Triple Dare County, South Dakota 3
Seductive Surrender
Jared and Ward Jarvis are immediately attracted to Brittany Hook, but Brittany resists their overtures. She’s had one failed marriage. She doesn’t plan on having two husbands. One had been more than enough. She is determined to forget them once she gets back to New York.
But forgetting them isn’t easy, and then she overhears something she shouldn’t have. Her life is in danger. The safest place for her to hide is the Jarvis ranch. At least according to Ward and Jared.
Between the danger, a killer after her, and the problems she and Ward are having relating, the hope of all three of them getting together doesn’t look promising. Unless they discover the killer before he attacks, and Ward finds a way of telling her his secret.
But Jared, the positive one in the threesome, is the most determined to make their relationship work. He never gives up the hope of them having Brittany for their wife.
Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings.
Genre: Contemporary, Multiple Partners, Western/Cowboys
Length: 51,502 words
SEDUCTIVE SURRENDER
Triple Dare County, South Dakota 3
Paige Cameron
EVERLASTING POLYROMANCE
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK
IMPRINT: Everlasting Polyromance
SEDUCTIVE SURRENDER
Copyright © 2013 by Paige Cameron
E-book ISBN: 978-1-62242-859-5
First E-book Publication: April 2013
Cover design by Les Byerley
All art and logo copyright © 2013 by Siren Publishing, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.
All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
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Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
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DEDICATION
To Teri, a special fan, and a great daughter-in-law. My son couldn’t have chosen better.
SEDUCTIVE SURRENDER
Triple Dare County, South Dakota 3
PAIGE CAMERON
Copyright © 2013
Chapter One
Brittany Hook let herself into her apartment. It had the stale smell of being closed up for several weeks. She’d extended her vacation to be at her sister Sondra’s wedding.
Surprisingly, she’d had a difficult time telling everyone good-bye. It had been easier than she thought to get attached to Triple Creeks Township and its residents, especially Jared and Ward Jarvis.
It was good she’d had to leave and come back for her work. She wanted to forget the Jarvis brothers, and it wasn’t going to be easy.
The memories of how her first marriage ended and the painful divorce still made her cautious about men. Her first husband had been her first love, and he’d been unfaithful.
Her phone rang as she put down her bag and purse in her one bedroom. “Hello.”
“Just wanted to be sure you got home all right.” Jared’s sexy voice made her heart beat faster.
“How did you find my number?”
“Your sister gave it to us. Don’t be mad at her. We can be very convincing when we want to be.”
“I just got in and I have to unpack. I don’t have time to talk.” She hated being so abrupt, but she had to end this relationship before it began. She never wanted to be hurt again. It wasn’t worth the risk. Plus, she didn’t think she’d want to have two husbands.
“Let me tell you the reason I called. Ward will be working in New York next week. He’s going to stop by and make sure you’re doing all right.”
“It’s really not necessary. We had a good time, but my life is here, in New York. Thanks for the call.”
She hung up and glanced around the small bedroom. Her life was this apartment and going to work. The dream she’d had of having a home and children was gone. Tears filled her eyes, and her throat had a lump in it when she remembered her ex-husband saying she was barren. They’d tried to have children, and she’d failed. She brushed her fingers across her face where the tears ran.
Buck up. I have a job I enjoy, in the most exciting town in the East. It’s more than most. I will not be a crybaby. Damn Jared for calling me and stirring up unresolved feelings.
* * * *
Jared Jarvis clicked his phone off and turned to his brother, Ward. “She wasn’t too receptive to the idea of seeing you. I think she’s hoping to forget us.”
“Is she worth the bother?” Ward asked in his coolest voice.
“Hell, yes. What do you think?”
“I’m not sure. We’ll have to see. I’ll skip seeing her this visit, although I will find out where she lives and works. We’ll let her see if she can forget us.”
“It’s a risk.”
“Pushing her to accept us is, too. Be patient. Tell me about that bull you think we should purchase.” Ward walked to the desk and picked up the flyer advertising the sale.
“He sounds good, but I’ll go check him out before we buy him,” Jared said. “They also have a horse I want to check on.”
Ward grinned. “That’s the real reason you wan
t to travel to Wyoming. Go ahead and let me know what you find. I’m going to check the books before I leave next week. This afternoon I’m going for a ride over the property. I miss this place whenever I travel to New York.”
“It is getting lonely around here, especially since we’ve found Brittany.” Jared walked to the door, grabbed his hat, and started out. “If we do as you suggested, it’s going to be a long month or so before we have contact.”
“Yes, but if she’s the right one, it’ll be worth it.”
Jared strolled out the door and got on his horse. It was the latter part of the summer, and the smell of hay and cattle blew through the air on a warm breeze. This place was bred in his bones. It was home and he loved it, even on the most difficult days when he dragged in muddy, smelly, and tired. He was glad he’d been born and raised here.
Mountains rose in splendor around the edges of their land. Wildflowers decorated the prairie, and the house sat as though it had risen from the ground like the mountains, strong, secure, comfortable.
Damn, he was getting too melancholy. He pulled on the reins of his mare, Diamond. She responded immediately, and he rode toward the barn. He’d spend the afternoon training his latest horse. Maybe he’d forget about Brittany for a little while, but she had touched his heart in a way no one had in a long time.
Ward was different. Jared understood his brother, but others often saw him as stubborn and hard. His mom and dad had adopted Ward when he was three. They’d thought they couldn’t have children. Then a year later his mom found out she was pregnant with Jared. Ward had been five years old when he was born.
Jared took the saddle off Diamond and rubbed her down. He saddled the black-and-white mare he’d been working with and led her out to the fenced-in training area.
* * * *
Four weeks later
Britt had been glad to get back to work and her regular routine. The rush to get articles edited and the magazine to press kept her busy. She was grateful. But coming home tired didn’t completely erase her memory of Jared’s smile and Ward’s cool, speculative glances.
When Ralph Winscott asked her out, she accepted. He’d been asking for several months, but she’d put him off. There was just something about him that bothered her. Still, she had to start having a life besides work. He was an investment broker. He owned his own business, and his offices were located in the same building where she worked.
Ralph was right on time for their date. “You look lovely,” he said as she greeted him at the door.
“Just let me get my purse and wrap, and I’m ready.”
When he stepped inside her small apartment, it made it seem even smaller. He was tall and broad like Jared and Ward. Darn, get them out of your mind.
He took her wrap and placed it around her shoulders. His hands caressed her shoulders briefly before Britt stepped out of his hold.
“We should go. When does the charity ball start?”
“I’ve made reservations at a restaurant I think you’ll like, and then we’ll go to the ball. It doesn’t really get underway until nine.”
His car was some type of sleek sports model. He drove fast through the crowded streets. Britt was glad when he pulled to the curb in front of a small, out-of-the-way restaurant.
“Have you been here before?”
“No.”
“It’s quite good. A friend of mine runs it. I need to speak with him for a few minutes after we place our order.”
“Fine.”
The proprietor greeted them and took them to a table in the back. Most of the front was full, and the background sounds of music, silverware, and people talking buzzed through the air.
Once they’d ordered, Ralph excused himself and walked off. Britt decided to go to the ladies’ room. She glanced at her watch on the way. It was going to be a long night.
No one else was in the bathroom. She touched up her lipstick and powdered her nose. Then she started out the door when she heard a deep, guttural voice speaking from down the hallway.
“Don’t give me no excuses about how you lost my money. Get it to me in one week, or they’ll be lookin’ for your body for a long time. I can always get another money-hungry sucker to take care of my laundry business.”
Britt held the door where it was almost closed. She was afraid if she moved she’d draw attention to herself. She heard the voice clearly, but she didn’t see the man in that brief moment when she’d pushed the door more open.
“George, you know I’m good for it. When have I disappointed you?”
“Once is too often.”
“I’ll bring it to you. Don’t worry.” Ralph’s voice was shaky.
She recognized Ralph’s voice and from the conversation it sounded like he might be mixed up in something illegal. Britt waited until both men walked off. Then a few minutes later, she came out of the bathroom.
Ralph and the food had arrived at the table. “I wondered where you were,” he said. He looked at her speculatively.
“Just went in the ladies’ room.”
“Let’s eat.” He picked up his fork.
Britt asked him a few questions about his life, but there was a tenseness at the table that never completely disappeared.
After dinner he drove more recklessly to the hotel. When he parked, he came around and helped her out.
“I like your yellow gown, but I’m really looking forward to seeing more of you after I take you home.”
“I haven’t invited you to come in later, much less see more of me. That’s not an option.”
He put her arm through his. Then he placed his hand over hers and squeezed. “When I spend money on a woman, I expect she’ll supply dessert.” His gray eyes had turned a cold silver.
Britt reached into her purse and pulled out two twenty dollar bills. “I think this will cover my meal. Don’t worry, I’ll find my own way home.” She pulled her arm out of his grasp and turned.
Ralph pulled her to him. People going by probably thought he was hugging her, but he wasn’t. His hand positioned between them was squeezing her breast in a tight grip. He whispered in her ear. “No bitch stands me up. Now we’re going inside, and you’ll smile and be pleasant, or I might think you dallied too long in the bathroom.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Britt tried to act like she wasn’t aware of his innuendo. “Unhand me or I’ll scream.” She wrenched herself out of his arms and hurried down the steps to the street. She wasn’t looking and barreled into another tall, broad-shouldered man.
She heard Ralph close behind her. Raising her head, she said, “Sir, I”—she was stunned to see Ward’s cool blue eyes staring down at her—“what are you doing here?”
“Britt, come on back. I’m sorry we quarreled.” Ralph took hold of her arm.
“Let me go, or I’ll have this man call the police for me.”
“This is really ridiculous, sweetheart.”
“The lady said she didn’t want to go with you. Back off.” Ward’s deep voice held a hint of danger.
“Who the hell are you?”
“A friend of hers.”
Ralph raked his hand through his hair. “I’m sorry we got off on the wrong foot. I’ll call you tomorrow.” He glared at Ward and stomped off.
Britt started shaking. “I’m sorry you had to get involved.”
“Are you all right?”
“Fine.” For the first time she realized he had a date, who stood to the side staring. “Fancy meeting you here. You’re all dressed up and must be heading into the charity ball. If you’ll flag a cab down for me, I’ll go home.”
Ward waved and a cab slid up to the curve. He helped her in. “We are going to the ball, but first we can ride along with you and make sure you get in your apartment.”
“Thanks, but it’s not necessary. I have a doorman. He’ll be on duty. Sorry I interrupted your date.”
“I’ll call and check on you later.”
She managed to close the door. She waved as they drove off and san
k back on the seat.
“What’s the address, lady?”
Britt told him. She watched out the window as they headed to her apartment. It was dark outside, and she was scared. The look in Ralph’s eyes when he’d grabbed her and hurt her breast gave her the chills. She’d been right about him seeming not to be what he appeared. Her big mistake was saying yes to him. If it hadn’t been for wanting to forget Jared and Ward, she never would have accepted.
What a night. Running into Ward’s arms had been a total surprise. She’d breathed in his scent of sandalwood and musk, and his strong arms had felt comforting and protective.
The cab drew to the curb and let her out. She paid him, and Jesse, one of the doormen, let her in. She was glad he was on duty. Some of the younger men might be tempted to take a bribe and let Ralph in, but Jesse had worked at the apartments for over twenty years.
“You’re very pale, Ms. Hook. Are you sick?” he asked.
“I didn’t feel well, so I came home early. I’ll be fine, Jesse. Thanks for asking.”
She hurried to the elevator. It was on the ground floor, so in a few minutes she was locked safe in her home. But tomorrow was another day, and she was bound to see Ralph at work.
She undressed and looked at the bruise on her breast. His finger marks were clear on her fair skin. She also had bruises on her arm. Ralph was strong and mean.
In her kitchen she put on a kettle of water for tea and turned on the television for background noise. The silence made her more nervous. Gradually she relaxed and had started toward her bedroom when the phone rang. Ward’s deep, masculine tone sent heat flushing through her veins.
Seductive Surrender [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 1