Her palm rested against his chest and her eyes dropped to the top three buttons undone on his shirt. A glimpse of solid muscle peeked out. There was a long jagged scar across his shoulder blade. She couldn’t see all of it, but it looked like an old, yet painful injury. There were other scars, but this one stood out the most.
She pressed her fingers to his skin. “What happened here?” There was a sharp intake of breath as she slid a digit against the raised flesh.
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “It’s a long story.”
“I don’t have anywhere to go tonight, and I hope I haven’t scared you away.”
“I will tell you tomorrow.” He took her hand and gently placed it at her side. “But tonight, I would like you to get some rest.”
And just like that, he stepped back and the cold air immersed her once again.
For several minutes after he dropped her off in her bedroom, she stood looking at the closed door. Something stirred within her. A feeling that had never been experienced before. There was the pull toward Aiden even after she could no longer see him. It was strange. As she stood there glancing at the light spilling under the door into her room, she still felt his presence on the other side of it. His scent, woodsy and fresh, was all over her—yet he’d only touched her for a few minutes.
Fatigue finally set in, and her pounding headache seemed to creep back up on her. She stepped back away from the door to get ready for bed. Only then did she hear the creak from the old hardwood floors and solid footsteps retreat into the room next to hers.
Aiden was here to protect her for now, but he wouldn’t be for long. She had four months to find the real motive behind Jamison’s death, keep the promise she made on the night of the murder, and then finally move on with her life.
Chapter Four
“How long have you been standing outside of my door?” Keira asked, crossing her arms.
Aiden was speechless for a moment as her smell greeted him. Under the fresh floral scent of her body wash was the aura of peaches that he had come to know as her signature. She wore a long dress that caressed her body in all the right places and sandals that showed off small dainty feet and toenails painted red. She wore her hair straight, sweeping across her shoulders.
“I rise very early, Miss Ellis.” It was better than telling her that he knew the exact moment she rose from bed, and that it had taken her an hour to get ready thereafter. As with any other assignment, his job duties began the moment his client rose. Keira Ellis was no different. Mate or not, he couldn’t protect her if he didn’t follow the rules.
“I smell breakfast,” she said. “Care to join me again? You asked me many questions, and I hardly asked you any.”
“I’m not all that interesting, Miss Ellis.”
She grinned, and gave him a sideways glance as they walked down the hall. “Let me be the judge of that, Aiden Price.”
Damn, her voice was mesmerizing. The ends of her dress brushed against her ankles as she walked. The fabric on the garment was loose, yet it hung to her hips and ass teasingly. It took everything in him to force himself not to grab her, whisk her back to the one of the rooms, and lay her out on the bed so he could have his way with her. He felt helplessly entranced by the needs consuming him. No one could have ever prepared him for his. The day when he would finally meet the woman who had the power to bring him to his knees. And she didn’t even know it. Yet. And to protect her from those who threatened her, as well as his world, he would keep it that way.
Breakfast was already placed on the same dining table where they’d eaten dinner last night. Chafing dishes and serving trays were grouped in the center of the table with empty plates and shining utensils arranged neatly on two placemats.
“Do you eat like this all the time?” he asked before he could stop himself.
“What are you trying to say? That I eat too much?”
“No, not at all.”
“I told Thomas to make you feel at home. Balanced meals three times a day is what he promised. Francine will ensure you have fresh linens, towels, and your clothes dry-cleaned each day. If you need anything else during your stay, let us accommodate you.”
“I’m on an employment contract. I don’t expect you to treat me like a guest.”
After taking her seat, she folded out her napkin on her lap and picked up her utensils. “Call it southern hospitality. I was raised to treat others as I want to be treated. It’s just my way of showing appreciation in exchange for your protection.”
“Your appreciation is noted, however, I committed to protecting you the moment the contract was signed,” he said, just before they helped themselves to the food.
Southern hospitality? She’d showed him an abundance of it the moment they met. Usually within twenty four hours of meeting a new client, he could tell if he was going to like them or not. Liking them was one thing. Tolerating them was another. There was something about Keira that he was fascinated by. Was it the hint of sweet southern drawl in her voice? The warm cinnamon hue of her skin? Or was it her scent—the smell that reminded him of a lush peach orchard?
He wanted to pull his fingers through her lush dark hair, drag them down her back, and mold them against the curve of her hips. When she was in his arms last night, he fought with the urge to kiss her senseless. She wasn’t some woman who he’d hook up with one night and have a quick tryst with. She was the client. He was her bodyguard. She was not someone he could fuck and then forget about.
Of course, what he could not rule out was that she was definitely his mate.
If he’d known beforehand that Keira would be so beautiful and would have such a riveting effect on his libido, he would have sated his desires before coming here.
How could this human be his mate? How was this possible?
The wolf within begged to break free. Just this morning, he’d instantly realized that Keira’s scent was still on the clothes he wore yesterday.
He’d had the inclination to shift and run wild in the thick fields damp with morning dew in search of something to fulfill the void. Would he have discovered the peach orchards that she swore were nowhere in significant radius of the estate? He’d wallow around in it, bite into the ripe fruit, savoring the sweet juices. Once his taste buds were satisfied and his heightened senses restrained, then for sure, the sight and scent of her wouldn’t drive him so mad?
At that moment, they both looked up at the same time and their gazes locked. Keira had this wild determined spirit that he doubted anyone could break. She was very clear yesterday that she would find her ex-husband’s killer. Young and innocent. Strong, yet scorned that someone would kill her spouse.
Keira bit her bottom lip, and the released it slowly. The nerves within his loins stirred as he wondered if her mouth tasted of the same lush fruit she smelled like.
Aiden had a rule. He had many rules that assured his mission carried out successfully. One of them being…
Never let emotions override duty.
***
As Keira walked down the hall toward the home office with Aiden not far behind, the phone on the desk rang. She was a little surprised. It was Saturday, not a work day. After breakfast with Aiden, she’d expressed to him that she wanted to visit the museum to do some research. Of course, he’d replied in the same manner he’d been doing since he arrived, reminding her of his job duties—accompany her anywhere necessary in order to protect her.
The phone kept ringing, getting louder as she approached.
“One moment,” she said to Aiden, as he paused next to the door. She rushed toward the phone and caught it just before voicemail picked up. “Keira Ellis.”
“Miss Ellis. It’s Alan Wright. I have news.”
Alan was the listing agent she and Jamison had been working with for years. He’d helped Keira sell and rent several vacation rental properties after Jamison’s death which produced a steady stream of income. She hoped he was calling to tell her that he had another renter.
�
�Is it good news or bad news?”
“Good news, of course.”
She could almost visualize him smiling from ear to ear on the other end. Of course, his idea of good news was something involving a commission check. That was fine by her, after all, she wanted to prove that she could still hold down these properties on her own while the lawyer and accountant she hired worked out a deal for forming the company that would acquire them. It was what had been keeping her busy day in and day out. That and constant research. When she’d learned that she’d inherited the majority of the properties linked to Jamison’s estate, she had no idea how much work would be involved.
“I’m listening. What’s the good news?”
“The estate has sold.”
“The estate? Sold?” She pressed the receiver to her ear, listening for more information. Did he leave some details out? Maybe she missed something.
“Looks like you’ll be moving out in no time. It’s been on the market only a couple days and someone’s already made an offer. Well above the appraised value.”
“Alan,” she said, grabbing the edge of the desk. “This home is not for sale.”
“Yes, it is. We listed it a few days ago.”
Keira’s heart beat rapidly. “Who is we?”
“Jonathan brought the papers to me. He said you relinquished your rights. And that you were ready to move.”
“What!” That liar!
“You mean you didn’t agree to this?”
“No.” She shook her head. “There must be some mistake.”
“I can fax over the documents, but it has your signature right here.”
Her face grew heated, and she tried to remember what exactly she could have signed. “Fax it now. This home is not for sale. Tell your buyer that I do not accept.”
“I’m afraid it’s too late.” Alan cleared his throat. “Jonathan has already accepted the offer.”
Fingers gripped the receiver tightly, and her teeth ground into her bottom lip. She heard Alan repeating her name over and over again, but she hung up. As soon as her bottom hit the chair, a huge sigh rushed out of her.
What had she signed? This was ridiculous. There had been court proceedings and the estate among other properties had been declared hers. Her head spun as she dropped her face in her palms.
She wanted to move. One day. But not today.
Who gave Jonathan the right to sell the home right up from under her feet without even telling her? He refused to leave her alone, and wanted her out of the picture immediately. There had been a reason Jamison had a will outlining what went to her and what went back his family. If she had any say in any of it, she’d have preferred not to inherit at all. But the will of Jamison Ellis had been clear. The words he spoke on his last dying breath had been even clearer.
Keira lifted her gaze and focused on the row of bookcases on the adjacent wall. The night the intruder broke inside came roaring back to her. Ever since then, no matter how hard she tried, she could not open the secret door again. She’d even pulled every book from the shelf in an effort to get that damned thing open.
She was so confused, it wasn’t even funny.
Something killed her husband in cold blood for reasons unbeknownst to her. The investigators weren’t doing their jobs. Jonathan wanted her gone, and he’d made that clear by offering her serious cash with a warning to take it or else. Someone broke into her home with what appeared like intentions to snoop or steal—or both. Now she would be thrown out on her ass, according to Alan.
And she…well, no one was on her side.
“Are you okay?”
Keira’s had snapped in the direction of the door where Aiden stood.
“Something came up,” she said. “I won’t be going to that museum after all.”
“You look a little riled up.” He came inside, leaving the door ajar. “Is something wrong?”
“I…” How could she begin to tell him how cruel Jamison’s family were? She couldn’t. He wouldn’t understand. “I just have a headache, is all?” She jostled open the desk drawer, relieved to find the bottle of migraine pills she kept handy. She unsealed the lid, popped one in her mouth, and swallowed.
Aiden surprised her when he took the bottle from her hand, and turned it over to read the label. The expression on his face was not pleasant. “I need to know what you’re afraid of, and what’s bothering you. I will take care of it.”
“I can’t pull you into this. I barely know you, and you wouldn’t really understand.” She shook her head. “Now I wonder if I’m just wasting your time. Do I need a bodyguard or do I just need to walk away from all of this?”
“Walk away from what?”
“Jamison’s family wants me gone. His brother, Jonathan, has been the main instigator. He just sold this estate without my knowledge.” She clenched her fists under the desk. “What gave him the right to do this?”
“Have they been threatening you? Is that why you sought protection?”
“I don’t know where the threats are coming from exactly? After the break-ins, I’ve received several warnings…letters under the front door and in the mailbox…to vacate the premises or else. After hearing about the sale of the estate, I’m convinced that Jonathan may have something to do with it.”
He sat down in the chair on the other side of the desk. “Is there a chance that this Jonathan might have sold the estate to prevent those who are threatening you from acting on it?”
“No. He hates me. Always has. Jamison and I married for unconventional reasons. Jonathan lost a lot from our union. It’s quite complicated. He wants me out, but it’s not to save my life.”
“You said there was a break-in?”
She nodded. “The intruder came right through that window.”
Aiden turned around in his chair, and peered toward the set of windows to the right of them. “I can’t imagine why you would want to stay here after your life has been threatened and your home broken into.”
“I’m not sure I should be telling you…”
“Do you trust me to protect you?”
“Yes.”
“Then there is trust to some degree.” He leaned forward in his chair. “Tell me why you’re still here.”
“Jonathan wants something and it’s hidden somewhere within this house.”
“Why not let him have it?” Aiden’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Are you not afraid for your life?”
“Yes, I’m afraid for my life. Isn’t that why you are here?”
He frowned. “Why suffer through this if there’s a better way to be at peace and move on?”
“I saw my husband murdered, Aiden.” Her voice trembled, but she dared not let her fury loose. “A wild wolf ripped out his throat leaving him bloody in the garage. I watched him die and I did nothing.”
Aiden diverted his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“We’d just arrived home after meeting a business colleague and his wife for dinner. All the way home, he kept looking in the rearview mirror, as though he knew something was wrong or that someone was following us. Right after he parked the car, he said: Whatever happens here tonight…do not let them take it. I asked him what he meant. He threw me in the trunk and told me not to get out until it was over. I heard another car pull up next to the garage and footsteps. I thought I was going to die. They were coming…”
There was dead silence in the room and Aiden regarded her with a desolate expression on his face. “How many came?”
“There were two. The man and the wolf.”
“But only one of his killers has been found.”
She took a deep breath, and released it to ease some of her tension. “Exactly.”
“Didn’t the killers know you were there?”
She shook her head. “There was a slit in the trunk wide enough for me to see most everything. The man ordered the wolf to go look for it. The wolf broke inside the home, and the man pillaged through the garage, but did not think to check the trunk. He was either too stupid or con
cerned with other things—like whatever they were looking for in this house. By that time, the housekeepers had woken up and heard the mess and called the police. They got away, escaping through the woods behind the shed. The car they used to get here was stolen.”
“You told the cops the same story?” he asked.
“Of course. They think I’m crazy when I tell them it was a wolf. Given the circumstances under which Jamison and I married, they even believed that I had him killed.”
Aiden raised an eyebrow. “Under what circumstances?”
“Jamison and I were in a marriage of convenience. He needed to be the first to marry out of his three brothers to inherit the Ellis conglomerate after his father announced retirement, and I needed to save my family’s home and lands from falling into foreclosure,” she said, leaning her back against the chair. “It was never meant to last as long as it did. Three months was what we’d agreed until either of us could file for divorce, but then we both got comfortable. Jamison promised me things that I had only dreamed about. And I promised him loyalty and companionship. He’d probably approached other women before me with this proposition, but to no avail. His age wasn’t an issue to me, and he knew that from the beginning.”
Aiden was sitting straight up in his chair, listening contently.
She continued. “My dad began to despise Jamison, saying that he stole an only daughter and reneged on the terms of the agreement. Jamison and I became good friends, a fact that others failed to realize. You can grow to love someone, even if you’re not romantically involved. I loved Jamison, but he was not my lover. That was something Jamison and I had in common. I didn’t want to go back to my old ways. I wanted to move forward. I wanted to learn how to run a business. I had dreams of becoming more than the town seamstress that I once was when Jamison and I first met. Contrary to popular belief, I would never betray him. Although, I don’t know exactly what I promised him the night of his murder, I pledged never to break it.”
Wolf's Desire Page 4