“What is it?” Jake asked.
“Don’t know. Trace?”
“Dead calves,” Trace said urgently, swinging down from his horse. “Three of them. Looks to me like they were poisoned.”
“You hear that?” he growled into the phone at Jake.
“Yep, I’m on my way,” Jake replied.
“I’ll call Colin,” Trace said after he hung up.
Logan nodded. “Use the phone inside. Stay with Savannah until I get back.” He didn’t want her left alone.
“You got it.”
***
“I can’t tell for sure what was used until I run some tests, but I’d say it was definitely poison,” Colin told them, looking back up at Logan.
Fuck. Double fuck.
What a goddamn waste. He stared down at the three calves.
“Looks like they were all dragged here,” Jake commented as he studied the ground and took photos. “Someone wasn’t trying to hide what they were doing.”
Colin stood with a scowl. “Who’d do this?”
Jake moved further away.
“It’s a warning.”
“A warning?” Colin asked.
“To Max and me. Someone’s trying to scare us off. They’re telling us that they’re prepared to ruin us to get what they want. You still want to tell me that Atkinson isn’t behind all this?” he asked Jake.
“Atkinson did this?” Colin gaped at him. “Why?”
“To get his hands on the ranch. And he’ll do anything to try to scare us off, including threatening our wife.”
“Jesus. Has he got a death wish or what?”
If he did have a death wish, then his dreams were about to come true because Logan was about to make it a reality.
Jake suddenly knelt and, pulling a plastic bag from his pocket, picked something up. Then he took a few photos and turned to them, holding up the bag. “Don’t suppose either of you has taken up smoking?”
They both shook their heads, and Logan moved closer. “You think whoever did this left that?”
“Well, there are some prints here. Looks like one person on horseback. Hopefully, we can get some DNA and catch this guy.”
“What if they’re not in the system?” Colin asked.
Jake sighed. “Let’s just hope we get a match.” He eyed Logan. “The important thing here is not to lose our temper and confront Atkinson.”
Logan glared at him. “You’ve got until Max gets home. Then I’m going after the bastard myself.”
***
Savannah watched Logan pace back and forth, worriedly. He hated waiting around. Logan was a man of action. And this was killing him.
“Why hasn’t Jake called?”
“It happened yesterday morning, Logan. It probably takes days for DNA results to come through.”
Since the calves had been poisoned, Logan had been completely on edge. He hadn’t left her side unless Colin, Gavin, or Trace was here with her. They were going to owe those guys a lot once this was over. When they weren’t doing regular patrols on the ranch, one of them stayed with her so Logan could get some work done.
Truthfully, while she appreciated their vigilance, she was starting to feel smothered. It felt like she couldn’t even go to the bathroom without someone trying to follow her.
She stood with a sigh.
“Where are you going?” Logan snapped.
She scowled at him. “Logan, I get that you’re upset and worried, but that’s no reason to bite at me. If you must know, I’m going to take a shower then get ready for bed.”
He held his arms out. She stepped into his embrace, sighing as a sense of rightness came over her.
She buried her face in his chest. At the moment, the only time she felt a measure of peace was when she was in his arms.
“Will things ever be right again?” she asked.
He tightened his arms around her. “Fucked if I know, darlin’.”
She gave a half-laugh. “You realize you’re meant to tell me everything will be all right. That we’ll go back to the way, things were soon. Stuff like that.”
“Everything will be all right, Savannah.”
“Okay, now I just don’t believe you.”
“Believe this.” He drew her back. “I don’t know if things will ever be normal, whatever that means, but I will love you and keep you safe. Always.”
She cupped his face. “I know.”
The phone rang, interrupting them. She tensed. Logan picked it up. “Yeah?”
He stared over at her briefly, listening to whomever was speaking on the other end. “Yeah, good. Okay.” He put the phone down. “That was Jake. He’s coming over.”
“I’ll make coffee.” Drinking caffeine this late wouldn’t help her with her sleeping problem. But then, she didn’t think she’d be sleeping much tonight anyway.
***
Logan let Jake in, then led him impatiently into the living room. Savannah stood with a smile, although it was easy to see how forced it was.
“Savannah, sorry to stop by so late.”
“It’s all right. Coffee?”
“Yeah, thanks, it’s been a long day.”
“You do look tired,” she said sympathetically.
“Enough bullshit. What’s going on? Was it Atkinson?” Logan barked. Savannah startled, dropping a teaspoon with a clang.
“I’ll get it, Savannah,” Jake told her soothingly. “You sit, honey.”
Jake sent him a firm look behind Savannah’s back. Yeah, he got it. He was acting like a dick. He moved over and sat next to Savi, pulling her against him. She trembled, making him feel terrible.
Jake sat in an armchair across from them and took a sip of his coffee. “That hits the spot. Thanks, honey.”
Savannah just nodded, but she relaxed slightly against Logan.
“You look tired, Savannah. You getting enough sleep?” As sheriff of Haven, Jake took an interest in the well-being of all the residents, but particularly the women. Still, Logan didn’t like the implied criticism that he wasn’t looking after his wife.
He frowned at Jake who just looked back at him calmly.
“I’m all right, Jake.”
“You’re a strong woman, but there’s been a lot of turmoil in your life lately. You need anything you let me know, all right? There are people who care about you a lot. Who want to do what they can to help.”
“I know.”
“That goes for both of you.” He looked over at Logan.
“Got it,” Logan said impatiently. “You’re here for us, blah, blah, blah. What did you find out?”
“Logan,” Savannah said in a scolding voice. “Sorry, he’s under a lot of stress. It’s making him a bit grumpy.”
“He’s grumpy even when he’s not under stress.” Jake winked at her.
“Will you stop flirting with my wife and tell me what the hell is going on!”
Savannah squeezed his thigh. He guessed she was telling him to behave.
Jake leaned back with a sigh. “DNA results came in earlier today.”
“And you didn’t tell me!” Logan stood and started to pace, too restless to sit still. “Well? Was it him?”
“No.”
Well, fuck.
“It wasn’t Atkinson?” Savannah asked, looking startled.
Damn it. He’d been so sure it was Atkinson doing this. Now they were back to square one.
“But it was one of his ranch hands. Randy Marshall. He’s got a record. Theft and assault. I brought him in for questioning this afternoon. He rolled on Atkinson almost immediately. Said Atkinson paid him to make trouble for you guys with the idea of scaring you into selling. Randy decided he’d start with poisoning some of your calves.”
“Start?” Logan paused turning towards Jake. “What about the phone call and the letter?”
“Denies both of them.”
“What does Atkinson say?”
“Well, that’s a problem. Atkinson seems to have disappeared.”
“What?
“His housekeeper said he left on a business trip to Montgomery, Alabama. I’ve alerted the Montgomery PD, and they’re trying to track him down. I’m having the flight lists checked.”
“Fuck!” Logan ran his hand through his hair.
“The good news is with Marshall locked up and Atkinson out of town, things should be safer around here.”
“But if he didn’t send the letter or make those calls then who did?” Savannah asked, chewing on her lower lip.
Jake looked over at Logan with concern. Logan nodded. Yes, he knew that Savannah needed close watching. He wished he could do something to relieve the pressure on her.
“Could be Atkinson hired someone else to do those things,” Jake told her.
“Or it’s someone else entirely.” She stared down at her clenched hands.
“I’ll leave the two of you to get some sleep. Just stay vigilant. I’ll have my guys do some patrols past here when they can.”
Logan walked Jake out and shook his hand. “Thanks, man.”
Jake nodded, his face serious. “Take care of Savannah. She looks like she’s about to break.”
Logan returned to the living room to find Savannah staring out the front window. She shivered and hugged herself.
“Savi.”
She turned with a gasp. “Has Jake gone?”
He nodded and moved toward her. “Come on, darlin’. I’ll run you a bath and put you to bed, you look done in.”
She licked her lips. “Actually, I wanted to ask you something.”
“What’s that?” He’d do whatever she needed. He was just damn glad she was speaking up and asking for what she needed.
“I want you to spank me.”
Okay, so that really wasn’t what he’d been expecting. And it was kind of the last thing he wanted to do. She looked like she was about to keel over. She needed care, not to have her butt paddled.
“Savannah, you’re tired as hell. I don’t know how I feel about spanking you right now.”
She smiled brightly. “You’re right. Don’t mind me. I’d love that bath right now.”
Fuck. He’d just done completely the wrong thing. With a groan, he grabbed hold of her arm, pulling her back.
“I’m a fucking idiot.”
She frowned. “No, you’re not. You’re one of the smartest men I know. You’re holding this place, and me, together.”
He had to smile at the ferociousness in her voice. “I’m stupid because Max and I are always telling you to ask for what you need, and the minute you do I turn you down. I just can’t believe you want me to spank you.”
“I have this oppressive feeling like something bad is going to happen. It’s sitting heavy on my chest.” She rubbed her chest as though there was something physically there.
And she wanted a way to relieve the pressure. To think about something else. To give up all her worries and fears for a little while. She needed him to step up and give her what she needed. But he didn’t feel just a spanking would help.
“Strip.”
“What?” She looked at him, startled.
“I’m taking charge. You do exactly as I say or your butt pays the price.” He still felt kind of wrong threatening to spank her when she seemed so lost and fragile. But he needed to help her. Anyway, he could.
“I don’t know . . .” But there was desire mixed in with that hesitance. Trepidation for sure, but also desire. He thought that it was exactly what she needed.
“Don’t wimp out on me now, darlin’.” She needed to stop thinking for a while.
She took a deep breath then nodded. “All right.”
“Good. Strip then meet me in the kitchen.”
Her eyes widened, clearly startled. “What?”
He turned to look at her, just raising one eyebrow.
“Okay,” she answered.
“Okay, Sir.”
Her mouth dropped slightly open, and he had to hold back a smile.
“Okay, Sir.”
He turned away then let the smile break free. The last thing he expected to be doing tonight was smiling.
Damn, this was going to be fun.
***
She quickly stripped.
She wasn’t sure she really trusted that glint in Logan’s eyes. Seemed like he was a bit too happy with himself, which made her wonder what the hell she was in for.
Sir, indeed. This was the first time either of her men had wanted her to call them Sir.
Savannah strode into the kitchen to find him . . . cooking? All right, so it was the kitchen. It should have been a big hint about what he planned on doing. But she still hadn’t thought he’d be cooking. Maybe grabbing a quick snack or pulling out that can of whipped cream from the fridge. That could provide a great distraction. But he was at the stove cooking what looked like a stir-fry.
“Logan?”
“What are you supposed to call me?”
“Sorry. Sir.” Damn him, he was enjoying this. She was glad she could amuse him. Still, she hadn’t been thinking of just herself when she’d asked him for a spanking. She’d thought he could use some sort of stress release as well.
He turned, giving her a nod of approval as he took in her state of undress. That probably shouldn’t have made her feel so happy, but she couldn’t deny the surge of warmth that filled her.
He moved over to her, wrapping his hands around her hips, and kissed her deeply. Logan was an amazing kisser. He didn’t view kissing as just foreplay, he didn’t rush through the motions. He took his time and he was thorough.
Very, very thorough.
When he drew back, she clung to him. He suddenly lifted her, setting her down on the counter which felt cold against her heated skin.
“Stay there,” he warned, pointing a finger at her.
She saluted him.
“Sassy brat,” he growled. But she saw his lips twitch. He grabbed a plate, emptying the food onto it.
“Um, didn’t we already eat dinner?”
“I ate dinner,” he told her. “You moved yours around on the plate in the hope I wouldn’t notice that you weren’t eating. But now I’m in charge and you, my darlin’, are going to eat.”
Well, hell, she was hoping she’d be getting fucked. Instead, he was holding a piece of broccoli up to her lips.
“If you make choo-choo noises I’m out of here,” she warned him.
“No, you’re not. Now eat.”
She opened her mouth and took a bite. It actually tasted really good.
“Somehow I get the feeling you’re not going to be a benevolent dictator.”
He just grinned and continued to feed her. She felt a little ridiculous, sitting stark naked on the counter while he fed her. But he wouldn’t let her feed herself, and after a while she just gave in and let him have his way.
She turned away when she was full. “No more,” she pleaded, placing her hand on her stomach which was almost uncomfortably stuffed.
He leaned in and kissed her lightly. “You did well, baby.”
He quickly cleaned up then pulled her up against his chest, her pussy rubbing against his stomach. She wrapped her legs around his waist.
“Damn, you feel good with your legs wrapped around me.”
As he kissed her neck, shivers raced through her. He carried her up the stairs, not showing any sign of strain. He entered their bedroom then walked straight through and into the attached bathroom. He set her down on the counter.
“I’m going to run you a bath. You’ll soak until I come get you.”
“And what will you be doing?”
He tapped her nose. “That’s my business.”
He ran the bath and then picked her up and placed her in. He waggled his finger at her. “Stay there.”
She resisted the urge to bark like a dog. Barely.
Once he’d left, she stood and reached for her bath gel. Then she turned on the tap to heat the water a bit more. It was nearly cold. She shook her head. She loved Logan to bits, but to him, running a bath was simply putting the plug in and turning on the taps. Not that she’d ever known him to take a bath. Unless it was with her.
Hmm, she wondered if she could convince him to join her.
Logan checked the bedroom one last time before entering the bathroom once more. He came to a stop as he saw she had her eyes closed. Was she asleep?
But then she stirred, opening those beautiful, blue eyes to stare up at him sleepily. “Logan.”
He loved the way she said his name. On a soft whisper. Desire and love mingled together.
“Hey, baby. Tired?”
Of course she’s tired, idiot.
“A little.” She sat up and smiled at him. “What have you been up to?”
He grabbed the towel and pulled her up out of the bath, brushing her hands away when she tried to take over and dry herself. Then he drew her up into his arms once more.
“Am I not allowed to walk tonight?”
“Nope. You’re not allowed clothes either.”
She looked down at herself. “Yeah, I kind of got that.”
“Call it side benefits. For me.” Because the feel of her naked body against his was definitely a bonus for carrying her around everywhere.
When they entered the bedroom, he heard her gasp. “Logan.”
He felt a flush of embarrassment work its way up his face. Crap, was it too much? Was it cheesy? He’d never done anything like this before. Never really tried to be romantic.
“It looks stupid, doesn’t it? I’ll take them all—”
“No, you won’t,” she interrupted him. “It looks magical.”
Well, he wouldn’t go that far. It was just a few Christmas lights strung around the room. And some candles he’d grabbed from downstairs, which he’d lit.
“I love it. I can’t believe you did this for me.”
He’d do much more than this to see that smile on her face. She looked up at him as though he was everything, and his embarrassment over what he’d seen as a pretty pathetic attempt to be romantic disappeared.
“You really like it?”
“I love it.” She reached up and kissed him. He moved to the bed and laid her down before following her, continuing their kiss. When he pulled back, his cock was pressing uncomfortably against his jeans, need burning in his balls. He stood and started to strip.
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