Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Rancher Buys a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  “I appreciate the offer. Perhaps we can talk when you get back.”

  “That might not be for several more days.”

  “Believe me, you can’t help me from a distance.” Edgy irritation came across the phone lines.

  “I’m closing out my business with the government. I can’t get out of the debriefing. I want to finish and not have to come back.”

  “You’re quitting your job? Why?”

  “Did you forget your ultimatum? Settle down, not be flying all over. I decided you were right.”

  “Whoa, you’re serious?”

  “Look we’ll talk about this later. I wanted you to know I hired guards to protect you. They’ve been outside your house and following you to work and all since you were taken home.”

  “You what?”

  “Let me finish. My brother, Brent, is right outside. This is his business, protecting important people. He’s going to introduce himself and assure you you’ll be protected until I can return and do it for you.”

  “But it was your car and house that had problems.”

  “Neither was an accident, and both times you were with me.”

  “I wasn’t with you when the shelf fell.”

  “True. I checked the bolts holding the edges tight to the wall. They’d been messed with. One or both of us are targets. Humor me and let my brother handle your safety.”

  He waited, impatient to hear her accept his offer. She’d be protected whether she agreed on not, but he’d like to have her accept the help. They were more apt to be successful in protecting her if they didn’t have to hide from her and the bad guy, whoever he was.

  “You think all this is necessary?”

  “I do.”

  “Okay, send your brother in. I’d like to meet him. I’m going to find out all your childhood secrets.”

  Drake chuckled. “Not a chance. Brent is well trained to not talk. Good night, Janice.” He put down the phone and sat on the bed in his hotel room. He’d get out of here tomorrow. He’d call Jackson to help with the deal on the land near his property. By tomorrow night, he’d be flying Janice to meet his parents and away from what was frightening her.

  Chapter Six

  Janice went to the door and peeked out when she heard the knock. A tall man with a definite resemblance to Drake held up his ID. She read his name before unlocking the door.

  “Come in, Brent. I’m Janice.”

  “Nice to meet you, Janice.” His slow smile was almost as seductive as his brother’s. He was about the same height, but broader, and his eyes were a light blue.

  “What in the world did your mama feed you all to grow such big, handsome men?”

  He grinned. “She made us eat lots of meat and all our vegetables.”

  “Please sit.” Janice motioned to the large, leather lounge chair. “I’ll get us some iced tea.”

  “If you don’t mind, I’ll join you in the kitchen.”

  “Sure, if that’s what you want.”

  Brent stepped around her when they entered the other room. He pulled her curtains shut. “Doesn’t help much. But keep them shut, and all your other curtains. No sense in making yourself an easy target.”

  “A target?” Janice had opened the fridge to get the tea. She looked at him.

  “Yes, a man with a high-powered rifle in the right position can blow someone’s brains out from quite a distance.”

  Janice felt the blood leave her head. Brent jumped forward, grabbing her and the jug of tea.

  “Sit, put your head between your legs.”

  She collapsed into the nearest dining room chair and did as he said. Gradually, the darkness receded and her strength began to return.

  “You certainly are blunt in your descriptions,” Janice said.

  “Sorry. Mom always said I was too plainspoken.” He put her pitcher safely on the counter.

  “She was right.”

  “Look.” He knelt in front of her. “We know you’re frightened of someone. Your behavior today and the words on your car made it pretty obvious. And I suspect the message on your car wasn’t the first you’ve received from this person.”

  “No, it wasn’t. I’ve been to the police. There are no clues to his identity.”

  “You’re sure it’s a man?”

  “Yes.”

  “All right. I’m going to wait and ask you more questions after Drake gets here. He called me after speaking with you and said no matter what, he’d be here by tomorrow afternoon.”

  Relief washed over her. Brent looked to be competent and good at his job. Still she wanted Drake with her. She wanted him to wrap her in his arms. Maybe then she’d feel safe. Hopefully when this nightmare was finished, she’d be in good shape physically, and her heart wouldn’t be broken.

  Brent had straightened and searched her cabinets. He found glasses and put ice in them. “Do you take sugar?” he asked, holding up her sugar bowl.

  “No. Just a packet of the artificial sweetener on the counter, by the stove.”

  The man moved around the kitchen with ease. “Is your brother as comfortable in the kitchen as you?” she asked.

  “Mom made sure we’d never starve from not knowing how to cook.”

  “She’s a woman I have to meet. I’m not sure my father ever knew where the kitchen was in our house.”

  Brent shrugged. “Mom was a drill sergeant and taught us a lot of skills that have unexpectedly come in handy.” He sprawled his long frame in the chair opposite her. “I’m going to sleep on your couch in there.” He motioned his head toward the living room. “You’re tense, scared, and my guess is you’re not sleeping well. You can rest tonight. My man’s outside, and with me in here, he’d be a fool to come anywhere near you.”

  “Thanks, but it’s really not necessary.”

  “It is to Drake and me.”

  “All right. I’m too tired to argue.” She stood and waited a second to be sure her legs were going to hold her. “See you in the morning. Help yourself to the coffee or any food you want in here.”

  Janice closed her door, undressed and fell into bed. All this drama was very exhausting. She doubted she’d sleep even with Brent in the other room. She really didn’t know him.

  When she heard the knock on her bedroom door, she jerked straight up in bed. Her heard pounded double-time.

  “It’s me, Brent. I’m going to take coffee out to my guy. I thought you might have overslept.”

  Brushing her hair out of her eyes, Janice looked at the clock. Eight!

  “Thank you, I did. I’ll be leaving soon.”

  She jumped out of bed and ran for the shower. Amazing, she had rested and felt much more herself. Evidently it didn’t matter whether the man was a stranger or Drake—she slept wonderfully. She’d tease Drake next time they met. She smiled at the thought. Her first real smile in several days.

  * * * *

  “I like her.”

  “I’m glad. Not that I need your approval,” Drake said and slapped Brent on the shoulder. “Thanks for being here when I couldn’t.”

  “Did you get finished in Washington?” Brent asked. He took a sip from his cup of coffee. They’d met in a small coffee shop close to Janice’s workplace.

  “Yeah. I might have to go one more time to tie up some loose ends, but otherwise I’m done.”

  “You’re making a huge change for someone who hasn’t said she’d marry you.”

  “If she says no, I’ll kidnap her and keep her until she agrees.” Drake smiled and winked.

  “This will be the first time you’ve brought a girl home in years. Mom and Dad will be surprised.”

  “I called them last night. Mom was almost speechless.”

  “I’m having a man of mine, an expert in mechanics, check your plane. It will be guarded until you take off tonight.”

  “Thanks, you joining us?”

  “I wouldn’t miss the fun. You going to find out what’s going on before we leave?”

  “I’m headed to her office now. Sh
e doesn’t know, but she’s taking off the rest of the day, and this week, and next.”

  Brent finished the last of his coffee. “I’d like to be a mouse in a corner of her office. She strikes me as being a take-charge lady. We’ll see who wins this skirmish.”

  Drake laughed and stood to leave. “Defeat is not an option.” What neither Brent nor Janice knew was that he’d met her boss, Scott, several years ago, and they always got together for golf when Drake was in town. Drake had called Scott last night. The woman hadn’t taken a vacation in over a year. Everything was arranged for her long- neglected leave to start at one o’clock. He glanced at his watch as he waited for the elevator to whisk him to her floor. Twelve thirty, he’d be right on time. He relished seeing her face when he told her of his arrangements. His feisty redhead would certainly give him an argument.

  “Hello.” Drake greeted Janice’s secretary and kept on walking to her door.

  “Wait, I need to announce you,” the secretary said, and reached toward her phone.

  “No need, I’ve already got the door open.”

  Janice raised her head when she heard his voice. “Drake.” She ran around her desk and straight into his outstretched arms.

  The sweet, violet scent of her hair went straight to his head, and her soft body held tight against him sent all his blood to his hungry cock.

  “I may go away more often so I can get such a great welcome home.”

  Janice leaned back and studied his face. Her soft hands circled his jaw and she touched her mouth to his. He opened his lips and devoured her special taste. His hands cupped her tantalizing ass, holding her tight against his rigid cock.

  “I’ve missed you,” he growled in her ear.

  She moved her abdomen against his cock. He groaned. “Unless you want me to make use of your desk in an unconventional manner, you’ll stop tempting me.”

  She pulled back. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “I am, too. Get your bag. We’re going to lunch and then to your home, where you’ll pack clothes for both the colder air of Montana and the warmer climate in Saddle Creek. You are going on vacation, at one o’clock. According to my watch, you have five minutes before we’re out of here.”

  “But I only arranged for Friday and a few days next week of vacation time.”

  “Scott has agreed you can start today and not return until a week from Monday.” On which, if he had his way, she’d be giving her resignation. Since he’d realized he wanted to marry her, he had no patience to wait very long before making her his. Of course he’d have to take care of this matter of someone trying to kill them first.

  Janice stared at him in shock. “Scott? You know my boss?”

  “We met, before I met you.”

  “My cohorts are going to say I’m getting special treatment, and I’m not sure I like you taking charge this way. I always manage my own affairs, especially at work.” Her eyes sparked with fire.

  “You have the time coming. Forget them. So, I hurried things along. If I waited for you, we’d have had to argue it out first, wasting valuable hours.” He pulled her close again. “Worry about me, and how much I need you.”

  “You better not be joking.”

  His chocolate-brown eyes stared into her eyes. “I’m not joking.” He brushed his mouth across hers and he nipped at her lower lip. Desire sizzled inside him. “I can’t get you to myself soon enough.” She blushed. “My little prude. I love to make your cheeks blossom in pink. Come on, get your purse. Let’s leave this place behind us.”

  * * * *

  They both agreed to skip the restaurant meal and head to her house. Their clothes started coming off just inside the door. By the time they entered her bedroom, they were naked.

  Drake grabbed a condom from his jeans pocket and threw it on the bedside table. Janice waited beside the bed. He stopped to take a long, leisurely look at her. He started at her toes, painted pink, up her long, shapely legs, and then his eyes lingered at the apex between her thighs. His exploration continued over her flat tummy to her beautiful, full, breasts. Finally, he got to her flushed face. Her hazel eyes looked more green today.

  She licked her rosy lips, and opened her arms. He held back for a second longer. Hunger rushed through his body. His cock pulsed with the desire to sink inside her hot pussy. He took two steps, and he was a breath away from being right against her skin. Neither touched each other. They were connected only by the smoldering lust shimmering in their glazed eyes.

  He wasn’t sure he wouldn’t explode into a thousand pieces when she did caress him. Leaning down, he ran his tongue over her lips. She opened and he stroked along the soft, inner contours of her sweet mouth. His hands cupped her breast and his thumbs rubbed across the pebbled nipples. She sighed into his mouth.

  Still she held herself just that tiny bit away as he licked, tasted, touched her wonderful, smooth, velvety body.

  Janice took a tiny step back. Her sudden change in position had him looking at her, wondering what she wanted. She slid straight down in one smooth move, cupped his balls, and took his cock deep into her warm mouth. A jolt of sheer electricity shot from his cock to his head. “Janice!”

  She didn’t stop what she was doing. Her mouth licked his cock, sucked on him, and gently caressed his balls. Hot pleasure rolled in waves from his feet to head. She ran her tongue around the ridge of his cock and licked the drop of liquid from the tip. Her tongue slid along the underside, leaving a trail of fire behind her.

  He gently pulled her up and moved her back until her legs met the bed. She sat and scooted to the middle. His breath caught at the picture she made lying against her gold bedspread. Her fiery hair glistened, and her porcelain skin took on a golden hue.

  “You are magnificent.” Drake crawled onto the bed and spread her legs apart. He bent and nuzzled the hair between her legs. With his fingers, he gently separated the wet, pink folds of her pussy and ran his tongue across her clit.

  “Sweet-smelling, and sweet-tasting.” He tasted and nibbled along her lower lips. Heat swept along his nerve endings and his cock hardened even more.

  Her body bowed, and she moaned, sending desire slashing through him. His cock pulsed with impatience to be deep inside her. Still, he waited, watching her face flushed with heat, feeling the slight tremble in her body, and enjoying the lush mounds with rosy tips heaving with her gasps of pleasure. The picture of her in complete abandonment spiked his hunger to ravenous heights.

  Moving up her body, he settled where he could see, taste, and tantalize her breasts. He licked around her areola, took a nibble at the tip, and then suckled her breast.

  “Drake, go in me.” She moaned and moved restlessly under him. Her soft mound rubbed against his almost painful erection, arousing his desire to a frenzied level. When he reached down and rubbed his finger against her nub, she rose against him and yelled his name. His control broke.

  He struggled getting the damn condom to go on. Sensations of heat and hunger fueled his craving. He stared into her eyes as he pulled her legs wide apart. Finally he sank into her. Her tight, wet, hot pussy immediately clamped around him. Pleasure soared through him. She raised her body, seeking to be even closer. Her head thrashed from side to side. He quit thinking. All his awareness focused on the intensity of his enjoyment. Her sweet moans and movements inflamed his arousal into a roaring fire. He felt like a marauding conqueror.

  Her hot, slick pussy clenched his supersensitive cock repeatedly. The pressure built and built, his breath came in raspy gulps, and then she put her legs up and around his waist and had his body exploding in pleasure. They both yelled out as the wave of ecstasy hit.

  Drake rolled to her side. His heart pounded like it might jump out of his chest. He took deep breaths and tried to get his senses back. Janice lay beside him, also breathing hard. He’d felt her heartbeat against him as he came. He was lost—he knew it before, now there was no doubt. If she didn’t agree to marry him, he’d keep her in bed until she did. His lips curled i
n a smile.

  “What are you smiling about? That’s your I’m-up-to-no-good smile. I’m already getting to know you quite well,” Janice said as she leaned across and against his chest.

  He ran his hand along the silky strands of her hair. “You don’t need to know.” He kissed her before she could reply. “Woman, you will definitely kill me one of these days, but remember, I died happy.”

  She laughed and rolled back, facing the ceiling. “We’re really going to visit Samantha and Jackson and go to Montana?”

  Drake moved onto his side to face her. “Montana first. I want to introduce you to the rest of my family. After a short visit with them, we’ll go to Saddle Creek. Jackson and Samantha are expecting us. But first, we need to talk about what has been happening here since I left.”

  A stricken look went across Janice’s face. She moved to the side of the bed and sat, not facing him. Drake moved closer and rubbed her back.

  “Why don’t you shower? I’ll throw on my jeans and make us coffee. We’ll talk in the kitchen.”

  She nodded, grabbed fresh underwear from her drawer, and retreated to the bathroom. Drake dressed and went to the kitchen, looking for food and coffee. He found the coffee, put it on, and discovered cheese and butter in the fridge, and bread and tomato soup in the pantry. Grabbing a skillet and a pan from a lower cabinet, he began to cook.

  His momma had always said trouble was better handled on a full stomach. He smiled at the thought. He couldn’t wait to introduce the two most important women in his life to each other.

  * * * *

  Janice let the cool water roll along her hot body. Her legs still felt weak from the unexpected, overwhelming response of her body to his very pleasurable bombardment to her senses. She loved him, and hoped with all her heart he really loved her. When she’d lowered her defenses her realization that she loved him happened very quickly. She was still afraid to trust that he wouldn’t get bored after a time and go looking for someone else. Her heart was open, and bare. A delicate position to be in.