by Jane Jamison
“Wyatt, come on. Tell me what’s up.”
So much for luck.
Wyatt waved at Bitsy then strode over to the holding area. He rested his guitar on a table and opened the case.
“Wyatt?”
“We have a set to do.”
“That’s where you got the money for your sister’s medical care, isn’t it? Then you used part of it for Rae’s car, right?”
The frustration and pent-up anger he’d had for Jac zapped out of control. He clutched the front of Stone’s shirt and pushed him into the shadows, out of the customers’ line of sight. “Shut the fuck up right now, man. You’re not involved in this.”
“The hell I’m not. We’re partners, man.” Stone shoved him back. “Damn it. Why didn’t you borrow the money from the pack?”
“What the fuck for? You know what they’d have wanted in return.” His chest tightened at the mention of his sister. But as long as she was okay, he’d make it through it. “And you know Sheila. She’d never go for getting changed. Not then and not now.”
Stone knew that as well as he did. The pack would’ve lent Wyatt the money, would’ve given it to him without expecting to get it back. But first they would’ve pushed him to help his sister another way. They would’ve wanted him to turn her. But his sister had refused to become a werewolf. Even if it meant letting the cancer eating her body kill her.
“What’d you want me to do? Force her to become one of us?”
Stone got quiet for a moment, then voiced his honest opinion. “Truthfully? Yeah. That’s what I would’ve done. I wouldn’t have cared if she hated me, as long as it saved her.”
Wyatt turned him loose, pushing him away. “You’re not me. As for Jac, don’t worry about it. I’ll pay him back when I win the contest.”
“Oh, shit. That’s it, isn’t it? Jac’s fixing the contest so you’ll win and pay him the money.”
He wouldn’t bother lying to Stone any longer. “Along with me making him my manager.”
“Shit. No way, man. It’s bad enough that he’s got you involved in rigging the contest, but to get stuck with him for your entire career? No. I can’t let you do that.”
“It’s not your choice. None of it is.”
“Sheila’s like a sister to me, too. We could’ve figured out another way. Hell, we could still go to the track and keep winning until we get all the money back.”
“No. It’s too risky. I almost blew it the first time I was there.”
“So that’s how you got enough money to pay your sister’s medical bills. I had a feeling, but I figured you’d tell me in your own good time.”
“Yeah. I took Jac’s money, gambled, and made more. And if any of the packs around here found out that a shifter used their power to win money, they’d have my hide.”
Werewolves never used their ability to sense what animals would do, much less to profit by it. It was forbidden and considered dangerous to the animals, as well as the chance that a human might notice. Even Jac and his mob stayed clear of gambling at the track.
“I wish you’d told me.”
“And get you involved? Not a chance.”
“So? Was it worth it? Is she doing better?”
He wanted to think she was, but she’d looked so haggard and frail the last time he’d visited her. “Yeah. She’s getting better and that’s worth everything, no matter what.”
Wyatt grabbed his guitar and headed for the stage. “Are we doing this or not?”
* * * *
Rae didn’t get nervous when she was about to perform. She’d never understood why some singers got to the point of having to rush to the restroom before they went on stage. Yet as she entered The Dive on Qualification Night for the Nashville’s New Talent Contest, she was suddenly hit with an onslaught of jitters.
Having Wyatt and Stone there didn’t do anything to calm her nerves. Of course, what they did to her nerves was a lot different than what her unexpected stage fright was doing.
“Hey, babe, are you ready?”
“Hi. I’m as ready as I’m going to be.” For the umpteenth time, she glanced around the bar hoping to see Reed. “Have you seen Reed? He said he’d duo with me tonight on guitar.”
“Good idea. Reed’s guitar skills add a lot to every song.” Wyatt checked the area out, too. “But no, I haven’t seen him.”
“Me, either,” added Stone. “Are you doing one of your songs tonight?”
“Yes. A new one Reed’s heard a couple of times. Not that he needs it.” Reed was such an accomplished guitarist that he could add accompaniment without even hearing the song first. The fact that he’d taken the time to listen to her song a couple of times, and even played with her once, would make the performance that much better.
“He’ll be along.”
“I hope so.”
“If not, we’d be happy to sit in and lend you a hand.”
She’d thought about asking them to accompany her, but since Reed wasn’t entered in the contest and they were, it felt better to ask Reed instead. “Thanks. I may take you up on that.”
Ruben ambled over to them, yet kept a respectful distance. “Are you ready, Rae? You’re up next.” He jerked his head toward the young man on the stage that was doing his best to get the audience involved in his song. “You’re lucky you’re following this guy. I’d bet half the people in here could sing better than he does.”
He was right. The kid was terrible, but she’d never be so rude as to say so. “I’m waiting for Reed to show.”
“Then stop waiting. He called a few minutes ago and said he can’t make it.”
“What? Why didn’t he call me?” She pulled her phone out of her pocket and groaned. “Damn. I had it on mute.” She flipped through the messages and found several from Reed.
“Looks like you get us anyway.”
She placed her palm against Stone’s chest. All at once, the need for him and for Wyatt struck her harder than ever, wiping away her nerves. She wasn’t sure if she’d moaned out loud, but she wouldn’t have doubted it if they said she had.
“Are you okay, Rae? Are you ready to go on?”
“Yeah, Ruben. I am.” She had no choice but to ask them. “Will one or both of you back me up?”
“No problem,” answered Stone.
“Sure deal, babe.” Wyatt was already getting his guitar out of its case. “Ready whenever you are.”
“Great. Thanks. Oh, and I wouldn’t mind it if you’d harmonize a little. Once you hear enough of the song to follow along.”
“We’re here for you.” Stone slung his guitar strap over his shoulder. “We’ll always be here for you.”
She was lucky they were there. Although singing and playing her song on her own would be okay, having backup would make it sound even better. “Okay, then. Here goes everything.”
She started up the steps to the stage, putting on a big smile for the audience. Having two sexy cowboys following her then settling onto stools next to her couldn’t hurt. In fact, it felt pretty damn amazing.
Positioning her mic, she glanced down at the row of judges who would choose the finalists, including Ruben sliding into his seat on the end. Different judges, including a rep from True Blue Records, would judge everyone the night of the contest. Yet, although they would determine whether or not she’d make it into the finals for the contest, her performance would be for the people who’d come for entertainment.
“Hi, everyone. My name’s Rae Barnes and I’d like to sing you an original song. I hope you like it. It’s called ‘Waiting for My Baby.’” Giving the barest of nods to first Wyatt then Stone, she began to play and sing.
* * * *
“You were great out there, Rae.”
“Thanks, Stone.”
“He’s right. You had them wanting more.”
“You’re sweet, Wyatt. And thanks to both of you for sitting in with me.”
Stone strode beside her on the way out to her car. Wyatt and he had sung after Rae, but playing with her h
ad been the highlight of the night. Even the fact that the contest was rigged in Wyatt’s favor hadn’t diminished the joy he’d felt performing alongside Rae. He only wished he could tell her not to get her hopes up. The pang of guilt hit him, and he pushed it away. She’d make it into the finals. That gave him more time to come up with a way out of the mess Wyatt had put them in.
“And you two? I think you’re going to give me a run for the money.” She clicked the doors open on the Jetta. “Of course, there’s no doubt that both of you made it into the finals.”
Wyatt took her guitar and put it in the trunk for her. Stone opened her door, then captured her between his arms as he flattened them against the roof. Another wave of guilt washed through him, but he refused to let it get him down. He’d fix things and make them right. Hopefully, she’d never have to know anything about Ruben, Jac, and the contest.
“How about coming back to our place to celebrate?”
She laughed, making him think again about how beautiful she was. Her hair floated on the breeze, tempting his inner wolf to drag his tongue along her smooth skin. He promised himself it wouldn’t be much longer before he could sink his fangs into her flesh and make her his mate. Correction. Their mate.
“I’m sure we made it, but shouldn’t we wait for the results before celebrating?”
Her smile claimed his heart and broke it all at the same time. He didn’t move when Wyatt got closer. If he did, he might not pick up the delicate aroma of her perfume. He inhaled long and slow, finding her special scent beneath the manufactured one.
“Stone’s right. We never got to have that dinner with you. Make it up to us.”
She was thinking about it. Stone could see it in her eyes. He shifted, just enough to bring out more of his wolf’s power. “Rae, sweetheart, come home with us. You know you want to.”
Her pupils grew larger, and he almost smiled. She wanted to come home with them all right. She wanted a whole lot more than a good meal from them.
“I’ll have to follow you. I wouldn’t want to leave my, um, your car here.”
He wouldn’t get into that argument again. She was slowly accepting the car with each day she used it. “It won’t be much. Just pizza and some wine or beer. But we’ll make sure you have a good time.” He should’ve planned to say something more romantic than that.
For a songwriter, sometimes I’m lousy with words.
“Okay.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Great.” Wyatt shoved him out of the way, then gave her a quick kiss. “We’ll follow you there.”
Chapter Seven
Rae settled into the comfy couch and let Wyatt and Stone take charge of everything. The pizza they’d ordered on the way home arrived a moment after Wyatt had poured her a huge glass of wine and handed a bottle of beer to Stone.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you’re trying to get me drunk. This is as much as three regular glasses of wine.”
“Who me?” Yet Wyatt’s grin said he couldn’t deny it.
Stone set his beer down, paid for the pizza, then took it to the kitchen before forking over a slice on each of the three plates. “Once again, Rae, I’ve got to say how amazing you were tonight.”
She lifted her wine glass in thanks. “And once again, I’ve got to say how much I appreciate you two filling in for Reed.”
“We aim to please.” Wyatt did a little bow.
They were two great men. So fun, so full of life, so ready to please. And yet, somewhere deep inside her, she wished they’d be a little less accommodating and more commanding. She’d yearned for a man who would throw her on top of the bed and take her, without asking permission, without sweet words of seduction. If they didn’t quit playing the perfect hosts soon, she’d go out of her mind. The churning craving was growing stronger, more insistent, like a living entity inside her that would take over the minute she let her guard down.
Why was she keeping her guard up anyway? She wanted a repeat, hell, a continuation of the other night. She drank a large portion of the wine and let the warm, smooth liquid slide down her throat. If something didn’t happen soon, she’d have to keep drinking and block out her thoughts. Either that, or toss away the wine and jump their bones. Would they like her as the aggressor? She took another large drink.
“I thought you were afraid of me getting you drunk.”
The wine hit her hard and fast. She lifted her glass a third time. “I didn’t say I was afraid. Just that it was what you’re trying to do.”
The wicked gleam in Wyatt’s eyes sent her heart racing. They were holding back. If any men could ravage her the way she’d dreamed of, it was Wyatt and Stone. His intense stare made her shift her gaze toward one of the photos resting on the fireplace mantel.
“Who’s the pretty girl?” The wine made her feel less inhibited and more inquisitive. Maybe even aggressive enough to make a move? “Do I have competition?”
Wyatt slid onto the couch beside her and leaned his shoulder against hers. The heat from his body warmed her. It wasn’t like the body heat she’d have gotten from anyone else other than Stone. Instead, it was raw, unbridled flashes of electric currents that burrowed their way into her skin, into her breasts to tantalize her already taut nipples then sear their way into her pussy. She let out a breath and was almost surprised to find that she wasn’t breathing fire.
Stone settled onto the chair beside her, and yet, although he wasn’t physically touching her, she could feel his warmth, too. It was like they were made of matches and she was the kindling. She giggled, thinking that she’d spontaneously erupt into a blazing inferno at any moment.
“Your competition? There isn’t anyone who can come close to you.”
She lifted her gaze to Wyatt’s strong, firm lips. All she had to do was move a little closer, then press her mouth to his. His body surged with unseen, yet oh-so-easily-felt vibrations of yearning. The same kind of yearning that urged her to rip off his shirt and straddle his hips. “Do you really think so?”
“I know so.”
“Besides, the woman in the photo is Wyatt’s sister, Sheila.”
She blinked, all too aware of how close she’d come to kissing Wyatt. Why hadn’t she done it? “She’s very pretty. Does she live around here?”
“Yeah, she does. But she’s—”
Wyatt cut Stone off. “Why the hell are we talking about my sister? Come.”
She didn’t have time to argue. Not that she would have anyway. Wyatt had a firm grasp on her arm and was leading her down the hallway before she could think. But then, sometimes thinking was overrated.
Stone was on their heels. “Wyatt, we need to talk to her first.”
She whipped her head around. “Talk to me about what?” Was he trying to stop what was going to happen? But why?
Wyatt brought her into a large bedroom. It was double the size of what most rooms were and filled with incredible polished mahogany furniture. A huge bed that had to have been custom-made dominated the room with a silk red comforter covering it and several black pillows propped against the headboard. Two nightstands bordered the bed with matching lamps that had red shades.
But the bed wasn’t the only unusual piece in the room. Two oversized leather arm chairs sat in a reading area next to a huge bay window. Plants added green at every corner, giving the room a more intimate feeling, while taupe colored walls made it seem darker than she’d have thought with the various lamps and overhead fan. The hardwood floor was covered with a huge shag rug that begged for her to wiggle her toes in it. Yet off to the other side of the room sat a bench, much like those bodybuilders would use in a gym to lift weights. There were chains hanging from the poles on either end of the bench and a pair of handcuffs hung from a hook on the wall. A short flogger with black feathers along its length rested against the bench and a paddle lay on the floor beside it.
“Good gracious alive.” She’d had no idea that they were into that kind of thing. Her pussy started throbbin
g as she imagined herself chained and completely under their control. “Bondage?”
Wyatt curved his hand behind her neck. “If you’re not into it, let us know now. But the woman who’s going to be with us is going to have to get used to it. Is that you, Rae? Or would you rather leave?”
“Leave?” After their one fling on top of the kitchen counter, she’d wanted nothing more than to have wild, abandoned sex with them. It was as if they’d found out what her fantasies were. She’d dreamed of them often, going from regular, fun-loving sex to a more controlled play.
“Sweetheart, this is how we like it most of the time.” Stone took her hand. “But we’re into variety, too. We like all spectrums of lovemaking.”
“What’s it going to be, Rae? Are you staying or going?”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
Wyatt glanced around the room like he was seeing it for the first time. “I would’ve thought it was clear enough.”
“No. I’m talking about what you said.” She wanted to ask more about what kind of woman they wanted, but grew shy and indecisive, the courage of the wine fading. If she pushed too hard, would she blow her chances with them? “Never mind. I’m staying. Just know that I’ve never done anything like this.”
“That’s okay.” Stone played with the buttons of her shirt. “We’ll take it easy.”
She let him take his time with each button while Wyatt began taking off his shirt. “I trust you.”
“That’s the first step.”
Wyatt shrugged off his shirt, exposing his wide chest and hard abs. If the man were any hotter, she’d pass out from heat exposure.
“First thing, though. You need to tell us when we’re going too far or too hard. We’ll stop any time you tell us to.”
“Yeah, Master Wyatt’s right. You need to give us a safe word.”
“Master Wyatt?” The words sounded odd, yet strangely perfect on her tongue. “I like it. So I should call you Master Stone?”
“That’s right. And we’ll call you whatever we want.”
Wyatt clutched a hunk of her hair and pulled her lips to his. His tongue swept through her mouth, giving her a slight taste of his power. She could feel the warmth of his body close to hers, but not yet touching. Was he holding himself apart from her on purpose? Was that part of the torture to come?