Gone was the carefree sweet voice of the man beside me. In its place was the stern voice of a stranger, someone I didn’t even know.
Chapter seventeen
The remainder of the drive was silent. Whatever had been happening between Luka and I was clearly gone. I had managed to destroy any kind of friendship, spark, whatever, by mentioning the land. I couldn’t understand what it was about the question that had changed everything and I was afraid to ask.
Just like everything else in my life, I had managed to take this fun-filled day and turn it into crap. Not even the sleeping puppies in my arms could pull the weight of disappointment from the dredges of my stomach.
I sat in silence as Luka pulled up to the feed store in town. I waited in the car as he went inside to gather the supplies we would need for the pups.
While I sat in the truck waiting, my mind tried to think of why asking about the land had upset Luka so much. Was he really a squatter afraid of being kicked to the curb?
He seemed to know the layout of the land and the towns better than anyone who was just passing through. He also knows people in the area, Max and the vet. It made me sick to think that perhaps he wasn’t the squatter but more likely, I was.
But that didn’t explain why he reacted the way he did. Surely, if I was indeed the squatter, why would he be so upset about me finding out? It just made no sense.
The sight of Luka coming out of the feed store with two large sacks of dog food slung over each shoulder stole my breath. The bands of muscle along his biceps flexed, taut muscles binding and coiling. My mouth salivated at the sight.
Wordlessly Luka slung the bags into the bed of the truck. A tall slender man followed, his arms loaded with paper sacks. I watched through the side mirror as the man handed the sacks to Luka who in turn placed them in the bed of the truck. With the shake of hands the tall man turned to leave. Passing along the passenger’s side of the truck the man shot me a wink.
What the hell was that for? My brows furrowed with confusion as I watched the man’s retreating form.
Luka climbed into the driver’s side wordlessly. The drive back to the house remained the same, not a single word uttered.
Both puppies woke the moment the truck stopped. Without a moment’s waste, I opened the door to the truck and climbed out. The puppies squirmed in my grasp begging to be released.
Giggling I set them down, allowing them to explore their new home. The two puppies took one look at me before bouncing off to sightsee. I watched after them, afraid they may go too far and get lost. Trailing behind them slowly, I couldn’t help but smile as they clobbered one another, both pups so eager to discover their new surroundings they kept running into one another.
Behind me I could hear Luka unloading the truck, the heavy footsteps trailing from the truck to the house and then back. I tried to ignore the hollow feeling taking up residence in my stomach. What was it about this man that made me want to climb into his arms, to feel his body wrapped around mine.
Why did I feel so dejected the moment he removed his hand from my thigh? I didn’t know the first thing about him, yet I couldn’t stomach the thought of him not liking me or wanting to be around me. I knew I needed to fix this. I needed to explain myself.
I tried not to let it bother me. I tried to ignore the feel of Luka’s eyes on me. I knew he was watching me. I could feel his eyes burning into my skull. It was now or never. I could feel the heat of his body a mile away. I could feel him now, the slow steps he took in my direction.
As much as I hated opening up to someone, anyone, I hated having to open up to a stranger, a stranger that made my heart pound in my chest and wicked thoughts cross my mind.
It was go time, it was now or never. I would lay all my cards on the table. There was no easy way to do it.
“In Florida I was a social worker. It was hard work, but I loved it. I know people think we’re out to destroy lives, but we’re really not. All I wanted to do was to help people, to help families.” I swallowed hard against the lump in my throat that threatened to choke me.
“I bought land for fun, as investments. It was kinda my thing. I never planned to go visit any of them. I just wanted to have them, a safety net of sorts, just in case.
When I closed on the last sale, my closing attorney asked me out. He was sweet and attractive. I had always had a crush on him so I figured, why not.
We hadn’t been dating long. It was nothing serious. It was just one of those things, a case of like not love.” My thoughts were scattered all over much like the story I was telling.
I wasn’t sure if he heard me or not but I continued on either way.
“Emily Davidson was a case I had. Her husband would get drunk and beat her and every time I would put her in a shelter along with her three children. No sooner would her wounds heal, she would be right back at home with him.
It killed me, watching her go back time after time. But it was my job. I couldn’t make her stay away.” I could feel the tears burning the back of my lids but I refused to let them fall.
“I was supposed to go meet Sam out at the club. Sam had been engaged for over a month and I still hadn’t met her fiancé. I had promised I would. When I answered the door, it wasn’t Sam, but a badly beaten client of mine, Emily.” The tears I fought against pelted my cheeks at the same time a strong pair of arms wrapped around my waist.
Absorbing his strength I continued, allowing the tears to fall.
“I had no clue what to do. Emily refused to let me call the police. I should have. I should have ignored her and called them.” I inhaled deeply, needing to get everything out.
“I called Devon; he was the only person I could think of. Devon made a call to his sister confirming she would allow Emily and her children to go there until we could figure out what to do about Bob, Emily’s husband. Emily wasn’t sure how she wanted to handle the situation. Even though calling the police was the logical solution she was still on the fence, despite my pleas to do so. Devon rushed over and loaded Emily and her children up in his truck. I knew then. I knew by the look on his face, we were done. It was as though he had completely checked out. He looked at me as though I were the bad guy in the situation.” Luka wrapped his arms around me tighter.
“The next day Devon called and told me Bob was after me. He told me to pack my things and come out here, to Nevada, to the property I just bought. I didn’t think, I just responded. I loaded my car and found a cat, dead, blood smeared across my car. There was a message written in blood that said I was next. At first it pissed me off. I wasn’t afraid until he called.
He told me he had seen me in the alley the night before at the club and that he had been in my home. I had hit my head that night and wasn’t sure if the night in the alley had actually happened or if I had just dreamed the whole thing when I had been knocked out.
By that point I was too scared to stay. I got in my car and drove. I only stopped for gas the whole way here and a few hours to sleep on the side of the road.” Luka spun me around in his arms, melting into him I fell apart.
“He – Bob- he burned down my house. I called Devon to let him know… he was in bed with Emily. I want to hate her, to hate him. But I can’t. I shouldn’t.” I sobbed.
“I’m afraid; I’m terrified that I was duped and that all my money went to purchase imaginary land. I’m terrified of what the attorney will say.” I admitted.
Luka’s hands rubbed small circles along my back. Rocking me gently in his arms, he soothed my tears.
“Ducky, no matter what happens, or what the attorney says, this is our home, mine and yours.” His sweet words only made me cry harder.
Here was this kind thoughtful man, willing to give up his home and share it with me, a perfect stranger. I had no idea how I had gotten so lucky or what I could do to repay this man in my arms. He listened, let me tell my story, bought me puppies, and soothed my fears. I would keep him if he would allow it. If I could allow it.
“How about you go take
a long hot shower and I’ll round up the pups and bring them inside.” He whispered, laying sweet kisses along my tear-stained cheek.
Nodding my head, I removed myself from his arms and made my way into the house.
I knew he said this was our house and I should relish in the fact but I still couldn’t. I couldn’t accept that things were going to go well. I couldn’t accept something that was not my own. My life was on a downward spiral and I seemed to be helping it along with all of my poor choices, why not make another. It seemed to be the only thing I was good at.
Chapter eighteen
Luka was right. A hot shower was exactly what I needed. I would swear the water around here had healing powers. They seemed to be able to wash away all of the dirt, grime, and stress of my life within a matter of moments, making me forget everything going wrong in my life.
The hot shower also helped me to see straight. I didn’t have to accept Luka’s house as my own, but it didn’t mean I had to run. Staying here with him would provide me the opportunity to get back on my feet and figure out what to do about Bob. Not to mention, I wasn’t looking forward to leaving the comfort of Luka’s embrace. His arms were like heaven draped around me.
Clothed in a pair of sweatpants and a light tank, I found Luka in the kitchen. He looked just as sexy today as he did the first day I saw him cooking over the stove.
“Smells good, what are you making?” Luka tossed me a bright warm smile, one that lit up his face and made my insides turn to mush.
“My secret recipe.” He winked before turning back to the stove.
The sound of tiny nails tapping against the hardwood floors brought a bright smile to my face. Both pups came bounding from the living room. My mouth made a tiny ‘oh’ when I spotted the large dog bed against the wall in the living room. Chew toys and balls littered the space warming my heart further.
“You got the puppies toys.” I was near tears at such a sight.
“What kind of parents would we be if we deprived them of such? Besides, I was afraid they would turn to shoes and furniture if they didn’t have something to gnaw on.” Luka rushed out, almost sounding embarrassed.
I didn’t miss the fact that he called us parents, referring to the pups as our children. As much as it should have frightened me, it didn’t. Instead it warmed my heart.
“Well, you’re a good daddy for doing such.” I said, failing to hide the beaming smile as I did.
“So be a good momma and name them.” Luka’s wrapped his arms around me from behind.
Spinning me in his arms we were chest to chest, the heat in his gaze searing my soul. My arms wrapped around his neck, drawing him in closer. Our lips were only a breath apart. My eyes searched his, begging for answers, answers to questions I couldn’t quite form the words to ask. What is this? What are we? What do you want from me?
Luka’s hips hovered over mine. The heat of his breath sent bolts of electricity through me.
“You’re mine.” The moment the words left his lips he crashed them into mine.
His kiss was demanding, full of passion and heat. I gave into him, pouring everything I had into that one kiss. A kiss I knew would be locked away in my memory. A kiss that all other kisses would be compared to, all of which I felt sure would fall shy.
My body felt as though it were lifting from the floor, my soul being sucked into this one singular moment of time. Lips, tongue and teeth clash, hungrily trying to claim dominance.
I was left a quivering mess by the time he retracted his lips from mine. His hands gripped the globes of my ass, and using his hold on me he pulled me in for one last kiss before releasing me fully.
I was left wobbling on my feet. My eyes glued to the retreating form of the man in front of me. Oh, what it would be like to truly be his. I refused to let my mind wander down that path.
“Have you decided on names?” Luka asked, checking the pots on the stove.
“Names?” I tilted my head to the side trying to figure out what he was talking about.
Small growls followed by the tugging of my pant leg had my memory circling round finding the answer.
“Ah- names.” I replied now fully aware.
Bending down I lifted the tiny offenders into my arms.
“From the state of my pants I would consider the names Double Trouble. But seeing how they are so cute I think we should go with Waffles and French toast.”
Luka’s shoulders shook with laughter.
“Yeah, because those names aren’t punishment enough.” Luka continued to chuckle.
The glare I shot in his direction only spurred him on more.
“How about Chicken and Waffles?” He teased as he carried plates of food to the table.
“Who names their dog chicken?” My face scrunched up at the thought.
“The same kind of person that names their dog Waffles.” He threw back with a laugh.
“Hey, you called me Waffles.” I countered back with a pout.
Luka pressed a quick kiss to my lips before returning to the kitchen.
“Yes, because you’re delicious.” I didn’t miss the wicked gleam in his eyes.
The gleam that promised things my libido begged for.
“Well, we can’t name one of them chicken. It just seems wrong.” I blew out a long breath as I stared at the dogs, hoping their names would come to me.
“When you look at them, what do you see?” Luka asked walking past me with his hands full.
“I see a chocolate shake and chocolate chip cookie dough.” I replied honestly.
Luka came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, his chin rested on my shoulder.
“So, if you were to pick Waffles as a name, which one would be Waffles?” He asked, pressing a kiss to the side of my neck.
I could feel his erection pressing into me as his hands locked onto my waist pinning my hips back against him. Biting into my lower lip I bit back a moan.
“I’m not sure.” My breath came out heavy with want.
“Well that means you probably shouldn’t call either of them Waffles, Ducky. How about you set the boys down so we can eat? We can discuss names over dinner.” Luka said between nibbles on the flesh behind my ear.
Bending forward to set the pups down, my ass pressed against his front. The thick firm bulge in his pants pressed firmly between the globes of my ass.
“Fuck.” I could hear Luka swear under his breath as his fingers dug into the soft flesh of my hips.
“Dinner, Luka.” I reminded him as I righted myself, stepping out of his reach.
Luka had prepared another delicious meal. The grilled chicken and fresh vegetables were amazing. The fact that he could cook made him that much sexier, not that he was hard on the eyes in the least.
There was something about a man that knew his way around a kitchen. It was just as sexy if not more so than a man with a baby in his arms. Things like that threw a woman’s heart into overdrive.
Over dinner we had gone back and forth over names, each one being more ridiculous than the last. By the time we had finished the names Chicken and Waffles had circled back around. It was absurd and probably the most ridiculous names imaginable but they stuck. The lighter colored pup was now named Chicken and the darker pup was Waffles.
I volunteered to clean up while Luka took the dogs out for a short walk to relieve their bladders. It felt right, me being in the kitchen cleaning up while he was out with the dogs. It almost felt like we were in a real relationship, not playing house while we waited for the verdict on the property ownership.
Luka came in with the two happy pups just as I was putting away the last dish.
“Did you boys have fun?” I asked smiling over at Luka as he unleashed the dogs.
“Yeah, they are good sports, but they love to take their time.” He smiled back.
“How about you go take a quick shower while I check in with Sam?” I offered up at the wall of muscle in front of me.
“Sounds good. I’ll be out in a minute.
” Luka gave me a quick kiss before heading back toward the bedroom.
I settled onto the floor with the two pups and their toys. I found it adorable that Luka had been sure to get them two of everything so they wouldn’t fight. Rolling the ball on the floor I watched as both dogs chased it down, neither one knowing what to do with it once it stopped. Grabbing another ball into my hands I rolled it out to them. It was adorable watching the two try to figure it out.
Pulling my phone out of my pocket I turned it on and dialed Sam’s number as I watched the pups bite and claw at the ball in an attempt to figure it out.
“Holy hell babes, I miss you. Where are you? When are you coming home?” Sam’s questions poured out in a rush of breath causing me to laugh.
“Relax babes. I’m fine. I can’t tell you where I am yet. Not because I don’t trust you but because I don’t want you any more involved than you need to be. But I promise I’ll be home as soon as I can. I wouldn’t miss your wedding for the world” I promised.
“What the hell does that even mean, Sash? Of course you’ll be at my wedding, you’re my maid of honor.” Sam shrieked into the receiver.
“It means, hell… it means I may or may not have got myself into a mess and I’m just trying to figure out a way out of it. But I promise I will be there, with bells on.” I replied exasperated.
“Does this have anything to do with the fact that Robert Davidson was snooping around the office looking for you?” Sam accused.
I could hear the anger radiating off of her in waves.
“Sam…” I hung my head down in frustration.
I wanted to tell her. I wanted to tell her everything, but I knew her like I knew the back of my hand. There was no way she would sit by idly and let this slide. I didn’t want her getting hurt.
“Tell me Sasha, I need you to tell me everything. If you don’t I’ll find out on my own.” She threatened.
“Sam, it’s not that easy.” I tried to explain.
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