Finding Sanctuary [Sanctuary, Montana 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Alicia White

  Alex’s name was called over the loudspeaker, and she knew any minute now that he would be in the center of the ring. A loud buzzer rang, and she held her breath as a metal gate slammed open. She wanted to close her eyes, but she didn’t. Sophie wanted to be supportive of Alex, even if he chose to ride bulls. Scoffing, she said a quick prayer as the bull charged out of the small pen. Her eyes widened as his body was thrashed around. He looked like a bobblehead. That was the only comparison she could come up with.

  He flew off the bull before the eight-second buzzer rang out. Good, Lord, that was the longest eight seconds of my life. He jumped up immediately and waved, proving that he wasn’t injured. Sophie waved back, her hand still shaking. Relief swept through her, and it felt as if a thirty-pound weight lifted from her shoulders. Standing, Sophie awkwardly made it down the stairs and over to where Alex and Mason were, Alice trailing behind her. She waited for them to come out of the arena.

  “I’m whole and healthy, sweetheart.” Alex grinned, pulling her close for a hug.

  Sophie closed her eyes. If anything had happened… She stopped that thought. Alex wasn’t an irresponsible man. He was an experienced bull rider, but even that couldn’t necessarily prevent an injury. She’d heard one man had already been sent to the hospital, proving this was a very dangerous sport.

  “Alex, I don’t think I can watch you do that ever again.” She shook her head. “I don’t have the right to tell you to stop, but I felt so sick sitting up there.”

  “You did great. Do you think you won?” Alice asked, looking up at Alex as if he were some sort of hero.

  “I’m not sure.” He shrugged as if it didn’t matter, before giving Sophie his attention.

  “I won’t take any unnecessary risks. If it makes you feel better, then I won’t get back on a bull. It’s a young man’s game, anyway.” Alex smiled and kissed her forehead.

  “You’re young and you wore all the safety gear,” she defended. The last thing she wanted was for Alex to stop doing something he loved.

  “That’s true, but I don’t want my woman to be sick with worry, and I don’t want to ride if you aren’t cheering me on. Besides, I don’t want my luck wearing off,” Alex explained and Alice giggled. Sophie assumed it was probably because Alex had just claimed her as his. She didn’t correct him or try to explain to Alice. It felt good when he called her his woman.

  “Your luck won’t wear off, and I’ll always cheer you on. I’ll be fine. My heart can take it.”

  “Only if you’re sure.”

  “I am.” Sophie had no idea what had just happened. Did I just agree with him riding bulls? Wait…I just told him to keep riding, didn’t I? The man has muddled my mind.

  “Let’s go get some barbeque. It sure smells good.” Mason took her arm. Alice sided up next to him and took his other arm.

  “It sure does,” Alice agreed.

  The four of them started walking toward the food stands that lined the north end of the area. The layout of the rodeo was quite spectacular. And it was a bit surprising seeing so many people. She’d never been to a rodeo. This whole experience was quite exciting. They passed various booths selling all sorts of things like jewelry, leather belts, artwork, and she even spotted a booth that sold guns.

  “Do you want to stop at one of the booths to see if there is anything you like?” Alex leaned down and whispered in her ear, and Sophie smiled, shaking her head.

  “Come on, let’s look. You might find something you want,” Alex coaxed.

  She shrugged. “I didn’t bring any money.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that. You’re here with Mason and me. You’re our woman, right?” he asked, staring at her. His eyes sparkled, begging her to challenge him.

  “Yes.” She licked her lips. “I’m your woman.” Gosh, I wish we were alone.

  “Then let’s go over and take a look.” Alex took the lead and then stopped in his tracks, turning to face her. “I want to buy you something.” When she gave a slight nod, he held her hand and made his way through the throngs of people and over to the booths.

  * * * *

  Alex watched Sophie closely. She wasn’t the type of woman to ask for stuff. Hell, she didn’t ask for anything. He stayed on his toes by studying her, and he was getting pretty good at knowing what she was thinking by her facial expressions and body language. He saw her staring at the jewelry and knew she’d seen something she liked, by the flash of longing in her eyes and how her shoulder drooped a bit. He would’ve dragged her to the booth if necessary and that’s why he’d demanded, instead of asked, to purchase her something.

  Over the past month, she’d opened up considerably, but not once did she ever ask for anything. Sophie came to their home every day, they ate every meal together, had family-style dinners, and he helped Alice with her homework. Sophie and Alice rarely spent the night. He understood why, Alice was a twelve-year-old and Sophie wanted to be a good example.

  He wanted her around more. He wanted her to move in, to become a permanent fixture in their lives, and so did Mason. About that they were both in agreement. Sophie was the one. He just needed to figure out the right time to talk with her about it.

  Sophie walked around the small booth, picking up various pieces and inspecting them closely. He could see her eyes fill with excitement until she looked at the price. Then she would shake her head and put it down. She still had no idea that he and Mason could afford whatever she wanted. Didn’t she know that they had money and more than anything, they wanted to spoil her?

  “I really didn’t see anything. Let’s head over and get some lunch. I’m really hungry.”

  “You didn’t see one thing you liked?” he asked, knowing full well that she had.

  “Not really.” She shrugged and shook her head.

  “Really?” he asked her before turning to Mason. He knew his brother had been watching her closely, even though he was chatting with Alice. “Mas, can you believe there isn’t one thing that Sophie liked?”

  “Well, then, I think you should just pick something for her,” Mason suggested with a grin.

  Nodding, Alex followed the exact steps Sophie had taken. He saw each item that she’d liked but had discarded because of the price. He grabbed each one, a beautiful silver charm bracelet, a turquoise necklace with hearts, a ring that looked like a belt with stones on it, and a small lapel pin with a cowboy on top of a bull.

  “Great choices,” the saleslady said as he handed her the items to pack up.

  “It’s too much. That’s too much,” Sophie said. He could hear the concern in her voice and looked at her. She looked like a nervous wreck.

  “Mas, grab the bag, will ya?” Alex went to her then. He needed to find out what the problem was. If he wanted to spend every last dime he had on her, then he would.

  “Soph, what’s going on?” He cupped her shoulders.

  “It’s just too much money. I don’t want you spending your money on me.” She bit her lower lip, her eyebrows furrowed.

  “Well, that’s just too darn bad. I told you that I wanted to buy something for you, and you agreed to let me. If you would’ve chosen one thing, then that’s all you would’ve gotten. Instead, you lied to me.” Using his thumb, he pulled her worn lip clear of her teeth.

  She shook her head adamantly. “I didn’t lie.”

  “Yes, you did. You said you didn’t like anything, but I saw your face with each thing you picked up.” She seemed surprised by what he was saying. “I watch you because you don’t always tell me what you’re thinking and feeling.”

  “I’m sorry. You’re right. I just didn’t want you spending that much money.”

  “Do you think we can’t afford it?” Alex asked gently. He never discussed money with anyone. It was personal. People rarely spoke about how much money they made or had in their bank accounts, but he didn’t want her worrying either.

  “I don’t know. I don’t know your money situation.”

  “Mason and I—” He shrugged. �
��We don’t worry about money. We both work hard and we live within our means. If I want to buy you anything, I want you to know that I can afford it, we can afford it. I would never jeopardize our family by overspending.”

  “Our family?” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.

  “Yes, our family… When Mason and I say that you’re our woman, we mean it and we plan on keeping you forever.” He wiped the tears off her cheeks and kissed her gently on the lips. “Now, I want you to smile and say thank-you for the gifts. Later, you can give me a present.” He winked and Sophie blushed. He couldn’t help it. He loved talking dirty to her.

  * * * *

  Sophie was on cloud nine. She couldn’t remember ever smiling so much. Her cheeks were actually hurting. After Alex’s sweet display and amazingly romantic words, she had graciously accepted his gifts. The man would definitely be getting a present from her later. She laughed to herself and looked at both Mason and Alex. The four of them were sitting at a picnic table, eating the most delicious barbeque she’d ever had.

  It was a beautiful day, but Sophie wanted to go home with them. She wanted to cuddle up in their laps and watch a movie. She just wanted to touch and kiss them both. A loud yell got her attention. It sounded as if someone was bellowing her name, and Sophie jerked her head up, looking over Alex’s shoulder. What she saw froze her in place. Oh, God…no! No!

  “Sweetheart? Honey, are you all right?” Mason’s voice was full of concern and he turned to see what she was seeing.

  “What do you see? You look scared. Did a bull get out?” Alex turned as well.

  “Mom. Oh, God, Mom…” Alice’s voice was full of panic, and Sophie knew what they had to do. It was time to run. Again.

  Curt was yelling and cursing, and Sophie swallowed hard. He was enraged and coming toward them fast. She wanted to jump up and run, but fear paralyzed her. Mason and Alex stood then, trying to block him from reaching them, but somehow, Curt made it around them. He grabbed Sophie’s arm and pulled her up forcefully. She whimpered, sharp pain shooting through her arm and shoulder. When she tried to pull free, he dug his nails into her skin.

  * * * *

  Mason stood up and Alex followed his lead. They moved to block the man that was threatening their woman. He didn’t anticipate the man actually creating a scene in public, surrounded by thousands of people. He’d been wrong. The man managed to get around them somehow and grab Sophie, physically lifting her off the bench. Mason saw red. He didn’t like to use his fists to solve problems, as violence rarely worked. He decided to make an exception to that rule.

  “Get your hands off my woman.” Mason stepped forward, and the man threw Sophie down on the ground and prepared to fight.

  Alex went to her then and moved Alice and Sophie away. When they were at a safe distance, Mason turned on Sophie’s abuser. The man dusted himself off, acting like the fight went out of him. But then he leveled Mason with the meanest look he’d ever seen. Lifting his fist, Mason swung with all his might, smashing the guy in the nose. A loud crack sounded.

  “You son of a bitch! You broke my fucking nose!” he wailed and rushed Mason.

  The man lowered his body and drove his shoulder into Mason’s stomach. Grunting from the impact, they both fell on the ground. Curt took advantage of the fact that he landed on top of Mason and punched him in the jaw. A strong flood of a copper tang filled Mason’s mouth and split his lip wide open. He spit out a mouthful of blood. Using all of his strength, Mason flipped them over and wailed on him, punching him repeatedly.

  Shaking with anger, Mason got to his feet. The force behind his punches would be better while standing. He knew the fight wasn’t over. Once Curt stood, he wiped his nose and came after Mason once more. This time, when he got close, Mason punched him and watched as he fell to the ground.

  This sorry excuse for a man had hit his woman. The pathetic asshole was weak because he preyed on someone who couldn’t fight back. Not this time. Fueled by rage, Mason went down to his level. On the dirt, out in front of everyone, Mason gave him a few extra punches for good measure. Blood coated his hands, but he didn’t stop. He didn’t want to. He wanted this bastard to feel some pain, to know what he had inflicted upon Sophie and Alice.

  “Mason!” Sophie shouted his name, her sweet voice breaking through the loud sound of blood pumping through his system. He looked up. She held out her dainty hand, and Mason reached out, taking her small hand in his.

  A bruise covered her arm, and he wanted to break the asshole’s nose all over again. He knew the police would be crashing in on the scene any moment. There were officers all over the rodeo.

  He looked down at himself and finally realized that he was covered in dirt and blood. He didn’t want her to be afraid of him. Mason tried to pull his hand back from hers, not wanting her to see him like this, but she held tight. Building up his courage, he took a deep breath and looked at her and was surprised to see her fear had disappeared.

  “Thank you, Mason.” Her eyes were gentle, her expression tender.

  “I love you. Nobody will ever hurt you or take you away from us.” Mason cupped her cheek, staring in her brown eyes.

  * * * *

  Sophie sat in the truck, tucked safely between both Mason and Alex. She couldn’t remember how she’d even gotten there. The day had gone by like a blur, and although she wanted to leave right after the confrontation, Alice had begged her to hang out with Cody, a boy from school. Her daughter’s joy came before her own personal breakdown. Now that they were all headed back home, she wasn’t sure what to say.

  She’d never seen her ex-husband look so weak. Mason had dominated the fight and Curt managed to slink away. The cops assured her that he’d be caught, but she didn’t hold out much hope in their abilities. She hadn’t been safe from that man for years.

  Now she had to talk with Mason and Alex about him. She had to tell them about her past. It was time to be honest. She just didn’t know what they would say. Would they think she was completely pathetic? Looking back, she could see all the errors she had made in the name of fear.

  When they reached the house, Alex shut off the engine and Alice jumped out of the backseat. She walked up the porch steps and into the house, closing the front door behind her. Sophie assumed that Alice was probably giving them a few minutes alone to talk. Alice was always very astute. Mason, Alex, and Sophie stayed inside the truck. The silence stretched out and Sophie exhaled loudly.

  “I made a lot of mistakes,” she said. “When it comes to Alice, though, I’ve always put her needs above mine. And even though I didn’t choose the right man, I really…” She got choked up, and Mason wrapped his arm over her shoulders and pulled her into his warmth.

  “You don’t owe us an explanation. You’re a great mother, a wonderful and loving woman. I want you and Alice to move all your things from the boarding house tonight. In fact, Alex will head over there right now. You and I are going inside, and we’re going to take a nice, long, hot bath and wait for Alex to join us.”

  Tears trailed down her cheeks at his whispered words, and she could only nod.

  “We’re asking you to move in because we love you, Sophie, and we want to protect and care for you and Alice.” Alex squeezed her knee.

  “I love you, too.” She hiccupped. This was the beginning of her new life and she couldn’t wait to spend it with Mason and Alex.

  “Let’s go inside, sweetheart. The sooner all your things are here, the better I’ll feel.” The passenger side door opened, and Mason helped her out.

  Sophie quickly reached into her purse, grabbed the boarding house room key, and handed it off to Alex.

  “I’ll be back soon. Go enjoy your bath.” Alex smiled sadly before starting the engine. He turned the truck around, heading back down the street.

  Sophie held on to Mason, leaning most of her weight against his body. She loved this man, loved both of them. They walked up the porch steps together. When Mason opened the front door, Alice was standing there holding
an ice pack and a cup of what appeared to be hot tea.

  “Here, I got these for you. You should probably take some aspirin and get some rest. I know today was bad. Thank you for letting me stay at the rodeo.” Sophie took Alice’s gifts before kissing her on the forehead.

  “You’re the best girl in the world. Thank you for the ice pack and tea. I’m glad you had fun today. We don’t have to be scared anymore. We’re both safe. Why don’t you take a shower and get in bed. I’m sure you’ll want to play on your computer for a bit.”

  “I love you, Mom. Thanks, Mason.” Alice hugged them both and went down the hall toward her room.

  Chapter 12

  “I’m going to start the water. Strip down and meet me in the bathroom.” Mason kissed her, just a sweet brush of his lips, before heading to the bathroom.

  Sophie sank down into one of the chairs in the master bedroom and started taking off her clothes. After moving dozens of times, it felt good to finally be able to put down some roots in Sanctuary. Alice was doing well in school and had her first crush. They weren’t going to have to move or start over ever again. Just the thought made her weak. Her knees shook, her mind spun, and relief poured through her system. Everything is going to be okay. All she wanted now was a nice soak, to make love to her men, and go to sleep.

  She walked to the bathtub and Mason grabbed her hand, helping her to step in. He stripped off his jeans and T-shirt and tossed them on the ground before sliding into the tub with her. He settled his large frame into the opposite end of the tub and stretched out his legs on either side of hers until his feet rested besides her hips. “How does the water feel? Too hot?”

  Sophie jerked her gaze from his wet abs, perfect chest, and flat brown nipples. “Um…it’s perfect.”