by Piper Stone
A cold chill slithered down my spine. I’d never seen him this way. Scorpion had always had a temper, but he maintained such control when it was needed the most. “I had no idea.”
“No. You wouldn’t because you fucking ran away. I get why and I don’t blame you. Thought about it several times myself, but that ain’t life. Life isn’t about harboring guilt It took me a hell of a long time, but I finally came to terms with what happened. That doesn’t mean I don’t think about the shit storm from time to time, but Caroline is always there to shove me back into reality.”
I dragged the beer closer, struggling to control my breathing. “Yeah, well, I don’t have that.”
Scorpion finally snickered. “You’ve always been such a fucking asshole.”
“Thanks. Makes everything better.”
“Yeah? Well, you know exactly what the hell I mean.”
His breathing was clipped, the anger cutting through me. “Mitch is a stranger. Nothing more.”
“One you fucked like she was the only thing that mattered to you and you know what? I think that’s the truth. Do exactly like Hawk advised you. Get your head out of your ass before it’s too late.”
The words rang in my mind, although I wasn’t entirely certain what the hell to do with them. As I closed my eyes, taking a long pull on my beer, Snake’s smiling face floated in my mind’s eye. And I could hear his boisterous laugh.
But as Mitch’s face replaced his, I was forced to face there was a ring of truth to what both men were saying. I didn’t know the girl. She’d pissed me off more than any other woman had in my entire freaking life.
But I adored her.
In fact…
There was a chance I could fall hard for her.
What. The. Fuck?
Chapter 13
Mitch
Darkness.
It had swept in quickly, the shadows making me jumpy as hell. I hadn’t been able to get what Jessica had said out of my mind or thoughts about the rugged, ruthless, amazing man. I’d remained by the window for the last twenty minutes, my gut churning. I should have called him.
I should have obeyed him.
Him.
A larger than life Marine.
A true cowboy in the Wild West kind of way.
A masterful lover.
Reaper…
Every part of me tingled, my lower lip quivering. I was forced to press my fingers across my mouth to keep from whimpering, giving my desire away. I had the distinct feeling that Caroline was watching my actions.
Reaper…
Just thinking about his nickname brought me some crazy kind of heated joy, as if the fact he could kill people with his bare hands was sexy. Or maybe that’s the kind of woman I’d become. Either way, I was nervous that he and Scorpion hadn’t arrived home.
Home.
This certainly wasn’t my home. I had no home to return to any longer. The sooner I faced that fact the better.
“Sit down. I grabbed a bottle of wine. I think you need a glass. I know I do.”
Hearing Caroline’s kind voice troubled the hell out of me. Why was she being nice to me? I’d invaded her space as well as Scorpion’s and I was a stranger. She’d remained with me even though she had a life of her own. I was grateful, the fear not nearly as crippling.
“Okay.” While I answered, I remained where I was.
“You like him.”
“Who?”
Caroline chuckled. “Come on. It’s written all over your face. Your body. My guess is you’re craving what the rugged cowboy can do.”
Her words finally made me laugh. I shifted in her direction, noticing the twinkling in her eyes. “What?”
“Oh, you heard me. There’s something about those bad boys that does the women in. They fawn over Scorpion at the bar he owns, draping their half-naked bodies all over him.”
Her laugh was infectious. “Scorpion owns a bar?”
“Believe it or not. It was left to him by his uncle. It used to be a rough place, but he’s cleaned it up.”
“Is that where you met him?” I studied Caroline. She was perfect for Scorpion, likely tempering his aggressive tendencies.
“Yes. I’m a concert promoter. It’s a very long story and one Scorpion likes to tell.” Her eyes sparkled as she tossed me a glance. “A glorious story we both can laugh about now. I wasn’t doing much laughing then.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Well, I don’t think Reaper would ever laugh about how we met.”
“I think it’s adorable.”
“Not the perfect way to start a…” I almost said relationship.
“Well, if it’s any comfort, Scorpion wasn’t too thrilled with me at first either. Then I snagged his heart. They talk big, their actions like something out of a wild western movie, but they’re sweethearts deep inside. All the Montana bad boys are. Don’t get me wrong. There are days I want to beat Scorpion senseless because of his hard head, but then he can be so sweet. So loving. I just…” She sighed and poured two hefty glasses of wine, leaving the bottle on the table. “Let’s just say I still swoon over him.”
“Really?” I asked as I was unable to resist, inching closer and finally easing onto the couch.
“Oh, gosh, yes. He’s full of passion and I’ve never felt so protected. I assume that’s the way you feel too.”
Heat slipped up from my neck, crawling like fingers to my cheeks.
She laughed as she took a sip of her wine. “See. That’s what I mean. There’s nothing wrong with feeling that way. It’s amazing and well worth the fact they do things their own way.”
“Are they really dangerous?”
“Absolutely, but the kind of men you want on your side at all times. Just remember something very important.”
“Okay.”
Caroline took a deep breath before finishing. “Always be honest with Reaper. If he’s anything like Scorpion or the other guys, they take integrity and honesty seriously.”
I shook my head, biting back a laugh given the way we met.
“Oh, and they’re very dominating,” she continued.
As she shook her head, we both laughed, although another shiver slipped down my spine. Could I handle something like that in a relationship? Could I obey him at all times? Wait a minute. I wasn’t even certain we could tolerate each other even if the passion was off the chain.
“I’m not certain I can handle that,” I said after a few seconds.
“I didn’t think so either, but what I realized is that there’s a part of me that hungers to be taken care of, to have a man provide tender loving care while allowing me to explore whatever desires in life I need to experience. All while keeping me from making the wrong decisions, or at least reminding me when I do.” Caroline gave me a knowing look, the kind that furrowed deep into my psyche.
Maybe that’s exactly what I’d been searching for all these years, the single reason I’d fallen for Dante’s bullshit for more than thirty seconds. However, I refused to make the wrong choice again.
If I lived to make that choice.
Headlights streamed into the windows and a wave of heat spontaneously erupted all through every muscle and cell, excitement building. My God. I’d missed him. The thought was crazy and wonderful, maybe debilitating on more levels than I could comprehend. But I had missed him. The rugged and sullen man.
“One last thing,” Caroline advised. “Follow your heart. I know it’s tough, especially after what you’ve been through but trust me. It’ll be the best gift you give to yourself.”
I bit my lip as I glanced in her direction. She seemed so damn happy, her entire face lit up from the realization that her man was walking through the door in just a few seconds. I wanted to share in that feeling almost desperately, my nipples aching and my panties already soaked. Either I was out of my mind or I’d found the right man.
One I could care for.
One I could fall hard for.
One I could… love.
When the door open
ed, the cold air wafting in, I craned my neck in search of Reaper. He took his time coming inside, his arms full of what appeared to be groceries. He gave me a single hard look before stomping toward the kitchen.
The man was pissed.
I hadn’t obeyed him.
I’d disappointed him.
Why the hell did that bother me so much?
Caroline jumped to her feet, a single squeal erupting from her lips. “I thought you’d gotten lost.”
“You know me better than that. I see you’ve been able to amuse yourself,” Scorpion said as he winked.
She laughed, the sound jittery. Every action she made was provocative, forcing my throat to close. I wanted that closeness. Damn, I could barely look at them.
“Reaper, this is my Caroline, but she is totally off limits,” Scorpion said with a husky growl.
Caroline growled back at him before smiling. “I am my own woman, darling snookie,” she teased before turning her attention toward Reaper. “Mitch is quite entertaining,” Caroline said as she took a bag from his arms. “I think we might become friends.”
Friends.
I had one in my life and I’d placed hers in danger. How the hell could I be a friend to anyone?
“From what I hear, you’re just as bratty as Mitch,” Reaper said, keeping a straight face for a few seconds.
Caroline rolled her eyes before giving Scorpion a harsh look. “You two are just alike.”
For some reason, the lively banter was too much, creating a dull ache in the pit of my stomach.
“Are there more bags?” I finally asked as I stood, my legs shaking.
“The rest of the supplies are for you guys,” Scorpion said before heading toward the kitchen. “You have a place to stay as long as you like.”
Both Caroline and I trailed behind, Caroline taking charge of putting things away. A place to stay? I searched Reaper’s eyes for any answers, unable to read anything in them.
Caroline hummed while she put groceries away, the buzzing sound creating butterflies in my stomach. What had the sheriff told them?
Scorpion nodded as he read whatever was on his screen, finally turning his attention toward Reaper. “I have the directions to Bryce’s house. He wanted you to know there’s plenty of wood outside and the cabinets are stocked with liquor and wine. You can find some clothes in the closets as well. Guess Hawk figured you might need a drink after this afternoon.”
I studied the two men, the odd look that occurred between them. Whatever had happened, they both remained tense.
“We’ll get out of your hair,” Reaper said quietly.
“You can stay for dinner,” Scorpion said in passing.
Another moment of tension shifted between them. It was all I could do not to poke and prod them into telling me what they’d found out.
“Maybe the two lovebirds should be allowed to be alone,” Caroline added, giving me another one of her saucy looks.
Finally, Reaper turned his heated gaze in my direction, studying me as if he’d never met me in his life. “Oh, we definitely need to spend some time alone.”
“Then let me grab the keys to my other truck and I’ll help you load the groceries.” Scorpion shifted out of the room, not bothering to look in my direction.
Reaper nodded as he looked at Caroline. “You’re good for the old man.”
Caroline’s laugh was infectious, filled with such freaking happiness. Jealousy wrapped itself around my system. Would I ever be able to feel that way?
“I’m just the woman who wrangled his heart. I think you might have found that person yourself,” she answered.
“No woman can do that. Not into relationships,” he huffed.
And there it was.
I knew exactly where I stood in his life.
Nowhere.
I was merely an inconvenience, an intruder in a life that he’d yet to live.
Well, fine.
Whatever.
Fuck him.
Bristling, I walked back into the living room, trying to wrap my mind around what I’d just heard. I didn’t need this shit. I had plenty of my own. He meant nothing to me. Nothing.
Then why was my heart aching?
Why had tears formed in my eyes?
I heard the solid thud of heavy boots, could feel his heated presence behind me. He stood silently, maybe waiting for me to say something.
Hell, no. I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction.
“Get your other things. We’re leaving,” he said gruffly.
“Then what?”
“Then we’re going to talk. And…” Damn him for allowing the words to linger. “After that, you’re going to learn another lesson about not following the rules.”
“Rules. You don’t own me.”
Maybe a small part of me wanted him to deny that fact, to tell me once again that he owned me. It was obvious by his hesitation that he had no intention of doing that ever again.
“Nope,” he said in a subdued voice. “I don’t; however, a deal is a deal. I’ll continue to remind you of that until you finally get it. If that’s something you can do.”
As he walked away, a sense of dread as well as sadness swept through me.
And excitement.
And hunger.
I closed my eyes once again, fighting the insane urges pulsing through me. I had to let go of the ugly emotions. I had to find that strength I’d developed years before in order to survive.
Fuck everything.
I was on my own.
The house was even smaller than the cabin, although obviously built long after the house at the ranch. I couldn’t help but smile seeing the bearskin rug in front of the stone fireplace. The entire setting was cozy and romantic. I envisioned roaring fires and candles, bottles of cabernet and appetizers of shrimp and scallops.
As well as incredible nights of unbridled sex.
While I appreciated the setting, Reaper ignored the location as much as possible, barely acknowledging the kind offering during the truck ride. He’d remained almost completely silent, not once looking in my direction.
After helping carry in the groceries, I remained in the kitchen while Reaper went to find wood and build a fire. I’d never felt so out of place. While the generosity and kindness that we’d been offered was wonderful, I had no idea how to repay it.
I studied the two pictures that Bryce had positioned on the small desk in the corner of the room. Both highlighted a memorable event, their happy faces digging into my mind, creating a wave of discord. As I pulled the second picture into my hand, I realized I was tracing their faces, maybe in some wayward attempt to capture whatever moment they were sharing.
When I felt his presence, I found it difficult to look at him, even more uncertain of what to say.
“The sheriff thinks you’re a grifter.”
I certainly wasn’t expecting his statement. “What the hell does that mean?”
“That you’re lying, using my generosity.”
I was thrown, fighting the tears from forming. “Your generosity? I didn’t lie to you. Damn it. Why are you doing this? Why do you think that way after…”
“And why didn’t you call me?”
I had no good answer. “I guess I lost track of time around Caroline.”
“Uh-huh.”
I heard him grumbling as he walked further into the room, searching through the cabinets and finding two glasses. As he’d done before, he didn’t ask me what I’d like to drink, pulling the bottle of bourbon he’d purchased closer, twisting the top. I continued to stare at the pictures, brushing away the fallen tears, frustrated as hell with my reaction.
“Come into the living room,” he commanded, his usual dark inflection driving into the core of my being.
He’d taken both glasses with him, his long strides and the heavy thumping of his boots another reminder that I’d pissed him off.
Sighing, I followed, moving closer to the fledgling fire, sinking onto the rug. The silence between us k
ept my nerves on edge, my pulse skipping. A part of me wanted him to just get whatever punishment he was prepared to inflict over with. The apprehension was killing me.
“The sheriff has some connections in Chicago. She’s going to see what she can find out. Someone betrayed you.”
“The only person it could be is the DA,” I said softly. “He had the address. He told me point blank that no one was going to learn where he’d sent me. Unless he placed the information in some location where others had access, I don’t see any other way.”
“Only you know if that could be true.”
I snapped my head in his direction, weighing the options of what I wanted to say and what I should say. “I get why you don’t buy my story, but—”
“Because you haven’t told me everything. There’s a distinct reason that a man like Dante Giordani would target you, even utilizing several of his men. If he wasn’t convicted of the crime you witnessed, then your testimony no longer holds any merit.”
Sighing, every nerve stood on end. “Okay.”
“That means he still finds you a threat. While you’re beautiful as fuck, the kind of woman any man would want on their arm, the prick had other reasons for trying to get close to you that he deemed risk worthy. That’s what the real issue is, sweetheart.”
I wanted to rip his tough guy smirk off his face, but as usual, he’d read me far too well. How was I that transparent?
His interruption was more like a quiet bellow, the kind of voice that would stop anyone in their tracks. There was one more part to my story, although I wasn’t certain why it would matter in the first place. “Fine. You want to know the ugly truth? The job I accepted, upending my previous life was little more than grunt work in an accounting firm, but I had hopes to put in my time and possibly make partner. And I worked hard, asking for additional responsibilities when other employees made certain they left at five o’clock sharp. My boss was more than inclined to give me more and more work.”