“What is it?” Her dad rushed down the front steps toward her. “He was going to burn the barn and the horses. There’s gas all over,” she wheezed out.
Her dad turned and hurried in the house. When she got inside, he was talking on the phone.
“I’ll watch for them. Meanwhile I’ll go and start throwing dirt on the gasoline.” He hung up and seeing Sunn said, “The firemen will be here shortly. How did you stop the guy?”
She held up the book of matches. “He didn’t see me until I yelled and pushed him. When he fell, I grabbed the matches and soaked his pants with the gasoline left in the can.”
“He could have done the same to you, and he’d have started the fire. Don’t ever take a chance like that again.”
“But the horses might have burned.”
“You are the most important person to us. Don’t endanger your life. But I am proud of you and thankful you’re safe.”
They walked toward the barn and heard the siren in the distance. Sunn knew what she needed to do. Her mother was right. These men must be the ones who wanted to buy the farm. And if so, they were more dangerous than her parents’ had thought. Later she’d call Bern and Lann and ask them to come see her at the ranch. She and her parents needed more help.
Chapter Two
Bern and Lann came right away when Sunn explained what had happened. She introduced Lann to her dad. He already knew Bern.
“I’m not sure how you can help us. You have your own ranches to take care of, but Sunn insisted you be called.”
“Neighbors help each other, Andy. We have a lot of men and can certainly spare a few to guard your property. You also need to contact the sheriff,” Bern said.
“I did, and I explained you and Lann were coming over. He should be here in a few minutes.”
“Good. We’ll make a plan and get these guys the next time,” Bern reassured them.
“You think they’ll try again?” Sunn’s father asked.
“They must believe you have valuable minerals underneath this ranch. They’ve hired someone to scare you into selling,” Lann said.
“I’ll solve that problem. Todd Carrigan can buy my property. If he’ll still want it under these conditions.”
“We’ll see what the sheriff says. I see his car coming up the drive.” Her dad went to the door and waited for Sheriff Devon. Once he was inside they explained to him what had happened. Lann and Bern suggested Sunn and her father go to her apartment and stay while their men watched the ranch.
“I’m not leaving home,” her dad said emphatically. “I can help. I have a rifle and know how to use it.”
“If Dad stays, so will I.”
Sheriff Bud Devon held up his hand. “I don’t want any vigilante justice. I agree I don’t have enough deputies to guard the whole ranch, but I want your assurance that your men are well trained and not trigger-happy.”
“They are,” Bern said. “And Lann’s men have been well trained, too.”
“I like you, Bern, and you’ve been around a while so I’ll take your word. But as soon as things start to happen, I want a phone call.”
“We agree,” Bern said, and Lann nodded his head. “But I’d still rather you two leave the ranch.”
“It’s not going to happen. I won’t leave, and I imagine you’d have to carry Sunn off screaming.” He grinned and hugged his daughter. “She’s promised not to be a hero like she was today.”
“How many horses do you have?” Lann asked.
“We have eight.”
“We’ll send four men to patrol on horseback, two of mine and two of Bern’s.”
One of the firemen knocked on the screen door. Sunn’s dad motioned for him to enter.
“We’ve cleaned up the barn and entranceway. I’m taking the gasoline can to have it checked for fingerprints.” He glanced at Sunn. “What you did was very dangerous.”
“I know. Dad’s already lectured me.”
“In that case, I won’t say any more. Call us if you have any other problems.” He strode across the porch and soon the truck was headed down the drive.
“We have a good plan,” the sheriff said. “Let’s hope it works and we get these guys.”
“We’ll call our men and have them drive over before we leave.” Bern shook his hand.
“I’m sure the men trying to run us off won’t come back today.”
“Don’t count on it, Andy. We’ll sit on the porch and wait for our guys.” Bern and Lann followed the sheriff out and stood by his cruiser talking.
After the sheriff left, Sunn saw Bern and Lann making phone calls. “I guess they’re telling their men to come here. I feel much safer with them watching out for us. There’s a truck coming down the drive.” At first she didn’t recognize the dark-blue vehicle, but then she did. Todd Carrigan parked in front of the porch and got out.
He stopped and spoke with Bern and Lann. Darn, they’re telling him our business.
Todd took the stairs two at a time. He knocked on the door and her father went to welcome him.
“I just heard about your trouble and how Sunn saved the barn and horses.” He frowned at her. “You could have died.”
“Will everyone get off my case? It was a quick decision that I don’t regret, and you are not my father. He’s lectured me.”
“Sir, I think you need to get out of here for a few days. Come and stay at my place. I’ve recently had the house remodeled. There’s plenty of room for company. You’d still be close to your ranch.”
“That’s a kind offer. I’ll agree since I can’t get Sunn out of here unless I go along. I’ll be close to my ranch and can check on the house each day.”
“Dad, we’ll be fine here. There’s no need for us to put Mr. Carrigan out.”
“It’s no problem for me. I just arrived from Houston and heard about your incident. I came right over to see what you need.”
Sunn started to respond, but saw her father watching her closely. If she protested too much she’d arouse his interest. “I guess we can go over for a few days.” When her father looked away, she frowned at Todd. He grinned back at her.
“My wife made some good soup for dinner. Why don’t you join us? After our meal, we’ll pack a few things and go with you to your house.”
“Sounds good to me. I was hurrying home and didn’t stop to eat on the way. I’m starved.”
* * * *
“I hope Todd can convince Sunn and her father to stay with him,” Bern said. “I’m afraid the next thing they try to torch might be this house.”
“I agree. Here come our men.” Lann walked to the edge of the porch. He glanced across at Bern. “I’m having two of my shifters cover part of the ranch. They shift into black panthers. In the dark they’ll be hard to see and unexpected. They have good night vision, and their hearing is excellent. Hopefully they’ll see or hear the men causing the trouble. They’ll shift back in the morning before your men see them.”
“One of these days, my men are going to start to suspect you and your men aren’t regular guys.”
“At some point we’ll have to tell some of them, or maybe all of them enough to satisfy their curiosity. But I have to feel more confident they’ll keep our secret.”
“They’ve been with me for a long time, some of them served under me in the service. But I don’t blame you for being cautious. I gather my men will work one section and yours the other.”
“Right. They can use the horses in the barn and protect the boundaries.”
“Then let’s get them started. I want to get home to Bliss.”
Lann grinned. “I’m all for that.”
* * * *
Sunn walked toward the kitchen. “I’m making biscuits. I’ll call you two when dinner is on the table.”
It was good to escape Todd’s company. His scent of cedar and musk heightened her awareness of him. Her heart beat faster and her throat was dry. His broad shoulders and long, lean body had her senses begging her to get closer to him.
It didn’t take Sunn long to make the biscuits and while they were cooking, she mixed a salad. When she went to call them to dinner, she found Todd in the study with her dad. They’d been talking, but stopped when she entered.
“Dinner’s ready.”
“I smelled the biscuits cooking. My stomach is rumpling it’s so empty.” Todd followed her to the kitchen with her father close behind.
They were hungry. No one spoke during the first few minutes. Sunn stole glances at Todd, who’d insisted on sitting beside her. Her dad was on her other side at the head of the table. Every once in a while her dad looked at Sunn with an amused expression. Sunn wondered what Todd had told him.
“This is the best food I’ve had in a long time. You can’t beat home cooking.”
“I imagine any food tastes good after a long day without eating.” Sunn glanced his way.
“The biscuits are especially delicious.” His sexy mouth curved into a half-smile, and heat rushed to every cell in her body.
Sunn looked down at her soup bowl and tried to ignore him. Still, his deep voice as he talked to her dad and his scent had her stomach fluttering and desire building in her core.
When he reached for another biscuit, he leaned toward her and brushed her arm. She had difficulty focusing on what her dad and he were saying, until she heard the word, sold.
“Did I miss something? I wasn’t listening.”
“Todd, as he’s asked me to call him, has agreed to buy the ranch, except for the house and the ten acres around it that we want to keep.”
Sunn looked at Todd. “You know all the problems, and you want to buy anyway?”
“Once I get the property they’ll know I have no intention of reselling, and if they do try to harm the ranch, I’ll catch them.”
“You appear very confident.”
He straightened his tough, lean body and the muscles in his face went rigid. His aquamarine eyes had darkened. “What’s mine, I keep safe.”
His husky voice and the way he leaned in her direction sent a shiver across her body. Sunn sensed she was included as being his. She’d set him straight on that as soon as her father wasn’t in the room.
For now, she shrugged her shoulders. “We’ll see how well you do.” He had an air of command about him that she hadn’t noticed before. His stunning virility had her pussy clenching tight and her hunger for his touch built with every breath she took.
She jumped up and hurried to the sink where she started rinsing the pots and pans. Her father and Todd talked quietly. Sunn couldn’t hear their words. Somehow she had to get out of going to his ranch.
After she dried the pots and pans, she walked to her father’s side. “Since you have Todd to protect you, you won’t need me. I’m going home. I’ll open my office tomorrow.”
“No, you won’t,” Todd spoke up.
“You have nothing to say about this.”
“These men would love to kidnap you and hold you as ransom for your parents to sell the ranch to them. Don’t be foolish.”
Her father put his hand on her arm. “He’s right. Once the papers are drawn up and signed, you can go home.”
“I suppose you want me to draw them up?”
“Yes, you can use my computer if you’d like.” Todd pushed back from the table. “I’ll clean the rest of the dishes while you two pack.”
Sunn threw him an angry look as she stomped out. She wasn’t sure, but she thought she heard her dad speak, and then they both laughed. Todd and her dad were getting much too friendly.
* * * *
Todd drove up to the front of his ranch house and parked. Sunn admired the large, modern home. The living room had a huge fireplace made of stone and light wood walls and rafters. Todd showed them the dining room, family room, and kitchen. He’d left some of the older house. It was a good mix of the former home and the new additions. She’d visited the previous owners a number of times and remembered what it looked like before the renovations.
“This hallway has three bedrooms. The third was added on.” Todd walked them down the hallway to the last room. “I’m particularly pleased with how the changes came out.” He opened the door. Sunn and her father stepped inside the large master suite.
The colors were an apple green with white trim. Windows faced the east and wide open prairie. One end of the room was a sitting area with a bookcase, fireplace, and a smaller window to the side. Several chairs were clustered around the fireplace. Just past this area were sliding doors leading to a small patio.
He led them past the king-size bed, night tables, three separate chests of drawers, and walked to the other end of the room. They entered a hallway. On one side there were two smaller closets. A huge dressing room and closet was across from them.
“We thought our wife would need more space and like the make-up table and chair.” He put his hand on Sunn’s lower back as they followed her father into the bathroom.
Her father turned to Todd. “It appears you’re planning on having a threesome marriage like Jeb and I have with our wife.”
“Yes, Chandler Larsson and I have planned to find the right woman for us and settle down. But until recently we weren’t ready to make this move.”
His words hit like punches into Sunn’s belly. She had not been enough for them, but now they had found their woman.
She turned and walked out and down the hallway to the living room. Her father and Todd followed a few minutes later.
“Which rooms are we going to use?” Sunn asked. “I’d like to retire for the night.”
“There are three bedrooms on the opposite side. Choose whichever you’d like.” Todd looked at her intently before speaking to her father. “There’s a football game on television. Would you like to join me?”
“I sure would.”
“I’ll get two beers from the kitchen. Go on in the family room.”
Sunn nodded to them and walked briskly down the hall on the right. The back bedroom had a similar patio to the one on the other side of the house. She opened the glass doors and stepped out into the cool air. Her hand rubbed across her chest over her heart.
How am I going to live here and see Todd and Chandler married to another woman? I don’t care who they marry as long as I don’t have to see them frequently. Never did I think they’d decide to settle back in Saddlespurs.
She sank into one of the two chairs on the patio. When she heard the sound of the glass door opening behind her, she glanced around. Todd walked through the doorway with a glass of white wine in his hand.
“I thought you might come out here. I remembered you like white wine. This is a Riesling.” He handed her the cool glass. “Or you can always join your father and me and watch the game.”
“No, thank you. I wish I’d brought a book with me. I prefer to read.”
“There are many different types of books on the bookcases in the new master bedroom. Some wouldn’t interest you, but I think there are a few thrillers. If I recall, you told us you liked to read scary books.”
“I do. I may check them out.”
Todd glanced at the bed. “I hope you’re comfortable. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I won’t put you out for long. I’m certain these guys that threatened us will be in jail soon.”
Todd squatted down by her chair bringing his handsome face into closer view. His beautiful eyes stared into hers. “Why do you feel you’re putting me out? I never meant to give that impression.”
“You must have found the woman for you and Chandler. I doubt she’d appreciate another female staying with you when she isn’t here.”
“Your father is a good chaperon. Don’t worry. It’ll all be fine.” He stood and disappeared back into the house.
It might be fine for him, but Sunn didn’t know how she’d ever feel comfortable with seeing them married. She swallowed around the lump in her throat. She’d never envisioned this occurring and it was her worst nightmare. Chandler and Todd were coming home to live with their wife.
> She walked back into the bedroom. Maybe I’m not over them as much as I thought. Well, I’ve got to be. She’d choose a book, lie down, read, and drink her wine.
Chapter Three
Sunn showered and put on her nightgown and robe before crossing the living room. She heard the television and her father and Todd making comments. She turned right down the opposite hall, passed a closed door, and then stepped into the master suite.
When she flipped on the light, the light-green walls gave off a soft glow. It was a beautiful room. She loved the space, the colors, the sitting area, and the huge closet.
The bookcases were full of books. Some were on topics generic to ranching. There were two shelves holding cowboy books. Sunn smiled at the thought of either of them reading about the Old West cowboys and their adventures.
She raised her head and on the top two shelves she saw the thrillers she liked. Many of them were of her favorite authors and two of the books were recent ones she hadn’t read. Sunn took the two and turned to find Todd standing in the doorway.
“I see you’ve found some books you like.”
“You have two I haven’t read.”
Todd raised his eyebrows. “You never said what you thought of this room.”
Sunn looked around to give herself time to think what to say. She couldn’t blurt out she loved it. She looked back at Todd and licked her dry lips.
Light smoldered in his gorgeous sea-blue eyes. He took slow steps toward her. “Is it such a difficult question?”
“No, of course it isn’t. The bedroom is lovely. I like the space, the sitting area, and the colors.” Her face went hot with embarrassment. Had she said too much? She’d wanted to be casual, not gushy. She stood motionless as he came closer.
Her heart was in her throat. He’d stopped right in front of her. He fingered a loose tendril of her silvery-blonde hair, where it lay on her cheek. Then he rubbed the strands between his fingers.
“You have soft, beautiful hair. The color is so fair it glitters in the moonlight.” He brushed the curl back over her ear. His fingers trailed down the side of her face to her jaw, and he raised her face toward him.
Seducing Our Lady's Heart [Commando Cowboys and Renegade Texans Unite 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 2