There was a snort, followed by “ow” in a deep masculine voice.
Ruby’s eyes flew open. Staring at her and holding his nose was Leo.
“Um.” The events of the night before rushed through her head, bringing heat to her cheeks. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.” If she hadn’t seen the happiness beginning to flirt around his mouth she would have been mortified. As it was, she was merely horribly embarrassed.
“Did I hurt you?” She reached out with one hand and stroked the bridge of his nose.
He took her hand in his and kissed her palm, heat, humor and tenderness making his eyes shine in the morning light. They even looked a different color, startlingly light and bright. “I’m fine, kitten.” With a groan he rolled over and stretched, a whole body stretch that involved flinging his arms over his head, his incredible chest bowing up off the bed. She bet if she looked under the covers she would see his toes curling. And he called her kitten. Right now, he reminded her of a sleek jungle cat, all muscle and sinew and man.
“How about a shower before breakfast?”
She blinked, staring. He climbed out of bed, his body was magnificent in the early morning light. That golden color obviously wasn’t a tan, either. There wasn’t a single tan line on him. She knew; she looked.
Closely.
“Of course, there are other things we can do before breakfast.”
He caught her staring at his tight, firm ass. His low, sexy growl sent heat racing through her system.
Oh yeah. She could go for some more of that.
Her stomach, however, had other plans. It growled, loudly. “Or not,” he laughed, reaching down for her. He grasped her hand he pulled her from the bed. “C’mon, shower, then breakfast.”
Before they could make it into the bathroom she heard the theme song from The X-Files coming from Leo’s leather pants.
Leo picked up his pants and pulled out his cell phone. “Hey, Dad, what’s up?”
Ruby held back a laugh. The X-Files? Not what I’d pick for my dad.
The expression on Leo’s face slowly changed from happy to shocked. Her grin faded away, her concern for her new lover overriding all of the good feelings she’d woken up with. “When?” He stared at her and held out his hand. She took it and winced at the way his fingers curled tight around hers. “I’m on my way,” he whispered, closing the phone. He clenched it in his fist, still staring at her blankly.
“Leo? What’s wrong?”
He blinked and took a deep breath. He looked…devastated. “Shane.”
She pulled on one of the courtesy robes, belting it around her waist. She stared at him, knowing this was the end of their idyllic morning after. “Your brother?”
He just stood there, his face building to a burning rage, and she knew something terrible had happened.
“He’s been kidnapped.”
Ruby looked out the window of the plane once again and wondered how the hell she’d let herself be talked into this.
He’d stared at her for a moment longer, naked, vulnerable, and hurting, and she hadn’t been able to help herself. She’d gone to him, allowed him to cling to her, his big body shaking with rage and grief.
That vulnerability hadn’t lasted long. Soon he was on the phone, arranging for the flight, asking that she order breakfast for the both of them while he made arrangements to go to his family.
She’d quickly showered while he paced, knowing he’d need to leave as soon as possible and he’d need the shower before he left. She’d dressed in the red skirt and corset, feeling even more out of place in it than she had at the party.
He’d taken the quickest shower she’d ever seen anyone take in her life, then pulled on the black leather pants and boots he’d worn the night before, minus the horns. He was on the phone all through breakfast, his face hard, his expression harsh and cold. He dealt with delegating some of his responsibilities in the office, letting his staff know that he’d be on an extended leave of absence. It was obvious he had no intention of returning until his brother was found. A small part of her mourned that, but the larger part agreed with him.
By the time he was done he must have been starving. His stomach was growling so loudly she was surprised his staff couldn’t hear it through the receiver. She reached for the phone to call a taxi to take her home, not wanting to burden him with anything at such a bad time. “Hello? I need a taxi at—”
She was startled when she found the receiver snatched out of her hands. “Never mind, the lady won’t need that ride.” He hung up the phone and stared at her, daring her to say something.
She licked her lips and, for just a second, saw his eyes heat up. “Leo, you don’t need to be worrying about me right now.” She put her hand on his arm, gazing up at him in concern. “You need to worry about your family. I can see myself home.”
“I’ve made arrangements for a limo to stop off and pick us both up. We’ll stop at my place first, I’ll pack, and then we’ll head to your place. Our plane leaves in four hours.”
Her mouth opened but nothing came out. He reached up and pushed her jaw shut with one finger, his expression filled with ruthless determination. “Leo. What do you mean, ‘our’ plane?” She was proud of the fact that her voice wasn’t shaking.
“You’re going with me to Nebraska.”
“I’m going home to my apartment, changing clothes and doing laundry. You’re going to Nebraska.”
“Don’t fight me on this, Ruby.” His voice matched his face, hard and uncompromising.
“You can’t just up and take me to Nebraska, Leo! A, it’s a federal crime to kidnap somebody, because I said no. B, it doesn’t matter, because I said no. Besides, what about Cliona?” Her hands went to her hips, her toe tapping on the thick, soft carpet. Sort of like it wanted to tap on his thick, soft head.
“Taken care of. Mandy’s agreed to watch out for her.”
Ruby’s jaw dropped again, this time in anger. “What?”
“Your bags should be packed by the time we get there. Megan has been very helpful.”
“You had no right!” He’d rearranged her life without even consulting her. Well, at least I don’t have to call my boss and tell him I won’t be in tomorrow.
He didn’t pretend not to understand her. “I had every right.”
“Leo—” she protested, only to be cut off when he put his fingers over her mouth.
His jaw clenched, pain leaking through the determination on his face. “I need you with me. Don’t ask me any more questions than that. I can’t explain it yet. Just… I need you to trust me. Please. I need you. ”
And that, she knew, was what had done it. Strong, arrogant Leo Dunne had practically begged for her support. So here she was, winging her way to Nebraska, of all places, to stand by Leo’s side and help him through this.
I’m an idiot. An idiot on a plane.
His head was back against the seat, his eyes closed, but she knew from the way his fingers were clamped around her hand that he was far from asleep. His thumb occasionally stroked hers. She couldn’t tell if he was trying to soothe her or himself. She could feel from the tension in his body that he was far from calm, and wondered why it was that he wanted her with him so badly. She sighed deeply, squeezed his hand, and turned back towards the window, hoping she would be able to be what he needed.
Leo stroked Ruby’s hand and tried desperately to stay calm despite the fear eating a hole in his stomach.
He couldn’t believe she’d agreed to come, but was eternally grateful he hadn’t had to force the issue.
If necessary he would have used his magic to get her on board this plane, and damn the consequences.
To hell with the office. To hell with protocol. He needed her with him. He’d explain everything once they were on the farm.
No way was he letting her out of his sight. Thanks to him and the Claiming, she was in danger and didn’t even know it.
His brother might be the victim, but he had the feeling he wa
s the ransom.
Chapter Four
Ruby was once again staring out a window, but this time it was the window of the Lincoln Navigator Leo had picked up at the airport. “Have your parents heard anything from the kidnappers yet?”
Leo glanced at her, then turned his attention back to the road. “No, not yet. Other than the initial phone call letting them know he’d been taken, they haven’t heard a thing.”
“Do they know why he was taken?”
“It could be a number of reasons. First, they might know he’s my brother, and I’d pay anything to get him back.” His hands tightened on the wheel. “It could also have to do with Mom’s family. There are those who still haven’t accepted their marriage.”
She stared at him, stunned. “You’re kidding me. After all these years?”
His smile was sour. “Let’s just say they have long memories.”
She whistled, not surprised when he turned his attention back to his driving. He was silent the entire way to the farm, his hands occasionally clenching the steering wheel. From the expression on his face she’d bet anything he was picturing his brother’s kidnappers.
She stayed silent for the rest of the ride, eventually nodding off with her head against the window.
It was dark when Leo finally pulled into his father’s farm. All of the lights were on in the old Victorian house, but that didn’t surprise him. When he’d told his family he was bringing someone with him, he’d known they would be more than curious. He’d never brought a woman home with him before.
And even if he had, he’d never bring an ordinary woman home with him under the current circumstances.
He pulled the truck to a stop in front of his parents’ home, not surprised that there were no cars other than ones belonging to the immediate family there. He turned off the ignition and turned in his seat to face Ruby.
She was just beginning to wake up, staring around at, to her, unfamiliar surroundings. He watched her react to the farmhouse, her eyes going wide at the sight of the large Victorian home. “We’re here.” His voice was husky with fatigue.
She turned to him, looking oh so weary. “It’s all right, Leo. They’ll find him.”
Her comfort warmed the cold place that had settled in around the pit of his stomach. When she placed one small hand against his cheek, he knew that if he hadn’t already started to fall in love with her he’d have Dare to Believe
lost his heart then and there. He turned his face into her palm and kissed it, accepting the comfort she was offering. “Thank you.”
She didn’t question what he was thanking her for. She just waited in the car while he came around to help her out with a sleepy smile that went straight to his heart.
“Leo.”
He turned to find his father standing on the porch, staring down at him with his hands on his hips, the porch light gleaming off his midnight dark hair. Blue eyes the color of a summer sky frowned down at him.
“Get her inside. It’s cold out here.”
That Irish brogue, sure and steady, washed through him, calming him just as it had when he’d been a child.
His father turned to Ruby, smiling a warm yet sad welcome. “Welcome to my home.”
His home? I thought Leo’s parents still owned the farm? Ruby watched the man, who looked to be no more than a few years older than Leo, walk down the porch steps. His long, determined stride reminded her vividly of the way Leo moved. The man walked up to them, and Leo put his arm around her shoulder and hugged her close to the warmth of his big body.
She was pulled up short when the man clasped his hand around Leo’s arm. “Welcome home, son.”
His voice held the lilt of Ireland in it, full of warmth that had been missing briefly when he’d first appeared on the porch.
Leo turned to the other man, and suddenly the two were embracing. “Wish the homecoming was under better circumstances, Dad.”
Wait. Dad?
That dark haired, walking sex advertisement was Leo’s dad?
“Dad, I’d like you to meet Ruby Halloway. Ruby, this is Sean Dunne.”
The man lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Welcome, Miss Halloway. I wish we’d met under better circumstances.”
“Thank you, Mr. Dunne. I’m so sorry about your son.”
Leo’s father nodded, his expression shadowed. “Thank you.” He turned to Leo, the shadows disappearing. “Take your woman inside and introduce her properly to your mother. She’s waiting on you.”
The man took the keys from Leo and walked to the trunk of the SUV. He turned and winked at her, popped the trunk open and began to remove their bags.
“C’mon, Ruby. Let’s go introduce you to my mother.”
Ruby couldn’t drag her eyes away from the Irish hunk even though Leo was pulling her up the porch steps. “Wow.”
She didn’t even realize she’d whispered that thought out loud until Leo stopped and frowned down at her. Smiling up at him weakly, she stepped forward, ready for him to open the front door.
The door opened before she could touch it. In front of her stood the most amazingly attractive woman she’d ever seen. She wasn’t much taller or older than Ruby. The woman’s hair fell to her waist, a straight, shining curtain of glowing red-gold. Slightly tilted green eyes the color of emeralds peeked out from under the longest, most lush lashes Ruby had ever seen. Her chin was delicately pointed, her nose fine and aristocratic, her lips full and pink. She stared up at Leo, those lips trembling.
Suddenly, Ruby wasn’t feeling so good. The woman was looking at Leo with a love so deep Ruby was moved by it. If he had this woman waiting for him to come home, why had he brought Ruby?
“Welcome home, Leo.” The woman stepped into his welcoming arms, tears falling down her exquisite face.
“Hi, Mom.”
Ruby unclenched her hands, just then realizing she’d been clenching them.
Of course. Mom. Dad’s a sex god, and Mom’s a cover model. I wonder what Shane and Moira look like? Ruby had never felt quite so frumpy in her life. She was wrinkled from head to toe, her hair a mess, her eyes heavy with fatigue, her makeup long since worn off. Her self confidence took a severe hit. She took a step back, not wanting to intrude on Leo’s reunion with his mother.
She didn’t get very far. One hard hand fell on her arm, pulling her forward. Leo put his other arm around his mother’s shoulder. “Mom, I’d like you to meet Ruby Halloway. Ruby, this is my mother, Aileen Dunne.”
“I am pleased to meet you, Ruby. Be welcome in my home.” The woman’s soft brogue had a hint of Great Britain in it, changing it slightly from the pure Irish purr of her husband’s voice.
“Thank you, Mrs. Dunne.” Ruby held out her hand in greeting.
Mrs. Dunne promptly took possession of it, pulling Ruby into the house behind her. “Now, call me Aileen, please. And did that son of mine remember to bring everything you need, or did he drag you out of the house so quickly your head spun?”
“Um, number two.”
Aileen turned a dark look over her shoulder, and that was when Ruby finally believed that the stunning woman before her really was Leo’s mother. No one but a mother could look at a man like that, part exasperation, part love.
“It was a bit of an emergency, Mom.” Ruby turned to see Leo pushing his hand through his hair, grimacing slightly. “I made sure her cat was taken care of, didn’t I?”
Aileen sighed, a sound that only a mother could make, and pulled both of them into her house. Ruby bit her lip on a nervous giggle, knowing laughter wouldn’t be welcome at the moment.
Leo watched Ruby get her first glimpse of his family home. The cream-colored walls and dark, sturdy wooden furniture wasn’t his taste, but his parents adored the old-style look they’d managed to achieve.
They’d blended early American with a number of pieces they’d moved from Ireland for a look that was uniquely their own. Framed prints of Ireland mingled with family portraits they’d had taken by mortals.
Ruby, he saw, absorbed it all, her eyes going from object to object while his mother led them into the kitchen.
Moira was busy stirring a pot of stew, her red-gold hair falling in a long braid down her back. Her deep blue eyes, startling in her pale face, shot to his, so full of relief and arrogance he was astonished.
His baby sister had grown up quite a bit while he’d been gone.
He smiled at her, filled with love at the sight of the beautiful woman she’d grown to be over the last few years. “Hi, Moira.”
“Leo.” She looked him up and down, her eyes full of mischief. “You’ve certainly filled out. A lot.”
Leo grimaced. He could feel himself beginning to blush. “Moira, this is Ruby Halloway. Ruby—”
Moira stepped forward with an easy smile, her hands held out. “Moira Dunne, his—” she pointed a finger abruptly at Leo, “—little sister.” She shook her head, her lip curled up, amused. “How did Leo wind up with you? You’re not at all the bimbo-y type he usually—”
Before she could finish that sentence Leo had her in a headlock, one hand firmly clasped over her lips, his face beet red with, Ruby thought, embarrassment. “Ignore everything that comes out of her mouth, okay?” He shot his sister a warning glance. The last thing he needed was for Moira to tell Ruby who, and what, they were before he had the chance to.
Ruby raised one eyebrow, aware of the underlying tension in every move the Dunnes were making. If horsing around was how Moira chose to deal with it, Ruby wouldn’t step in the way. She noticed that Aileen, far from being upset, had calmly taken her daughter’s place at the stove, serenely stirring the stew.
She left brother and sister wrestling amiably and stepped over to Aileen. “Is there anything I can do to help?” She still felt awkward, but the Dunnes were pretty relaxed considering the circumstances. They were treating her like they’d known her for ages. Almost like one of the family.
Dare to Believe tgc-1 Page 5