Possessive Protectors [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance)

by Paige Cameron

  “Gray has always been the gentleman in this twosome.”

  “I’m not surprised.”

  Holt laughed. “At least you’re beginning to know what to expect from us.”

  “It hardly matters. Once I’m cleared of Tom's murder, I’ll return to my ordinary life. You two will go on rescuing others.” She wasn’t sure if she was emphasizing this for their sake or to reinforce her own weak convictions.

  “Maybe,” Holt said.

  “Maybe you can clear me?”

  “No, that’s a definite. But maybe you won’t return to your old life.”

  Natalie decided not to ask any more questions or challenge him. His eyes had darkened, and his body tensed like a tiger about to strike. And she’d be the prey. Her instincts warned caution. She sensed Holt was a man who liked to be in command. For once she paid attention. But desire had flashed through her body, and she was aroused at the thought of him being out of control.

  She forced herself to break their stare. Her hand covered Gray’s. “Can we walk?”

  “Sure. When we get back we’ll all go out for dinner. You can choose the restaurant.”

  “I’d like that.” She didn’t look back at Holt as they left him behind, but she felt his stare between her shoulder blades.

  “Is he always this intense?” she asked Gray when they were out of hearing distance.

  “No. Just when he’s intent on getting something he wants.”

  They’d walked around the side of the cabin and toward the barn.

  She stopped and faced Gray. “What do you mean?”

  “I wasn’t going to mention this yet.” He spread his hands to encompass the land around them. “You know the history of Triple Dare County, about how there was a shortage of women in the early years and the pioneers decided two men could marry one woman? Of course the lady had to be accepting of the idea.”

  “Sure I know. Most of the people in the area still do. My dad agreed to marry only my mom, but that didn’t work out well. I think she felt she didn’t fit in. I don’t know for sure. She never said.”

  “Holt and I have planned for some time that when we decided to marry and have a family we’d do the same, share a wife.”

  “But he’s not from this area.”

  “No. But he’s been home with me often during our college years and afterwards. He’s like a second son to my fathers and a brother to me. Anyway that’s our plan, but the right woman, that suited us both, hasn’t come along. Until now.” He cupped her face and kissed her.

  Nat pulled away. “Me? You think I’m the one?”

  “You have to admit you’re attracted to us.”

  “I’m attracted to a lot of handsome men. It doesn’t mean I want to marry them. I’ve just gotten out of a relationship. Marriage isn’t all I expected it to be.”

  “You chose the wrong man.”

  “And you love the ladies. You’d be just like my ex. Within six months, he was looking past my shoulder to stare at other women.” Her voice had risen.

  Gray yanked her against his hard body. “Yes, I played the field. But I never came close to promising any of them more than a good time. Don’t insult me by saying I’m like your spoiled playboy of a husband.” He ran his hand through his hair, and he walked off toward the barn. “Let’s go see if the horses were delivered.” He didn’t wait for her.

  She’d seen the hurt and anger in his eyes. But she was leery of any man with a reputation like his. How could she learn to trust him? Because deep down she wanted to.

  Now Holt was completely different. She didn’t think he’d cheat, but he might be more than she wanted to deal with as a husband, more demanding, more controlling. She had been and intended to stay the one in control of her life. Slowly she followed Gray into the dim barn. The smell of hay, leather, and horses hit her nostrils. She sneezed.

  “Come here and I’ll introduce you to Daisy. She’s a sweet mare. I think you’ll enjoy riding her. Mom sent her over for you. Daisy is her favorite.”

  Daisy was light brown with a strip of white on her face and a daisy-shaped white spot at the top. Gray handed Nat a few pieces of apple from his pocket.

  “I cut two up and put them in my side pockets before I went outside.”

  Daisy ate from her palm. Nat rubbed her hand over the mare’s neck. “I’m sorry about what I said. You aren’t anything like Tom. But trust is a big issue for me, at least right now.”

  “That’s understandable. And I’ve never considered having a relationship with a client. It’s highly improper, but this isn’t a casual affair. We think you’re the woman to be our wife.” He put up his hand before she could speak. “I know we don’t know each other well enough. Just give us an opportunity to show you how well matched we’d be. We’ll try not to rush you. I promise.”

  He hoped he and Holt could keep that promise. They’d need to put on the brakes and do some old-style courting, as his dad Chuck would say. He put his hand out. “Ready to go back and get dressed for dinner?”

  “Absolutely. I’m starving.”

  * * * *

  Natalie sat back and listened as Gray and Holt talked about meeting in college and their similar backgrounds. Holt told her he’d grown up on a ranch in New Mexico.

  “We both miss living on a ranch,” Holt added.

  “That’s why we’ve bought into my parents’ place,” Gray said. “This time next year we’ll take over the whole works when they retire. Mom wants a winter home on a beach, in the south. My dads aren’t crazy about the idea, but they’ve already acquired a condo in Florida for her. They’re going to surprise her on their wedding anniversary later this month.”

  “You mother will be pleased.”

  “Holt will run the ranch full-time, and I’ll be here a lot but keep a smaller practice for special cases I want to take.”

  “Wow, sounds like the two of you are making some big changes in your life.”

  Gray, who sat beside her, took her hand. “And as I said earlier on our walk, we want you to be part of our new life.”

  A flush of heat warmed her face. She glanced down at her plate. Finally, she looked at Gray and then across at Holt’s expressionless face. “I don’t know what to say. Get me out of trouble first. Then we’ll see.” She knew what to say, but for her it was too soon. Her body might desire both these men, but her mind wasn’t there. Not yet.

  “Fair enough,” Gray said.

  Holt didn’t comment. He lifted his glass and took a long swallow of beer. Nat watched the strong muscles in his throat work as he drank. She turned from him to Gray.

  “When do we discuss my case?”

  “In the morning. I’m leaving for the airport around noon. Holt will be here for a day or two waiting for my call. Then you’ll be on your own the rest of the week. Will you be frightened staying at the cabin alone?”

  “No. I’m looking forward to it.” She stared back at Holt.

  A cynical smile curved his lips, and a shiver went up her spine.

  The drive back was quiet. Nat sat in front with Gray. She felt Holt’s intense scrutiny from the backseat. She was dreading tomorrow when they were left alone. But she wasn’t sure if it was because she feared Holt or because she desired him.

  Later she lay in bed listening to the quiet noises of the night. Someone stepped out the back door. She heard the screen quietly close and soft footsteps go toward the chairs. One scraped back. She didn’t doubt the night wanderer was Holt. She wondered what kept him awake.

  Nat wriggled in her bed and tried to go to sleep, but her mind and body were too aware of the man, just separated from her by a bedroom wall.

  * * * *

  Holt stared out into the dark night. He did his best thinking when the world was asleep. He’d pulled on jeans and a T-shirt. The cool night air refreshed him, sharpened his senses. An earthy smell drifted on the light breeze, and leaves rustled in the thick trees. Peace and quiet. There wasn’t a sniper hidden waiting for his best shot. He didn’t have to kee
p his ears and eyes constantly listening and looking. But habits were hard to get rid of even after three years.

  He steered his mind to more pleasant thoughts, Natalie. He liked her full name. He’d never call her Nat. Tonight she’d worn her hair down in waves around her shoulders. His hands had itched to run through the thickness and to touch her soft skin. His body ached with the desire to take her hard and fast, to wrap his body around her and claim her.

  But she was wary of him. He and Gray were good opposites especially for Natalie. She liked Gray’s easygoing ways, his gentleness, but she couldn’t hide her fascination with his tough silence. She’d be the perfect wife for them, to keep him and Gray satisfied. She just didn’t accept it yet. And they’d do whatever was needed to keep her happy.

  Holt stood and stretched. He wasn’t sleepy. He stepped off the porch and headed to the barn. He’d take a long ride and maybe tire himself out.

  * * * *

  They sat around the kitchen table with their coffee. Gray leaned back and looked at Holt. “Tell us what you’ve found out so far.”

  Holt relayed his visit to the bar and the group of employees. “People say and act ways they wouldn’t without some drinks in them. I studied the group and found one man especially interesting. The woman sitting next to me said his name was Al Ubel. She said he was the head of finance.

  “Al thinks a lot of himself. He talked about his car, his boat, his women.” Holt took a sip of his coffee then studied Natalie. “He hinted he’d even had you.”

  “What? I barely know the man. Tom introduced us once, when I went to the office. It was over a year ago. I’ve seen him once or twice since when I had meetings with Tom and our attorneys.” She glanced at Gray. “He would be the one I made the comment to about shooting Tom.”

  “You said what?” Holt asked.

  Gray explained Nat had been joking at the time.

  “I’m surprised he hasn’t told the police. He must be keeping the information for the right time,” Holt said. He got up and refilled his coffee. “One of the women in the group was uncomfortable around Ubel. She’s apparently his assistant in the finance department. She kept her head down most of the time when he was talking and appeared very relieved when he left early.”

  “But what does this have to do with my problem other than that damning remark I made?”

  “If Tom Newlyn found problems with the finance department, who would he go to but the manager. Tom would want an explanation. What if that person was the cause of the problems and Tom threatened to expose him to his father and call the police?”

  “You think Al Ubel killed Tom?” Nat asked.

  “It’s a possibility. Our only one right now.”

  “How do we prove it?” Nat asked.

  Holt glanced at Gray. “Leave it to us. We’ll find a way.”

  “Good work, Holt. If you can find some solid evidence I can talk the police into asking for a warrant to look at his bank records.”

  “Would he leave stolen funds in such an obvious place?” Nat looked from Holt to Gray.

  “He’s arrogant. He thinks he’s covered all his tracks. But he’s not that smart.” Holt finished the last of his coffee. “I’d better drive you to the airport. Want to ride along?” he asked Natalie.

  She’d enjoy the ride but hesitated thinking of the return trip with just her and Holt. Still, it would be only them when he got back. She might as well go.

  “Thanks, I will. I’ll go put on my boots.” She’d dressed in a sweater and jeans this morning but had come out in her slippers. After hearing what Holt said, her hope rose. Maybe they would be able to clear her of suspicion. The weight on her shoulders didn’t feel quite as heavy.

  When she was ready, they walked out to the truck Gray had borrowed from Boyd. Gray motioned for her to sit between him and Holt. Holt had gotten in the driver’s seat. He didn’t appear to care one way or the other. Gray had his hand on her lower back.

  “Get in, honey. We don’t bite.”

  Heat flushed her cheeks. She slid across the seat, and Gray got in beside her. All the space was gone. His and Holt’s hard thighs rubbed against hers. Their spicy, musky scent tantalized her every time she took a breath. She tried to pull herself inward, away from their bodies.

  Gray put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. “Relax. We’re the good guys.”

  “That’s probably what the men said in the old West just before they shot you.” Both her men chuckled. Whoa, not her men. They were her lawyer and investigator.

  If I keep telling myself that enough, maybe I’ll come to believe it.

  It didn’t take long to arrive at the small private airport where a friend had agreed to fly Gray to Minneapolis. All too soon she was telling Gray good-bye.

  “Take care of yourself. Call my dads or yours if you need anything after Holt leaves. I’ll keep in touch and be back soon.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her lightly on the mouth. Then he strode quickly through the gate. He waved one last time before disappearing behind a door.

  “Ready to go?” Holt’s husky voice in her ear startled her. She moved back.

  “Yes.” Nat followed him to the car. The ride here had seemed short, but the way back would undoubtedly be very long.

  Chapter Six

  Holt held the car door for her. She got in and sat close to the door. He looked at the large space between them and smiled.

  “Do I scare you?”

  “No. Why would you?”

  “I’m not particularly warm and fuzzy like Gray.”

  “I thought he was your good friend?”

  “He is. I admire him and his ability to be that way. We’re two different breeds. We respect and like our disparities.”

  “He’s easier to know.” Nat turned her head to look out the window, hoping to end the conversation. She was keenly aware of his scent and the heat from his body. Her heart beat double-time, and desire stoked the heat in her belly. “I don’t understand you.”

  “You will.”

  Then he left her alone to view the stark landscape and, as they got closer home, the rolling prairies. She loved the green of the prairie, the blue sky, the wide expanse of emptiness except for the cattle seen in the distance.

  “Do you enjoy visiting the ranch?” Holt asked her.

  “Very much.”

  “Gray told me your parents divorced. If you like being here so much why didn’t you stay with your father?”

  She glanced at him. He stared straight ahead with his usual blank expression.

  This is the way he gets people to answer him. He doesn’t appear to care whether I tell him or not. Clever man.

  “My brother refused to leave Triple Dare, so my mother would have been alone. I couldn’t do that to her. My parents agreed I’d come here on vacations and some holidays.”

  He didn’t say anything. She’d love to be able to read his mind and know what he thought about her, the ranch, everything.

  Maybe she’d ask him, but not today.

  Today, she didn’t have her usual strength. She suspected a woman needed to be in tip-top shape to try to get close to the tiger. His restless energy and cool looks reminded her of a large animal pacing, waiting, timing his attack. Could a man like Holt be tamed? If he could be, would she want to be the one to do it? Part of his attraction was the hint of suspense and danger.

  “Figured me out yet?”

  Nat looked around into his blue-as-the-sky eyes. “I don’t know what you mean.” She lied. Damn, was he a mind reader, too?

  “You were in such deep thought I almost heard the wheels grinding.” He chuckled. “It’s going to be so much fun taming you.”

  “You’re the one who needs taming,” she shot back.

  “No. I’m the one in control.” He parked in front of the cabin and got out.

  She jumped out and turned to face him, and was ready to punch him if necessary. He made her angry quicker than any man she’d known. Well, she didn’t know him. Not r
eally. Her hands had curled into fists.

  Holt glanced at her hands. He grinned, shook his head, and went to the door. “I’m going riding in fifteen minutes. Meet me at the barn if you want to ride along.” He sauntered inside without a backward glance.

  Nat was torn. She wanted the ride, but to give in seemed to be letting him be in charge, as he’d said. No. This was the line in the sand. She went straight to her room and closed the door. In a few minutes she heard the back screen close. He must be headed to the barn.

  Damn, she wanted to join him. But she wouldn’t. Instead she started out in the opposite direction for a walk across the rolling prairie. She hadn’t gone far when she heard the clip-clop of a horse close behind. Suddenly an arm swooped down and wrapped around her waist, easily lifting her to sit in front of him.

  “What are you doing? Let me down this minute.”

  “You are stubborn. You wanted to ride but didn’t want to do what I’d suggested. You’re going to need a lot of work.” He leaned across the space between their faces and kissed her.

  Nat started to pull back, but his hand held her head steady as his lips ravished her mouth. Without being aware, she put her arms around his neck and kissed him back. The well-trained stallion stood still under them.

  When he stopped kissing her, she was breathless and her heart pounded like a freight train going up a difficult hill.

  Slowly, he smiled, changing his whole face. Nat stared at the handsome man in front of her. His eyes lit with mischief.

  “You might act feisty, but you taste sweet as honey straight from the hive. I like a woman who’s got some spice in her.”

  “The kiss meant nothing. I still don’t like you.” My nose is going to grow very long if I don’t quit lying.

  “You keep telling yourself that, darlin’. And I’ll keep convincing you otherwise.” He kicked his heels into the horse’s flank, and the stallion streaked across the prairie.

  Nat held onto him tight as they galloped along. She had to admit she liked the feel of his muscled chest and his one arm holding onto her. She turned to let the wind whip over her face.