“Angus was pissed,” Aiden said.
“Too bad,” Connor replied.
Aiden eyed Eve with what appeared to be concern before he said, “Seems he was only cordial to the two of you when you announced your engagement because he figured he’d have plenty of time to talk you out of getting married. He was ranting about taking away your trust fund if you don’t have this marriage annulled.”
Eve searched Connor’s face to see his reaction to this potentially devastating news. A crease formed between his eyes, his mouth flattened, and a muscle worked in his jaw.
“You can tell him for me that I’m married, and I’m staying married.”
Aiden grimaced. “I’ll do what I can to smooth things over, but I doubt it’ll do any good. Dad seems pretty rabid on the subject of any son of his being married to any daughter of King’s.”
“It’s already done,” Connor said.
Aiden turned his attention to Eve, and she saw what Leah might have found attractive about Connor’s eldest brother. When he focused his full attention on her, she felt almost breathless at the impression he gave of pride and power.
“I think my brother should have hired a good babysitter instead of marrying you. Try not to break his heart.”
“This isn’t a love match,” Eve blurted. “It’s a marriage for mutual convenience.”
Aiden frowned at Connor. “What the hell have you done?”
“Nothing that needs to concern you,” Connor replied.
“You’re about to lose your trust fund, little brother.”
“That’s not your problem.”
“I happen to think that what you’re doing here at this ranch is a good thing,” Aiden replied. “I’d hate to see all that come to an end because you needed a babysitter.”
Eve watched Connor’s fists bunch, but he didn’t take a swing at his brother. Instead he said, “I think you should leave.”
“I’m trying to help.”
“I know what I want.”
“And King Grayhawk’s daughter—and all the trouble that comes along with her—is what you want?” Aiden persisted.
“She is.”
Aiden’s brow furrowed as he looked at Connor, then at Eve, and back at Connor again. “Have I missed something here? Do you love her?”
“Of course—” Connor clamped his mouth shut before finishing the sentence.
Of course not. Eve was pretty sure that was what he’d intended to say. But that would only have been adding fuel to his brother’s fire.
Insistent pounding on the door interrupted the squabble.
Connor left his brother standing where he was and hurried to the front door. When he opened it, Frank was standing there breathing hard, his eyes frightened. “It’s one of the men,” he said. “He heard all that banging early on and went a little crazy. I haven’t been able to calm him down.”
Connor turned to Aiden. “I know you think of me as your little brother, but I don’t need your help with my life or my marriage.”
“What about Dad’s threat?”
Connor’s mouth turned down in a ferocious frown. “I’ll deal with Dad on my own.”
A moment later Connor and Frank were gone, and Eve was left alone with Aiden Flynn.
“Do you love him?”
The question shocked Eve. She stared wide-eyed at Connor’s brother, not sure what answer to give.
“I saw how you looked at him. I think you love him. I think you’ve loved him for a long time.”
“Connor was married to my best friend,” Eve said quietly.
“Yeah. He was. I think you grabbed at this chance to get him to marry you.”
She felt Aiden’s speculative gaze on her and wasn’t able to control the hot blush that grew on her cheeks. She looked up at him defiantly. “I won’t hurt him.”
“You can’t promise that. What if he never falls in love with you? What then? How are either one of you going to be happy?” He shook his head in disgust and muttered, “It’s that fatal temptation Grayhawk women wield over Flynn men.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Tell one of us he can’t have something, and that’s exactly what he wants,” Aiden said.
“I won’t hurt him,” Eve repeated.
“I hope not. Because if you do, it’s going to make the chance of happily ever after for any of the rest of us an uphill climb.”
He headed for the door without another word.
Eve was left standing with her mouth hanging open. Was Aiden talking about himself and Leah? Was he still interested in her sister, even though they’d stopped dating? She couldn’t imagine what else he could mean.
Eve was left with a great deal of food for thought.
“Is everybody gone? Where’s Daddy?”
Eve turned to find Brooke standing in the middle of the hallway. She crossed and knelt before the little girl. “Your daddy had to go help one of the visiting soldiers.”
“Oh. When is he coming back?”
“Soon, I’m sure.”
“Can I sleep with you?”
“I don’t have my own bed anymore. I’ll be sleeping with your daddy in his bed.”
“Oh.”
Eve realized that Brooke hadn’t said anything—positive or negative—about finding her in Connor’s bed earlier in the evening. She wondered how much the four-year-old understood about the ceremony she’d witnessed earlier in the day. “Do you understand what it means to be married, Brooke?”
“Uh-huh.”
“What do you think it means?”
“You and Daddy get to kiss each other and sleep in the same bed.”
Eve was amused by the simple explanation. “Is that all right with you?”
“Uh-huh. Daddy smiles more now that you’re here.”
Eve hugged the little girl. “I think he smiles more because you’re here. You and Sawyer.”
The little girl looked thoughtful for a moment. Then she laughed and said, “Daddy’s happy because we’re a family again. Me and Sawyer and you and Daddy and Mommy.”
Eve wasn’t sure what to make of what Brooke had said, but she couldn’t let it stand without speaking. As gently as she could, she said, “Your mommy’s not coming back, Brooke.”
“I know that. She’s in heaven. But she’s watching over us every day.”
Eve rocked Brooke in her arms. “Yes, she is.” Maybe the secret to forgiving herself for coveting Connor all those years was to keep Molly’s memory alive for her children. She led Brooke back to her canopied bed and joined her there, then began telling Molly’s daughter the story of her mother’s first date with her father at the Sadie Hawkins dance.
A little while later, Eve awoke in Brooke’s bed, aware she must have dozed. She checked on Brooke and saw that the little girl was sound asleep. She looked at the Hello Kitty clock on the side table and realized that nearly two hours had passed since Connor had left for the bunkhouse. Where was he? And what had happened to keep him away so long?
Chapter 20
CONNOR HAD SET his own worries aside until he was sure the spooked vet was back on an even keel, but if anything, tonight’s events had proved just how necessary a place like Safe Haven was. As he left the cabin, where the young soldier was now relaxed and joking with Frank and a couple of the other vets, Connor realized that the sanctuary would be in big trouble if his father revoked his trust fund. And Angus was just vindictive enough to do it if he didn’t get his way.
Connor’s lips pressed into a grim line. His father didn’t know him very well if he thought he would give up his new wife without a fight. Which made him wonder why he was so determined to keep Eve, especially in light of the way he’d sabotaged their lovemaking. Why on earth had he called out Molly’s name?
Because you replaced Molly with a woman that you’ve always lusted after. Because you felt guilty about enjoying the taste and the feel of her. Because you didn’t believe you deserved the joy of having Eve Grayhawk in your bed.
At le
ast he’d had a chance to make amends for his faux pas before his brothers and Eve’s sisters had interrupted their wedding night. Connor wasn’t sure what it was about Eve that made his body sing whenever he was anywhere near her, but sing it did. He craved her in a way that seemed somehow sinful, because his desire was so strong.
All he had to do was recall the softness of her skin, the scent of her flowery shampoo, the taste of her kisses, and he was hard as a rock. Connor’s body throbbed, and he wondered if it might be possible to resume their wedding night. He checked his watch and was surprised to discover that it was nearly midnight. In all likelihood, his bride was sound asleep.
But what if she wasn’t?
The house was dark except for a single light in his bedroom. Connor felt his heartbeat speed up as he headed silently down the hall.
“Eve?”
His new-made wife sat up abruptly in bed and rubbed her eyes. She looked delightfully, delectably disheveled. One strap of her baby-doll pajamas had fallen off her shoulder, leaving it bare, and revealing the rounded crest of one luscious breast.
He closed the bedroom door and locked it, then crossed and sat down beside her.
“What time is it?” she asked in a throaty voice.
He couldn’t tell if she was aroused or just sleepy. He leaned over to kiss her bare shoulder, feeling her shiver when the air hit the damp spot his lips had left on her skin. He sat up and focused his gaze on the bow of her upper lip. “It’s still our wedding night for another ten minutes.”
“Is the soldier who was upset okay?” She lifted her arms to shove her hands through her hair, causing her breasts to rise into peaks beneath the thin cotton.
Connor had trouble keeping his voice even as he replied, “He’s fine. He was just startled.” He brushed a thumb across one of her nipples and heard her sharp intake of breath. “I wasn’t sure you’d be awake.”
She lowered her hands. Her blue eyes, as warm as Caribbean waters, never left his. “I am now.”
He began unbuttoning his shirt, pulling the tails out of his jeans. “I could use a shower.” He hesitated, then said, “Would you like to join me?”
She looked uncertain, but she didn’t say no, so he rose and headed for the bathroom. He didn’t close the bathroom door, leaving it open as an invitation he hoped she would accept. He was already in the shower, steam rising to fill the room, when he spied her standing in the doorway. She was naked. The shy smile on her face made his heart jump.
“I decided I could use a shower, too.”
His pulse leapt as his shaft hardened. He shoved aside the clear shower curtain and held out his hand to her. “As you can see, I’m glad you decided to join me.”
She laughed and took his hand so he could help her climb into the ancient, claw-footed tub.
He pulled her close so the hard length of him pressed against her belly. The joy in Eve’s eyes sent adrenaline spiking through his veins. He caught a handful of her hair in his fist and angled her head for his kiss. She opened to him, welcoming the lash of his tongue as his wet hand slid across her breast, his fingers caressing a nipple that had formed into a hard bud.
She thrust her hands into his wet hair as he lowered his head and sucked the nipple into his mouth.
Eve moaned, and Connor replied with a guttural sound of satisfaction. His mouth was on hers again a moment later, as his hand slid down her belly between her legs, forcing them wide for his intrusion. He made another sound of appreciation when he felt how wet she was inside, and his fingers plucked at her like a harpist, making heavenly music. Eve made whimpering sounds and writhed in his arms, reaching for any part of him she could find. She brushed her hands across his nipples, which had become hard nubs, through the diamond of rough black hair in the center of his chest, and down past his naval. Before she could reach what she sought, Connor lifted her into his arms. He turned both of them into the spray of water and said, “Shut that off.”
Eve twisted the knob and threw the shower curtain aside almost in the same motion. Connor stepped out of the tub and headed for the bed. He laid her on the sheets, spreading her legs with his knees as he thrust himself inside her to the hilt.
She made a low sound of satisfaction in her throat, and he met it with a growl of his own.
She wrapped her legs around his hips as he lifted her buttocks to give him better purchase. He took what he wanted and gave pleasure in return. Eve arched into him, and he thrust deeper, groaning as her body captured him after each powerful thrust, only to release him to thrust again.
Her eyes had turned the dark blue of storm-ridden skies, and remained intent on his. He didn’t say her name. He didn’t speak at all. But he was aware every second of the woman to whom he was making love.
Connor’s heart skipped a beat. Making love. It surprised him that he’d thought those words. He felt a great deal for Eve, more than he wanted to feel. More than he should have felt for a woman who’d become his wife as a matter of convenience. He was left with the uncomfortable thought that he might have had feelings for Eve—something more than lustful desire—when he was married to his wife.
Connor stopped thinking and concentrated on feeling. Everything. Every touch of Eve’s lips. Every caress of her fingertips. She gave all of herself to him. She took all of him. She arched upward into his body, her fingernails clawing his shoulders as her body began to convulse. A raw sound issued from her throat and was met by an equally ragged cry of his own. They clutched each other in the throes of something rare, a sharing of ecstasy that magnified the joy and pleasure of both.
As Connor eased himself to her side, his lungs heaving, she chuckled.
“What’s so funny?”
Eve laughed, a happy sound, and said, “I need a shower.”
Connor smiled as he pulled her into his arms, holding her close. “We’ll get one in the morning.”
“Where are the covers?” she asked.
“Who cares?”
“The sheets are sopping wet.”
“Fortunes of war.”
She snuggled close, her nose against his throat, her belly aligned with his. “So long as you don’t mind keeping me warm all night.”
His arms surrounded her and he leaned down to kiss her beneath her ear. “I don’t mind at all.”
“Connor.”
“What?” he murmured.
“We have to put on some clothes. Or find the covers.”
“Why?”
“The kids.”
“I locked the door.”
He heard her sigh and felt her relax. “Meanwhile,” he said, “I have you exactly where I want you.” His shaft stirred against her belly.
Her eyes opened wide. “Again?”
Connor shot her a smug grin. “Still.”
He hissed in a breath as Eve rubbed her breasts against the bristly hair on his chest. She smiled coyly and said, “I’m ready if you are.”
Connor took her at her word. He lifted her on top of him, her legs splayed on either side of his waist.
She seemed startled but delighted to be in control of their lovemaking. “Don’t move,” she ordered. “Not until I tell you it’s okay.”
She impaled herself on his erection, taking her time, moving to bring herself the most satisfaction, her eyes avid, her eyelids heavy.
Connor grasped her hips tightly, but he didn’t try to control her, just held on and lay still, afraid he would explode if he moved. As she leaned over him, his hands left her hips and he reached up to knead her breasts, playing with them and taking one in his mouth to suck, strong and hard.
Eve cried out as her body began to spasm. Connor’s hands caught her hips again to thrust hard and deep, and he gave a cry of exultation as he spilled his seed.
She collapsed onto his chest, her lungs sucking air as his bellowed beneath her. He closed his eyes and held her close, but he said nothing. This was no love match, so there were no love words to be spoken.
Chapter 21
“MY WIFE’S STILL
in bed,” Eve heard Connor say from somewhere down the hall. “She didn’t get much sleep last night.”
There was long, terrible silence before she heard a hearty female laugh, a vigorous laugh, a totally engaging and funny laugh. Then Eve heard a voice she recognized as belonging to Mrs. Stack say, “Well, well, Mr. Flynn. I wondered whether this was a real marriage. I guess I have my answer.”
Eve smiled and stretched languorously, arching her toes and stretching her fingers wide. She was in a real marriage. She stopped mid-stretch and jumped out of bed. A real wife would be in the kitchen right now helping to make breakfast. She wrapped her naked body in a sheet and ran down the hall barefoot, ducking into her former bedroom to put on a robe and slippers before continuing her journey to the kitchen. She found Mrs. Stack sitting on one of the bar stools with Sawyer on her lap. Brooke occupied the other stool, while Connor stood at the stove making pancakes.
When he saw her he said, “Good morning, sleepyhead.”
A hot blush rose on her cheeks in response to the eloquent look he gave her. She ruffled her hands through her hair before tucking it neatly behind her ears. “Good morning.”
“Hi, Aunt Eve,” Brooke said.
“Hi, Aunt Eve,” Sawyer said. “Want some pancakes?”
“I sure do.” She exchanged another look with Connor, who had the audacity to arch a knowing brow, reminding her of the reason she was so hungry.
“I was just telling Mr. Flynn it won’t be necessary for me to check in as often, now that you two are married.”
“That’s good to hear.” Eve wondered what the social worker was going to think when she took off for Nevada in six weeks. Am I really going to leave Connor and the kids? How could she not go? It was what she’d worked for all her life.
What if you give up your dream, and Connor ends up having to annul the marriage to save his dream? Eve found it hard to believe, after what had happened between them last night, that Connor would do such a thing. The lovemaking had been exactly that—making love to each other. No words of love had been spoken by either of them, but Connor had revered her and made her feel adored. And she’d finally, at long last, been able to touch and tease and torment him in ways that had given them both unbelievable pleasure. Surely he couldn’t make love to her with such tenderness and then walk away.
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