by Becca Van
Brigg slanted his mouth over hers, his tongue delving in to tangle with hers. She moaned, and he groaned. Just as she was starting to get lost in his touch, his taste, and his passion, he released her lips, embraced her tighter, and carried her into the bedroom. He lowered her to her feet and released her when she was steady. “I’ll meet you in the kitchen in a bit, darlin’.”
Shyann nodded, smiling. He spun on his heels and started out. She turned toward the dresser and shrieked when he slapped her on the ass. He chuckled and winked. She bit her tongue to hold her grin back but knew he’d seen the humor in her eyes when he laughed outright. The sound of his laughter carried down the hall as he disappeared from view.
Shyann sighed with happy contentedness. She couldn’t believe how wonderful she felt. Her heart was so full of joy she wanted to start singing at the top of her voice, but she gathered her clothes and got dressed instead. She wanted a cup of coffee and something to eat before she started cleaning up.
Shyann wondered if they’d get all the chores done before bedtime, but if Raiden, Tane, and Brigg weren’t worrying about it, she wouldn’t either.
Chapter Eleven
Danny thumped the sides of his head as the voices taunted him. No matter what he did, they always came back. They’d only started after he’d started taking the hard drugs, but no matter what he did, they were always nagging at him. In his more lucid moments he knew he was on the road of self-destruction, but he was so hooked to the highs, as well as the carelessness that always came over him after shooting up, he didn’t want to stop using.
He’d thought they’d be appeased, happy, and satisfied when he’d killed his bitch of a stepmother and his father. Yet they weren’t and all because his slut of a stepsister hadn’t been there.
He’d planned to go back home in the dead of the night, but the place had been overrun with cops for hours on end. Hanging around hadn’t been an option. He’d bolted, heading for the slum part of town where there were abandoned warehouses. At first, he’d hated the place since he didn’t have the usual comforts of home, and he railed at the slut for ruining his plans until his voice had been hoarse from screaming and cursing. He’d stopped his lamenting when he’d heard that one voice that always made him sit up and take notice. Most of the time he could ignore the soft whispers, but that deep gravelly one was impossible to disregard.
The only time he had any peace was when he was floating on a high, but even now, that peacefulness was becoming shorter and shorter. So he’d started buying more and more crack, but the rush wasn’t as intense, so he’d switched to meth.
Now the voices wouldn’t leave him alone. He even heard them in his sleep. The only way he’d be able to quieten them was to kill the slut. Once he had his hands on both hers and his inheritance, the voices wouldn’t have any reason to be angry anymore.
Danny glanced toward the door, and when he saw it was still light out, he decided to head to the library again. The cunt he’d asked about his sister hadn’t known where she was or had decided not to tell him. This time he was going to wait until it was almost time for the library to close, and when there was nobody left inside the place but her, he’d slip through the doorway and corner her.
One way or another tonight he was going to find out where the slut had run to. He needed that money his parents had left in trust funds for them to pay off his debts. When he’d done that, he’d have plenty of money left to skip town and start over somewhere else. He might even start up his own drug importing company. Then he’d have all the drugs he wanted to get high whenever he felt like it.
Rubbing his hands together with anticipation, Danny hurried toward the door of the Athens library. When he had what he wanted, he was taking the elderly bitch out and stealing whatever money she had in her purse. Hopefully, she’d have a couple of credit cards too. He could use those to buy himself some clean clothes, book a motel room so he could shower, and plan how to get wherever he needed to go.
Danny sped up his pace as he walked along the street, ignoring the looks of disgust and revulsion from the other people heading home from work.
Tonight would be the start of his good luck.
He could feel it in his bones.
* * * *
Raiden, his brothers, and Shyann spent the afternoon cleaning the house. He, Tane, and Brigg checked on her often to make sure she was okay or if she needed anything. His heart lurched with emotion every time she smiled at him, and he found himself smiling back. It had been way too long since he felt anything. She’d lightened his and his brothers’ lives in such a short amount of time.
Brigg had told him and Tane about the conversation he’d had with Shyann, and that gave him hope. Hope that she was falling in love with them and would stick around for the long haul. Now that they’d found her, made love to her, he couldn’t imagine his life without her in it. He wanted to ask her to move in with them, but knew it was too soon. He hoped that she stayed with them until the bastard who’d nearly hit her with his truck was found and locked up.
Raiden’s danger alarm was on alert, and he hated not knowing where or whom the threat was coming from. From what the deputies had said, they were no more knowledgeable either. They were going to have to remain vigilant, but how the hell were they supposed to do that while they were all working?
He was worried about the grand opening of the library, too. What if the fucker was amongst the crowd on opening day, waiting for an opportunity to target their woman? Raiden didn’t like the knot of anxiety in his gut or the way the back of his neck was itching. The only way he and his brothers could keep her safe was if they took some vacation time. That way they could take turns protecting her while she was working. He’d briefly thought about asking her and city hall to delay the opening day, but quickly changed his mind. He had a feeling Shyann would be pissed if he asked since the event had been planned for about a month. He didn’t think the mayor would agree either because of all the money spent on advertising the big day.
He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at first Brigg and then Tane as his brothers entered the kitchen. Brigg headed straight for the fridge, grabbing three bottles of beer, passing two of them out. Raiden twisted the top off his bottle and sipped. “What do you think about us applying for vacation time?”
“You’re worried,” Brigg stated, sitting on a stool at the counter.
“Yeah.”
“I am too.” Tane leaned his hip on the edge of the counter across from Raiden.
“Do you think her stepbrother has found her?” Brigg asked.
Raiden shook his head, shrugging at the same time. “I don’t know. I don’t think so, but I could be wrong.”
“There’s something fishy about all of this.” Tane rubbed his chin.
“‘Bout what?” Raiden quirked a brow.
“The stepbrother.”
“What are you thinking?” Brigg asked.
“Why would that fucker have killed his father?” Tane murmured. “I can understand the stepmom, especially if he hated her or was jealous, but why kill his own blood?”
“Who knows what makes people do things they normally wouldn’t,” Raiden said. “We’ve seen what happens to users. Maybe he’s doing drugs. There doesn’t even have to be a motive, Tane. Depending on what they’re taking, the users can have psychotic breaks.”
“I know that,” Tane said. “And while I think this guy is fucked up in the head, I think there’s more to it.”
Brigg scrubbed a hand over his face. “Yeah but what?”
When Tane opened his mouth to reply, Raiden held up his hand to silence his brother. He could hear Shyann’s light steps heading toward the kitchen. He didn’t want their discussion to upset her. Not when she seemed happy. He loved seeing the sparkle in her blue eyes. The happiness had chased those sad shadows away, and he didn’t want them returning if he could help it. He stood, holding his hand out to her as soon as she entered the kitchen. She smiled at him as she hurried toward him. Raiden slung an arm ar
ound her shoulders, pulling her into his body before kissing the top of her head. “Thanks for all your help, baby.”
She hugged him around the waist, squeezing tight. “You’re welcome, but you don’t have to thank me. You’re all helping me by letting me stay in your house.”
“We like having you here, darlin’.” Brigg reached over, clasping her hand in his. “If we had our way, we’d never let you leave.”
Raiden glanced down at Shyann’s face to see her reaction. While she wasn’t frowning or looking uncertain, she was blushing. He decided a change in subject was required. “I thought we’d go out for dinner tonight. It’s too late to start cooking. Do you have a preference?”
Shyann withdrew from his embrace, sitting on the stool between him and Briggs. He took his seat again.
“Do you want a drink, sweetness?” Tane asked.
“Please.”
“What would you like?”
“What have you got?”
Tane wiggled his eyebrows. “We have white and red wine. Beer, tea, coffee, water, and orange juice.”
Shyann smiled as she tapped her chin with her fingernail. “Gee, so many options. It makes it hard for a girl to decide.”
Raiden loved this playful side of her. He’d never seen this mischievousness from her before. He hoped to see a lot more of it. “You don’t have to choose, baby. You can sample all those options.” He grinned when her blush deepened. She’d picked up on his innuendo.
She turned to meet his gaze, her blue eyes twinkling with impudence. “A girl can have too much of a good thing.”
“Never.” Tane chuckled.
“Tane’s right, darlin’.” Brigg waggled his eyebrows. “Life’s too short to be too serious all the time.”
Raiden laced his fingers with her other hand, lifted it to his lips, and kissed the back of it. “There should be more loving and fun in everyone’s life.”
“You still haven’t told me what you want to drink, Shyann.” Tane leaned over the counter and kissed her on the cheek.
“Just some water please.” Tane shoved up from the counter and got her a glass of cold water before placing it in front of her. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome, sweetness.”
“So, where do you want to eat tonight, darlin’?” Brigg asked.
Raiden hoped she chose the diner. The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. He liked the hotel and the new café, but he preferred the food at the diner.
“Can we go to the diner?” she asked.
“Did you just read my mind?” Raiden asked.
She frowned at him. “No. Why would you ask that?”
“Before I answer your question, I want you to answer mine.” She nodded, waiting for him to continue. “Why did you choose the diner?”
“I love eating there. I don’t get much chance to eat out.”
“Then why do you go to the café across from the diner?” Tane frowned.
“I like their coffee, and they have free Wi-Fi.”
“Hmm.” Brigg hummed. “Maybe we should suggest that Delta, Enya, and Violet get the internet for the customers. What’s better about the coffee at the café?”
“To be honest, I’m not quite sure.” Shyann paused, frowning as she thought. “I don’t know what brand of coffee beans they use, but I swear there’s a hint of vanilla to the flavor.” She shrugged. “I love it. I think I’m addicted.”
“We’ll have to see if we can find out what brand they use and get some.” Brigg stood.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“We want to, baby. We like making you happy.” Raiden smiled.
Shyann blushed as she picked up her water glass and drank deeply. She sighed as she set the empty glass on the counter. Tane grabbed it. “Do you want more water, sweetness?”
“No, thank you.”
“Are you ready for dinner, baby?” Raiden rose and helped her from her stool.
“Yeah. I’m hungry after all the activity.” She covered her mouth with her hand, her giggle muffled as she blushed again. “I meant the cleaning.”
Raiden couldn’t help but laugh. She was so fucking sexy with that sweet air of innocence surrounding her. He hoped she never lost any of her personality traits. He loved her just as she was. But he hoped that she stayed with them for the rest of their lives, more.
* * * *
Shyann was so full she was getting sleepy and yawning every other minute. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten until her stomach felt as if it was about to burst. Well, maybe not burst, but she’d eaten more tonight than she had in a long, long time. She’d ordered the roast of the day which was roast beef. The meat had been slow cooked and was so tender it had melted apart. The flavor had been so delicious she’d moaned at the first taste. When she looked up it had been to see that Raiden, Tane, and Brigg were all staring at her with hunger in their eyes, and it hadn’t been for food. Her body had responded to their desire, and she had a feeling it would continue to do so now that she’d had all three of them make love to her.
As much as she’d have like to make love to them again once they got to their house, she was tender and tired. She used a lot of muscles she hadn’t known existed while making love with each of them, plus then she’d scrubbed the bathrooms. Their house was way bigger than her place, and while she loved it, with the modern decor and the roominess, it had taken her longer to clean than she’d anticipated. She was just glad that she hadn’t had to clean the whole house by herself. It would have taken her all day if she had. However, she suspected that the Tremaine men wouldn’t have let her take on such a large job by herself. They were always doing stuff to look out for her, and she liked it. A lot.
“Do you want dessert, darlin’?” Brigg asked after he nudged her arm to get her attention.
Shyann hadn’t noticed she’d closed her eyes while lost in thought. She met his gaze and shook her head before glancing around to see if anyone noticed her weary condition. “No thanks,” she murmured.
“Are you ready to go, baby?” Raiden asked.
“Yes.”
Brigg scooted along the seat, stood, and clasped her hand to help her out of the booth to her feet. He released her hand, wrapping an arm around her waist pulling her into his side. “Let’s get you home, Shyann.”
She nodded, raising her head to watch where she was going, and only then noticed Tane walking toward her. She was so exhausted she hadn’t seen him get up to go and pay their check. Having a full belly as well as all the extra physical activity was playing havoc on her energy levels. That’s what she tried to tell herself anyway. She just hoped that she didn’t have any nightmares tonight. The last thing she wanted to do was disturb the three brothers from their sleep. They had highly stressful jobs and needed to be alert while attending their patients. She’d hate it if she caused them to make a mistake from lack of sleep. Although they were highly trained and she didn’t think they would make an error, they were only human, just like she was.
Shyann breathed in the cool night air as soon as they were outside. A shiver wracked up her spine when she remembered the last time she’d exited the diner, and she glanced about nervously. She wasn’t sure she could handle another dangerous incident. Sometimes she felt as if she was teetering on the brink of madness. Was there something about her that drew jeopardy into her path or put her in its path? Was she being punished for a sin she’d committed in another life? She pushed that ludicrous thought aside when she realized she was starting to sound crazy.
Had that truck driver been her brother? She hadn’t heard from the police in Athens for a few weeks and decided to get in contact with the detective who’d been working the case. She wanted to know if they’d apprehended her brother. That would be the first thing she did in the morning. Shyann groaned when she remembered it was Saturday. She didn’t have the detective’s cell phone number and doubted that he’d be working, but she’d contact the Athens Police department and leave a message. Hop
efully, the detective would get back to her first thing Monday morning before she headed to work.
Shyann cursed under her breath when she stumbled. If she hadn’t been leaning against Brigg, she would have fallen. He tightened his arm around her waist, tipping her chin up with a knuckle until she met his eyes. “You’re exhausted. Let me help you, darlin’.”
Brigg bent, scooping her up into his arms. She looped an arm around his neck. “I can walk.”
“I’m not so sure about that. You’re so tired you can barely keep your eyes open.”
“Just because I’m tired doesn’t mean I can’t function.”
“I never said you couldn’t darlin’.” Brigg kissed her on the forehead as he carried her toward the truck.
Shyann glanced over at Raiden and then Tane. They were both staring at her with frowns on their faces.
She hoped they weren’t rethinking their decision about wanting to have a relationship with her. The thought of them asking her to leave caused an ache over her heart.
That was the moment Shyann realized she was in deeper than she’d thought.
Chapter Twelve
John sat in the front passenger seat of Tiny’s truck, watching the bitch laugh as she ate dinner with the three men in the diner. He and his right-hand man had scoped the town all day yesterday looking for the slut, but they hadn’t had any luck. They’d even gone to her place in the middle of the night, but she hadn’t been home. Since the place had been empty, he’d had Tiny set up a small camera. They’d know as soon as she went back to her home. He just hoped that she’d go home alone. If she took off with the three big guys she was hanging around with, they’d have to wait. They looked as if they could handle themselves real good in a fight, but none of them would be able to dodge a bullet.
It didn’t bother him to resort to violence or kill to get what he wanted. He’d killed before and had no compunction about killing again. In fact, it was a necessity to get what he wanted. All that money and the Bradley property.