Dream Life

by Becca Van

  She mentally shrugged and hoped that she would only have to stay at their place a couple of days. If the idiot driver hadn’t been caught by Monday and there were no other incidents, she would head back to her own place. The library’s grand opening was on Monday, and she’d need to have access to her wardrobe and other personal items. She wasn’t about to turn up to such a special day wearing her jeans. It had been okay to dress casually while taking the deliveries, stocking the shelves, and preparing everything, but she was going to be dressed nicely while working. She came back to the present when Brax started talking again.

  “Whatever you want, honey. Don’t hesitate to call us or Jaylynn if you change your mind. Okay?”

  “Okay. Thank you, Brax. Thanks, Ajay, Cael.”

  “No problem, sweetheart.” Ajay winked at her over his brother’s head.

  “Sure, Shyann.” Cael waved.

  “I’ll be by in the morning so you can all sign your statements. It won’t be too early since I have to patrol around the county, but I’ll be there before lunch.”

  “Thanks, Brax. Guys,” Raiden raised his voice since Cael and Ajay were no longer in sight.

  “You’re welcome,” all three deputies replied simultaneously.

  Shyann giggled as she slumped against Tane. She was so exhausted. After being so busy for weeks on end and her harrowing day, she felt intoxicated. Her heavy eyelids closed before she realized what was happening. Now that there was no longer any adrenaline rushing through her system, she wanted to curl up into a ball and sleep the night away. First, she’d have to go home and pack a bag. The thought of moving caused her to sigh again. Her body felt so heavy she couldn’t even summon up the energy to push the hair that had come out of her braid away from her face.

  She was sound asleep before she’d even taken her next breath.

  * * * *

  “We need to get her home,” Tane said softly.

  Raiden nodded as he stared at Shyann’s beautiful face. He couldn’t believe that she’d fallen asleep. He’d been aware of how tired she was as they’d all talked to Brax, but she’d fought to remain awake. A slow smile curved his lips. As soon as the other men had left, she’d given up the battle. That had to mean she trusted them, didn’t it? At least a little anyway.

  “Brigg, go and get the truck. Bring it out back. We don’t want any of the noise from the diner waking her or people gawking at her.”

  Brigg reluctantly untangled his fingers from Shyann’s, stood, and after a last glance at her, hurried away.

  When there was a soft knock on the door, Raiden walked over and opened it. Enya was standing at the entrance with a concerned look on her face. He stepped out of the office and softly closed the door behind him, not wanting their conversation to wake his woman.

  “Is Shyann all right?” Enya asked. “Cam is here if you want him to examine her.”

  Raiden glanced down the hallway to see the man in question striding toward them at a clipped pace.

  “How bad is she hurt?” Cam asked.

  “She’s okay.” Raiden combed his fingers through his hair. “Brigg saved her and me from being seriously injured. She has a bruise on her hip, ribs, and shoulder, but there are no fractures or breaks. The outside of her thigh is grazed, but it’s already been cleaned and covered.”

  “Does Brax and his brothers know who the careless driver was?” Cam asked angrily. “The story has already spread. The men are angry.”

  “Keep your voice down.” Raiden frowned at Cam. “Shyann’s asleep.”

  “Sorry.” Cam scrubbed a hand down his face.

  “The deputies don’t know who was driving. The bastard’s face was in shadows since he was wearing a Stetson and shades. The license plate was run, but the plates were stolen.”

  “That sounds like the prick was trying to hide his identity,” Cam said.

  “Yeah, that’s what we think, and so does, Brax, Ajay, and Cael. She’s scared out of her mind. She agreed to stay with us, but I have a feeling she’s not going to stay long.”

  “You should tell her to stay as long as it takes to catch this guy,” Enya said. “If she’s in danger she needs to be protected, and she needs to know everything so she’s on alert. Is she in trouble?”

  Raiden sighed. He didn’t want to upset Enya, but she, Jaylynn, and Shyann had become good friends after being hurt by Jaylynn’s nemesis. “We’re not sure, but it looks like it.”

  “What are we up against?” Cam asked.

  Raiden quickly told Cam and Enya about Shyann’s background. He hated the tears in Enya’s eyes and the way she covered her mouth in horror, but he knew that the other woman was sympathetic toward Shyann’s plight.

  “I’ll start spreading the word,” Cam said. “Is Brax going to get a picture of the stepbrother?”

  “I have no doubt he will. He’s probably already briefing his bosses and the other deputies. All the men are going to have to be vigilant and more protective of their own women as well. From the sounds of it, this fucker is crazy.”

  Cam nodded as he pulled Enya tighter into his side, his arm around her shoulders and his free hand caressing up and down her back. The doc had dropped his medical bag to the floor as soon as he’d seen the tears in her eyes. Enya’s arms were wrapped around his waist.

  “Call if you need anything.” Cam grabbed his bag before guiding Enya toward the kitchen.

  Brigg entered the back door just as Raiden opened the office door. “Brigg is here.”

  Tane gently shifted Shyann in his arms and stood. Raiden held the office door open, so his brother could get through without having to worry about it swinging back and hitting Shyann. As soon as he cleared the doorway, Raiden closed the door after him, following his brother and woman down the hallway. Brigg held the back door open, and minutes later they were all in the truck heading toward home.

  Raiden kept glancing into the back to check on Shyann from the front passenger seat. He was very envious of his brother holding their woman in his arms, but if he had his way, she would be in his arms next.

  * * * *

  Shyann came awake as someone placed her on a bed. She blinked her eyes open and smiled up at Tane. She remembered struggling to stay awake, but she didn’t remember falling asleep but figured she had since she suspected she was now in their home.

  “How are you feeling, baby?” Raiden asked.

  She turned her head and blinked the haze from her eyes. Raiden was sitting on the bed with his back leaning against the headboard, watching her with avid intent. She thought she saw desire flash across his eyes, but since she didn’t know him and his brothers that well, she couldn’t be certain.

  “I’m a little stiff and sore, but otherwise I’m okay.”

  “Would you like a bath, darlin’?” Brigg asked.

  She glanced toward the bottom of the bed where he was standing, licked her dry lips, and nodded. He winked at her and skirted the bottom of the bed toward a closed door at the side of the room. When he opened the door, Shyann realized it was an en-suite bathroom and frowned. She looked at Tane before meeting Raiden’s gaze. “Why am I in the master bedroom?”

  Raiden shrugged. “It’s our spare room, baby.”

  “Why aren’t any of you occupying this room?” She frowned over that anomaly. Most people sharing a house would be fighting over having the biggest bedroom to sleep in.

  “We have our reasons,” Tane answered cryptically. He shoved to his feet, turning to face her. “Are you thirsty, sweetness? Do you want something to drink?”

  “Water please.”

  Tane nodded and rushed from the room. Her skin tingled everywhere Raiden glanced. While she wanted to look at him, she was also highly aware of trying to keep her attraction hidden, so she resisted the urge, gazing about the room instead. The wall tones were a neutral beige and the carpet a deep rose. The dresser against the wall was large with a dark stain which contrasted nicely against the lighter walls. The curtains were almost the same color as the carpet, seemingl
y brighter with the black block out blind covering the window. There was another closed door against the same wall as the bathroom, which she suspected was a closet. The bedspread on the bed had pinks, blues, green, white, and brown. It took her a few moments to realize there was a picture of birds, white swans swimming on a blue-hued pond. The contrasting colors worked so well she found herself relaxing even though Raiden was sitting beside her without speaking.

  “This room is amazing.” She finally turned to face Raiden. Once more she thought she saw sexual hunger in his gaze, but he blinked before she could discern the emotion. When he met her eyes again, they were once more a cool green.

  “Your bath’s ready, darlin’.”

  Shyann startled at Brigg’s voice so close to her. She hadn’t even heard him enter the room, and that surprised her. He was bigger than both of his brothers in height and musculature, but still managed to walk as quiet as a wild feline. His eyes were so amazing she had to force herself not to stare for too long. She’d never seen such a color combination before and couldn’t help being mesmerized by the sexy phenomenon. Tane’s eyes were just as amazing as Brigg’s. The only difference was the Tane’s eyes were a mix of gray and green. Raiden’s were a straight green color but by no means dull. The shade reminded her of sparkling emeralds whenever the light hit those gorgeous orbs, and she always thought he could see right into her heart and soul.

  She mentally snorted at that ludicrous thought. No one could see a person that good, no matter how well they knew them. Just look at her and her stepbrother. They used to be such good friends. She’d followed him around like a loyal puppy and he’d let her, but he’d changed so drastically, she didn’t know him anymore.

  “Shyann? Are you all right, baby?”

  She gazed at Raiden and saw him frowning. When she caught movement in her periphery, she turned to find Brigg watching her with concern. She blushed and felt like an idiot. Her introspection had taken over, and she’d forgotten that Brigg had spoken to her.

  “Sorry. Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking is all.” She drew a deep breath and met Brigg’s gaze. “Thank you for running me a bath.”

  Brigg clasped her elbow when she swung her legs over the side of the bed, helping her to her feet. “You’re welcome, darlin’.”

  “I’ve got your water,” Tane said as he entered the room. “Sorry I took so long, but I was listening to a few voicemail messages.”

  “Thank you.” Shyann accepted the bottle of water, twisted the already loosened cap, and took a sip.

  Raiden must have risen while she was drinking or talking to his brothers. He came to stand next to Tane. “I’ll get you something to sleep in. It’ll probably be too big, but at least you’ll be warm.”

  Shyann nodded, smiled, turned, and hurried toward the bathroom, glad she had something to do which got her away from the three good-looking, sexy men. If she’d stayed in their company for much longer, she might have ended up doing something stupid. Like throwing herself at one or all of them.

  As soon as she closed the door behind her and locked it, she leaned against the cool wood and sighed with relief. She drank thirstily, emptying the bottle and after placing it on the counter, hurried toward the enclosed toilet. After doing her business, she washed her hands, staring at herself in the mirror, wincing. Her eyes looked haunted, the skin beneath was dark enough to appear bruised, but that was nothing new, since she had nightmares almost every night. That thought made her cringe. What would they do if she woke them up screaming the house down? Would they think she was crazy like her brother? Would they be pissed off for disturbing their sleep? She hoped not, but if that was the case, she would call Jaylynn and ask to stay with them. She shook her head. The best thing to do would be to go back to her own place. That way she wouldn’t be disturbing anyone. However, the thought of being all alone again sent a shiver of fear coursing up her spine.

  Shyann pushed her tumultuous thoughts aside, stripped off, and stepped into the bath. She sighed as she sank into the perfectly warm water, resting her head on the rim. When she realized the rim was softly padded, she sat up and half turned, her eyes widening with pleasant surprise and shock when she realized that Brigg had to have placed the folded towel on the edge for her benefit. Tears of gratefulness burned the back of her eyes, but she quickly quashed them. She was going to have to toughen up and keep her wits about her for the couple of days she stayed with the Tremaine brothers, or she might inadvertently reveal how attracted she was to them.

  If they knew, would they take advantage of her like other men would?

  She shook her head. Raiden, Brigg, and Tane were honorable men and wouldn’t take advantage of anyone. They’d already proven to her how caring they were by treating her wounds and offering comfort when the whole story of her life had come bursting out. She’d never known such passionate men existed until she moved to Slick Rock. If other women knew how solicitous and protective the men were, the town would be inundated with the feminine sex. The men would be beating them off with a stick if they weren’t already. That thought sent an ache stabbing in her chest right in the vicinity of her heart.

  Shyann decided in that moment that she would go back to her own place on Sunday afternoon, if not sooner. If she stayed too long with the Tremaine men, she would end up falling head over heels in love with them.

  After soaking for a while, which eased the stiffness and aches in her muscles, Shyann washed her body and got out of the tub before drying off. She found a brush, toothbrush, and toothpaste still in their packaging under the vanity and four sinks. She brushed her hair, teeth, and gargled some mouthwash, then eyed her dirty clothes with distaste, not wanting to put them back on, but she also didn’t want to enter the bedroom naked in case one of the men came in. She glanced about, sighing with relief when she saw a robe hanging on a silver hook next to the closed door. It was hanging up high, but she was able to get it down before putting it on. She giggled nervously as she wondered which one of the brothers it belonged to. It was huge on her, but she suspected it would barely reach the knees of the owner. The sleeves were so long the ends flopped beyond her hands. She had every intention of rolling them up, but first she needed to see what had been left for her to wear.

  She opened the door a crack, peeking out, and when she realized the room was empty, opened the door wider before walking into the bedroom. A large black T-shirt was draped on the bottom of the bed. She moved to the bedroom door, closed, and locked it before turning back to the bed. The robe slipped from her shoulders with a shrug. Picking up the shirt she brought it to her nose without thinking, inhaling deeply. It was definitely Raiden’s shirt. His unique citrusy scent had permeated the soft fabric.

  Shyann moaned softly when her nipples hardened. She glanced down to see they were standing out with need, and she hoped they would settle down again before she had to face the three men. There was no way they’d be able to miss such a visual tell of her arousal.

  She quickly pulled the shirt over her head, thankful that it covered her to just above the knees. After picking up the robe, pushing her arms into the long sleeves, she shoved them up and then tied the belt around her waist. Then she set about rolling the sleeves up so her hands were visible again. Once she was comfortable and covered—the hem of the robe hitting the middle of her shins—she entered the bathroom, grabbed the empty water bottle, and headed out.

  Shyann took in the rooms as she walked past them. Their house looked as if it was brand-new, and because it was in one of the newer sections of the town, she figured it had just recently been built. There were six bedrooms including the master, and when she got to the end of the hall and the beginning of the living room, she gasped. The area was huge and open. The floors were a warm timber with a large rug in front of the sectional sofa with bright contrasting colors. There were scatter cushions and throw rugs on and over the back of the sofa, which brightened the black leather. The entertainment unit under the massive digital TV was filled to the brim with DVDs and the lates
t entertainment equipment, but the huge fireplace off to the side of the room was what drew her gaze. Above the mantel was a plethora of photos. Without consciously thinking of moving, she found herself walking toward them. She stopped and gazed at each picture, smiling as she recognized the three men as young boys, teenagers, and young men. There were a few photos with an older man and women whom she suspected were their parents.

  There were also several photos of Raiden, Brigg, and Tane wearing Ranger uniforms. They looked so confident and handsome they took her breath away. She’d had no idea they’d been soldiers serving their country. None of them had ever even spoken about going to war. When she saw the red crosses on their arms, she realized that they’d been medics while serving. That wasn’t as much as a surprise since they were now paramedics. The three Tremaine brothers obviously cared about their fellow man.

  When she heard the deep rumble of voices, she turned toward the sound and started walking toward the kitchen. It wasn’t until she’d stepped over the threshold that she remembered how hard her nipples had been, still were. The urge to cross her arms over her breasts to hide her reaction to them was strong, but she resisted. She didn’t want to draw attention to her desire. Shyann hoped the robe was thick enough to cover her body’s response to their manliness.

  “You look a little better, baby,” Raiden said as he straightened. He’d been leaning against the granite countertop talking to Brigg and Tane who were sitting on stools on the opposite side. When he held his hand out to her, she rushed over and clasped it before she thought about what she was doing. She was about to pull away, but he slung an arm around her shoulders, tugging her into his side. Raiden placed the tip of his finger under her chin, nudging her gaze up his. “How are those stiff muscles, Shyann?”

  “Much better.” She tried to quell the blush heating her cheeks but knew she’d failed when they warmed even more.

  “Let me take that for you, sweetness,” Tane said as he rose, walking around the counter until he was at her side.