people had been.
Hawke’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing.
Blade’s eyes narrowed. “If anyone’s not nice to you, I want to know about it.”
Sarah’s eyes went wide. “No. No. Everyone’s been real nice. I don’t want to cause any trouble.”
“Anyone who treats women badly deserves all the trouble they get.” Blade shot her a warning look, one that had her eyes going wide again. “If you don’t tell me, and I find out about it, I’ll turn you over my knee and paddle your bottom.” Leaning close, he smiled coldly, but his eyes lit with anticipation. “Your naked bottom. I’ll enjoy it, too.”
Phoenix hid a smile at her look of shock. “Do it. I think our new bride would love something like that.”
Hawke frowned at both of them. “You hit her and you’re going to answer to me. She’s been through enough.”
Blade grinned, his eyes hooded as he turned Sarah’s face to his. “I’m not lookin’ to scare her that way. I have plans for something that I think she’ll like. A little fear will only heighten her excitement. Her punishment won’t hurt as much as the realization that she gets aroused when she’s bare-assed over her husband’s lap.”
Dropping a kiss on her lips, he smiled again. “And she won’t be able to hide it. Her thighs will be soaking wet with her sweet juices, and no matter how hard she fights it, she’ll beg for more.”
Sarah’s face turned bright red, her eyes slightly unfocused—a telling sign that made Phoenix’s cock jump in anticipation. “Never!”
Blade ran a hand over her hair before reaching for his spoon again. “Never is a very long time, honey.”
Fascinated by her response to the erotic threat, and Hawke’s own surprise, Phoenix gestured toward her plate, eager to put his own plans for her in action. “Eat. I want to show you something.”
They all looked up when Maggie stopped beside their table, and he and his brothers started to stand before she waved them back down again.
Patting the back of the baby propped against her shoulder, Maggie Tyler had a confidence that she hadn’t had when she’d come to the ranch almost two years earlier.
Grinning, Phoenix reached out to run a hand over the baby’s soft hair. “He’s getting big. Motherhood suits you.”
“Yes, he is. He’s gonna be as big as his daddies.” Lifting her chin in challenge, she turned to glare at Hawke. “I tried to give Sarah some of the scented soaps, but she wouldn’t take them. Is there something wrong with my soaps?”
The entire chow shack became silent, everyone apparently curious to see how Hawke would handle the boss’s wife.
Hawke sat back, crossing his arms over his chest. “I don’t take charity.”
Maggie lifted a brow, showing the spunk that drove both Eb and Jeremiah crazy. “What does that have to do with giving soap to Sarah? She worked to help make them, and she’s my friend. Friends do things for each other. Do you have a problem with your wife being my friend?” Her tone told him that he’d better not.
Shaking his head, Hawke sighed. “Of course not.” He slid a look in Blade’s direction. “I’d rather face a gun that an angry woman.”
Looking pleased with herself, Maggie pressed her advantage. “Then why can’t I give her some soap? Why can’t I give her some of the material? She’s giving me some of hers, or is that going to be a problem, too?”
Hawke reached for his cup of coffee, a small smile playing at his lips. “Motherhood has certainly changed you. That, and having your husbands wrapped around your little finger. Fine. She can accept the soaps and some material, but my brothers and I are responsible for our wife’s needs.”
Knowing that if one of the other ranch hands had approached Hawke and spoken to him in such a way, he would have been picking himself up from the floor, Phoenix hid a smile. “Thank you.
” He glanced at his smiling wife, willing to do anything to keep that smile on her face. “Sarah told us how kind you and Savannah were to her. We’re grateful for that.”
Maggie grinned. “We like her, and are both grateful for another woman on the place. We women are sorely outnumbered.”
Carrying two trays, Eb approached, smiling indulgently at his wife. “That doesn’t seem to curb your tongue any. I can’t imagine having the ranch overrun with women. We’d spend so much time watching out for all of you that we’d never get any work done.”
Frowning up at her husband, Maggie sighed. “Is that why you and the others came up with all those rules?”
Eb lifted a brow at her frown, obviously pleased at her look of apprehension. “Absolutely. If anything happened to you, I’d never forgive myself, so you’re gonna pay dearly for disobeying us. Come on. You need to eat. You’re grouchy, and if food doesn’t sweeten that mood, I know something that will.”
Sarah watched Maggie and Eb walk away before turning to Hawke. “What did she mean by rules? Is there something that I should know?”
Hawke swallowed his mouthful of stew before answering. “We’ve already talked about some of them. You’re to obey us without question. It could save your life. You don’t know the dangers here the way we do. You’ll do what we tell you to keep you safe. You put yourself in danger or disobey us, and you’ll get a red ass no matter how much you spit and sputter about it. I won’t put up with any nonsense. We’ll give you as much freedom as we can, but you won’t be allowed to do anything that might put you in danger.”
Sarah nodded, her gaze lowering. “I understand.” She slid a glance at Blade. “You just can’t wait to have an excuse to spank me.”
Blade’s brows went up, and he seemed to be clearly enjoying her sass. “I don’t need an excuse. That ass belongs to me and I’ll spank it whenever I want to. It’s up to you whether it’s a spanking designed to give pleasure, or one that’ll make it hard to sit down again.”