by Chloe Lang
Laughing, she looked up into the sky. Then she heard footsteps coming her direction. Guilt for what she’d done swamped her. She wanted to run, to hide. But suddenly, she couldn’t move. It would be better to explain to the picnickers she’d stolen from how hungry she’d been and that she would gladly pay them back for what she’d taken. Reasonable people would understand, and she prayed they would be of that mind, too.
Looking up, she saw two men headed her way. They both wore aprons that were stained by tea. Something in her mind tried to bring up a memory. Had she poured tea on these two men? What were their names? Lance and Chuck. She remembered them.
As they got closer, she saw that they wore only the aprons and nothing else. Very strange. Then she looked down at her own body, and recalled that she was naked, too. Her face got so very hot. She tried to tug on the corner of the blanket to cover herself, but it wouldn’t budge. There was no place to hide. There was no place to run.
“What do we have here, Chuck?” Lance asked, grinning.
His eyes wandered over her body, taking her in. “A common thief is what I see.”
“Please forgive me.” She was trembling. “I was hungry. I only ate a few strawberries and had a couple of sips of wine.”
“What shall we do with you?” Lance’s husky tone made her tingle. “This is Africa. Stealing is not tolerated.”
“She must be punished.” Chuck’s gaze burned into her hotter than the sun. “You and I both know that. She knows it, too.”
“I promise to pay you back. Please. I’m so sorry.”
Lance bent down and grabbed her by the hair. “You’re a pretty thing, aren’t you? Too bad you stole from us. I think we must spank her, Chuck. Do you agree?”
“I do. Let’s tie her to that tree.”
She looked the direction Chuck was pointing. How had she not noticed that tree before?
The sexy men removed their aprons. She gazed at their muscled frames. They were the most beautiful men she’d ever seen. Lance swept her up in his arms and carried her to the tree. They tugged on their aprons until they were long ropes which they used to tie her to the tree.
They freely touched her body with their hands.
Lance cupped her ass. “Time for your punishment, thief.”
Chuck fondled her breasts. “Time to pay for your crimes.”
They slapped her ass again and again, and although it stung, she felt sensations in her body she’d never experienced before. Heat rolled through her with every smack. Tears welled in her eyes and she chewed on her lower lip.
“I believe this little beauty has learned her lesson.” Lance grinned wickedly. “It’s time to show her that we forgive her for her evil deeds.”
Chuck kissed her cheek. “Let’s untie her and place her on the blanket so we can get a better look at her gorgeous body.”
As they laid her on the blanket, she wanted them to look, but she didn’t understand exactly why.
Lance touched her breasts. “These are so beautiful. God, you are a knockout, Danielle.”
He remembers my name. The more he caressed her, the more her desires increased.
“She’s perfect.” Chuck put his lips on her belly and began to kiss her, moving his mouth lower and lower.
Her head was spinning. Why was her body reacting like this? It was as if it had a mind of its own. A sea of sensations washed over her that she couldn’t quite understand, but she loved the feelings their touches of forgiveness were inciting in her.
Moisture pooled between her thighs. A dizzy heat spread through her, and her need for more grew and grew. More of what? She didn’t know. So much pressure was building inside her that she thought she might actually explode.
Lance kissed her. “What’s a virgin doing in the middle of the savanna?”
He knows I’ve never made love. “Please don’t stop. Please.”
“We won’t.” His confidence was intoxicating.
Chuck leaned forward, the heat from his body overwhelming her. “We want to show you how much you mean to us.”
“But we only just met,” she panted.
She could feel his hot breath on her pussy. “Doesn’t matter, sweetheart. We will never let you go. You ate our food and drank our wine. You are ours now. That’s the law.”
“I am yours.” She felt her heart surrendering to them.
Their hands and lips skated over her body, raising her desires even more than before. She fisted the blanket. “Please. I’ve never felt this before. Please. Take me.”
“We will. All of you,” Lance said.
The elephants trumpeted in the background, and the announcer’s voice was heard. “This program was brought to you by the O’Leary Global Foundation and by the donations of generous people like you.”
“What’s that?” Chuck’s confusion was evident on his face.
Lance’s body began to fade. “Who is that?”
“It’s just the television,” she told them. “Please, don’t stop.”
“A television in Africa?” Chuck asked before vanishing.
She reached for Lance, but he, too, disappeared.
“No.” She opened her eyes, wishing the dream hadn’t ended.
Her pussy was soaked, but she was back in her bed in Nevada. Her body continued to buzz.
Unlike in the dream, Danielle knew what she needed. But the two sexy beasts weren’t here.
She opened her nightstand drawer and settled for second best. Mr. Wonderful.
Hopefully her vibrator would take her back to Africa and back to Lance and Chuck.
* * * *
Chuck rolled out of bed. He looked at the clock on the wall. It was 8:10 in the morning. He hadn’t gotten up this early in years. Too many parties. Ever since he and Lance had sold the business, their lives had been one long never-ending party. But yesterday at the diner with Danielle had been the most fun he’d had in years. He’d dreamed about her. God, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his head ever since she’d spilled the tea on him and Lance.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. “Come in.”
The door opened and Lance walked in. “I forgot that there was an eight o’clock in the morning. How about you?”
Chuck yawned. “Same here, but I’m wide awake now.”
“You better get up and get ready, buddy.” Lance smiled. “We have an appointment with our new boss at ten this morning, remember?”
“Of course I remember.” They’d get to see Danielle again, work with her. Make her want them. “Where’s Michael? Still in bed?”
“Nope. Apparently this place got to him, too,” Lance replied. “He woke me up ten minutes ago.”
Party boy Michael was up before them? “That’s not the Michael I remember. He was always the last to rise.”
Lance nodded in agreement. “But he’s changed. You’re not going to believe this, but he’s been up since six. Told me he was going to get us some breakfast and a newspaper. He should be back in fifteen minutes.”
“That’s enough time for me to shower and get dressed.” Chuck pushed back the heavy blanket covering him and stood up.
“Me, too.” Lance turned to leave but stopped before he got out the door. He faced Chuck again. “He’s got quite the place here, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, he does.” Michael had lived all around the world in some of the most lavish places imaginable. His new home wasn’t like any of the others. “It’s simple. Michael Chamberlain living in a log cabin. The old crowd would be stunned.”
“It’s not your typical log cabin, Chuck. Has to be at least five thousand square feet.”
“True.” Chuck laughed. “It’s not rustic by any means. Those leather sofas in the main room look Italian to me. They must’ve cost a fortune.”
“And did you get a load of the pool and hot tub?”
“Amazing. Michael does need his creature comforts.” He always had, even in college. “Still, it’s made of logs. Michael has been breathing this Northern Nevada air f
or over a year now. He is different.”
“He looks happy.” Lance stared out the large window in Chuck’s room. He had a wonderful view of the mountains. “Maybe we should consider staying longer. The air might do us good, Chuck.”
And the girl who had invaded my dreams. “We better get going.”
“You’re right. Michael said to meet us on the back deck where breakfast would be served. I’ll see you in fifteen minutes.” Lance turned and left for his room.
Chuck walked into his bathroom suite.
After getting cleaned up and dressed, he went out the back. The sky was a bright blue. Lance was already sipping coffee. Another guy, wearing a white robe, sat with him.
“Hey, Chuck,” The man stood and extended his hand. “I’m Harry Morgan, Michael’s boyfriend.”
He shook his hand. “Nice to meet you. Michael told us that he’d found someone special. I’m happy for both of you.”
Harry smiled. “Grab yourself a cup of coffee. Michael should be back with food any moment.”
As if on cue, the man in question walked in carrying their breakfast. “You two are famous around these parts,” he said, laughing.
“What are you talking about?” Lance asked.
Michael bent down and kissed Harry. “We’re hosting celebrities, honey. Wilde is all abuzz.” Michael laughed and handed the newspaper to his boyfriend.
Harry read a few lines and burst into laughter.
“What in the hell is in there?” Chuck asked. “Are you two pulling our legs?”
Shaking his head, Michael continued laughing uncontrollably, and so did Harry. “Ever since you two showed up, I’ve laughed more than I have in years. See for yourself. The ladies are organizing a bake sale for you.”
“A bake sale?” He took the paper and read the article. The headline sent him over the edge.
“What?” Lance demanded. “Read it.”
“Two Homeless Men Wait Tables At Norma’s Diner for Food.” He died laughing and continued reading through the tears. “Local businesswoman Carlotta Sollomovici, owner of the diner, told several citizens she was impressed by the two men and wanted to lend them a helping hand. The Ladies Auxiliary of Wilde has organized a bake sale that will be held this Saturday to benefit the two new arrivals to town. Maude Strong, president of the club, said this event is exactly what they’d been looking for since their mission has been to stamp out homelessness in Nevada. ‘These two unfortunate souls need our help,’ she said. ‘We hope you will open your hearts and wallets at the bake sale.’”
“Oh my God, these are the sweetest people I’ve ever known,” Lance said through his own chuckles. “We’ve got to clear this up.”
“That explains the big tips we were getting.” Chuck realized just how unique Wilde was. “It almost makes me want to be poor.”
That sent them all into another crazy fit.
Michael finally composed himself, taking a seat and pouring a cup of coffee. “You see why I brought you here. Wilders care. They have the biggest hearts in the world.”
Harry grabbed his hand. “I’m glad you came and settled down here, honey.”
“Me, too.” Michael turned to them. “Sorry to drop this on you but I have to leave this morning.”
“I thought you had business you wanted to discuss with us,” Lance said.
“I do, but this is an emergency. I’ll be back first thing Monday morning. I’m taking Harry with me. We haven’t had much time alone together.”
“No we haven’t.” Harry grabbed Michael’s hand. “What’s going on?”
“The caretaker at the house on Lake Tahoe called. Raccoons got inside. Apparently one died in the wall. They tore up some of the furniture, too. We’ve got to check it out. I thought we could make a weekend out of it.”
“That sounds wonderful, honey.”
Chuck looked at the former Peter Pan of the jet set. He’d found happiness in this rural part of Nevada. Michael was happy. Really happy. Could he be, too? “Oh my God. The flowers we ordered are supposed to be delivered this morning.”
“Flowers?” Harry asked.
“It’s something me and Chuck do when we’re pursuing a beautiful woman.” Lance jumped to his feet. “We’ve got to get to the diner before they arrive. We need to clear this up with Carlotta.”
He stood. “I agree. She’s such a sweet woman. Let’s go.”
“Why do you have to rush?” Michael asked. “One bouquet of flowers won’t shock anyone, even from two homeless guys like you.”
“We didn’t send just one.”
“Lance and Chuck have done it again. I remember your motto. ‘Why do when you can overdo.’” Michael doubled over, lost to another round of laughter. He tossed them some keys. “This is to my Aston Martin. Take it. Harry and I will join you shortly, after we pack. I don’t want to miss this. We can hit the road for Tahoe after.”
They ran out the door and headed back to Norma’s, to Carlotta, and to Danielle, the woman who had come to him in his dreams.
Chapter Five
Danielle swung her legs off the bed as she heard her automatic coffee maker kick on. God, that was some dream.
Carlotta had called and told her she didn’t have to be at the diner until afternoon. Carlotta and Anna, who was feeling much better, were going to manage the lunch run on their own to make up for leaving her on her own the day before.
She grabbed her robe and walked into the kitchen. The smell of fresh coffee filled the air. She grabbed her mug, filling it with the delicious brew. She inhaled the aroma before taking a sip. She hadn’t had a morning of leisure in a long time. I’m looking forward to it.
Grabbing a second cup from the cabinet, she filled it to the brim with the steaming liquid and walked to the door. Everyone in Wilde took the newspaper, and she was no exception. The town’s mystique reminded her of an earlier era when homes had a single black-and-white TV set and families sat down and ate together.
She opened her door and spotted Dr. Alex Champion in his car parked on the street. She bent down and grabbed up the paper. Alex waved and she headed to him.
He stepped out of his car, scanning every direction.
“I brought you a cup of coffee, Alex. I figured you might like it since you worked the overnight bodyguard shift.”
“Thank you. That sounds so good.” He took the cup. “This reminds me of my residency. I lived on coffee the whole time.”
“I didn’t bring any sugar or cream. Do you need any?”
“Black is perfect.” He took a sip. “How did you sleep?”
“Like a log,” she lied. “I really think your dad is going overboard, don’t you?”
“He’s sheriff, Danielle. He takes his job very seriously. The cartel isn’t something to take lightly.”
“You’re right, but I do have a gun. I know how to protect myself.”
“I’m sure you do.” Alex shook his head. “Until my dad gives the green light, you will have bodyguards. My brothers and I will be keeping watch on you. Brandon will be here shortly to take my place.”
“I really do appreciate what you, Justin, and Brandon are doing, but I worry about you guys getting enough rest. Shelby is so sweet, allowing you three to do this, but I hate that I’m taking you away from each other.”
“Danielle, this will get cleared up before you know it. Dad and Austin are working hard to make sure it does.”
“What if it doesn’t, Alex? How long will you and your brothers be able to keep this up? Have you thought about that possibility?”
He shrugged. “We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it. If, and that’s a very big if, this lingers for a while, I’m sure we can get some relief bodyguards to fill in from time to time. There’s plenty of local single men around town ready to lend a hand to a damsel in distress like yourself.”
Her mind instantly brought up images of Lance and Chuck. “Like you said, I guess we’ll cross that bridge later.”
He gulped down the rest of the coffee and hand
ed her back the cup. “Thank you again.”
“No. Thank you. Would you like another cup?”
“No thanks.” His cell buzzed. “It’s Shelby.”
“Please, tell her I said hello and thanks.”
“I will.” He got back in his car, and she saw his face light up as he began talking to the love of his life.
Danielle walked back into her house. She was renting it from Maude Strong, who was only charging her half what the place should be going for. It was a sweet place—a two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow. Just perfect for me.
As always, she patted the book Pauline had given her long ago, her favorite. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The woman had always been so good to her. She was like a grandmother.
Danielle sat down at her kitchen table, listening to the drips of the leaky faucet, which Maude promised to replace. Actually, the sweet lady was slowly remodeling the whole thing for her. The bathroom fixtures were top of the line, and the appliances were stainless steel. She knew the rent Maude charged her was too little. She smiled, remembering the cookies her landlady had brought her the last time she’d come over to fix an outlet that wasn’t working. Maude was a do-it-yourself kind of woman, and she was quite skilled, too. All the women in this town were capable.
Danielle had stayed in Wilde longer than any other place since she turned thirteen years old. Was it too long? The town wasn’t on any major highway. It was nestled in the mountains. The best hiding place she’d ever found. Can I stay? The sheriff knew about her past now. The last time any of her family had come close to finding her had been five years ago in Kansas City. Maybe they’d finally given up the search.
Was she being foolish to consider staying? Maybe, but she couldn’t help it. Once the cartel issue was cleared up, and she prayed Alex was right that it would soon, everything would go back to normal.
She opened the paper, imagining how wonderful it would be to finally call a place home. Even the name of the local newspaper brought a smile to her face. Wonders of Wilde, or as most called it, WOW. She glanced at the headline and her jaw dropped.