by Piper Stone
The words rang in my ears as he struggled to take several deep breaths. Scorpion was a broken man. He was a glorious man. He was...
The man I was falling helplessly in love with.
And I would do anything to protect him, even if that meant protecting him from himself.
He held my hand against his cheek, shifting back and forth, but his eyes were no longer focused.
“You need to visit his grave. That will bring you peace,” I said quietly.
“That’s not my friend. He’s not there.”
“You’re right. He’s right here.” I pressed my hand against his heart. “And will always be. Never forget that. However, the ceremony of saying goodbye will be good for you.”
He sat back, his hand falling away. “You don’t know me, Caroline.”
“Because you won’t let me. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere. And before you ask why, it’s because I give a damn about you.” I jerked to a standing position, still glaring down at him. “But you need to accept that you are a man who deserves love as well as happiness. Until you do, nothing is going to change. Whoever is trying to hurt you doesn’t understand your determination. Jasper did. He knew his nephew well enough to offer a lifeline, but you’ve got to be the one who holds on for dear life. If you can’t do that, then just freaking walk away. Get out of town and pretend that everything you care for doesn’t exist. But that’s not the man I know. That’s not the man I love.”
Shock coursed through me that I’d said the words and I desperately needed time to myself. I walked away, scoping the shitty bar in search of the bathroom. The darkened hallway allowed my tears to slip from my lashes unseen. I was nothing but an outsider with no business trying to salvage a man’s heart.
Or his soul.
I rushed into the bathroom, taking several shallow breaths as I gripped the edge of the counter. As I stared into the mirror, I realized that I was no longer the stupid girl who’d once believed in fairy tales. I was the hardened chick who could withstand anything. Even if I had to do it alone.
God, everything was such a freaking mess. While I better understood Brandy’s actions, I still found it difficult to forgive her since she hadn’t been able to tell me the truth. As I turned on the water, my entire body began to tremble, the rush of adrenaline unexpected and unwelcome. I needed to shut down my feelings or I would lose myself in a man who didn’t want me to care about him.
Leaning over, I splashed water into my face, trying to control my breathing. Why. Why. Why. Why was I stupid? Why did I have to come here? Why did I fall hard for him? Damn it.
There was no sound, but I knew he was behind me.
There was no movement, but I could feel his heartbeat.
There was no indication of his intentions, but I knew.
When I lifted my head, his face peered back at me, the look of longing more intense, his beautiful lavender eyes shimmering in the ugly lighting.
A growl erupted from the very depths of his soul as he took me into his arms, pushing me against the wall.
“Don’t you ever walk away from me, Caroline. If you do, I will find you. I will hunt you down no matter what it takes. Then I’ll keep you in a gold cage just to make certain you never run again. Do you understand me?”
I slid my arms around his neck, dragging my tongue across my lips. “Yes, sir.”
A smile curled on his lips as he lowered his head. “Take off your panties and give them to me.”
A skittering of desire pulsed into my pussy from his command. I obeyed instantly, gathering the hem of my dress into my fingers and easing it up to my thighs.
He tilted his head, his nostrils flaring, the look on his face carnal. “You. Belong. To. Me.”
The words weren’t just possessive. They were permanent. As if the moment shared had changed him. As if his admittance had awakened him.
Still shivering, I wound my fingers around the thin elastic of my thong, sliding the lace down my hips. While there was no one else in the restroom, at any time someone could walk in. The filthy thought was arousing. Disturbing.
Exciting.
When I eased them into my hand, holding out my arm, he made another guttural sound, a true savage beast hungry for his prey.
After wrapping his fingers around them, he brought my panties to his face, closing his eyes as he drank in my essence. The action was sensual, dirty as hell, and further fueled my arousal. Every part of my body was alive and electrified, my heart hammering. He was such a powerful man, addictive in every way.
“You are wet for me,” he finally said before shoving them into his pocket.
“Yes. Always.”
“Mmm... I plan on keeping you wet and hot every day. And I’m going to fuck you in every hole, just like you deserve. You awakened the beast, Caroline. There’s no putting him back in the cage.”
“I don’t want him in the cage,” I managed, my words somehow fading out.
He lowered his head, crushing his mouth over mine. He was more dominant than ever, raking his fingers down my dress and shoving his hand between my legs. The feel of his fingers on my bare mound drove me up onto my toes, a moan pushing past the intimate embrace.
It wouldn’t matter if anyone interrupted us, he wasn’t going to stop.
Even the sound of his ringing phone couldn’t break his concentration. He was going to take me right here and right now.
And there was nothing I wanted more.
While the ring stopped seconds later, another followed almost immediately. This time, Scorpion pulled away, hissing his dissatisfaction. “Do not move,” he directed before taking a step away, yanking his phone from his pocket.
“No, sir.”
“What?” he barked.
In the next three seconds, his expression went from disbelief to fury.
Murderous fury.
“What’s wrong?” I asked as he slowly lowered his hand.
“It’s the ranch. It’s on fire. Some motherfucker torched Jasper’s ranch.”
* * *
Total destruction.
Everything was a blur as Scorpion pressed down on the accelerator, the tires screeching as he pushed his way past the curves in the road. Hawk had called, trying desperately to get in touch with Scorpion. Hawk’s words had driven Scorpion to a level of anger that I’d yet to see.
He would have his revenge, no matter what it took.
There were two fire trucks and two sheriff’s vehicles in the driveway, a sea of firefighters swarming the burning house. Flames leaped toward the sky, the smoke acrid from whatever chemical had been used to start the fire.
“Scorpion. Don’t!” I shouted as he jerked the truck to a stop, the engine barely off before he started to jump out the door.
He yanked his arm away, although he took a deep breath, looking in my direction. “Just stay here where it’s safe. You don’t understand. This was my uncle’s house. I was just starting to get to know him. Now this.”
“I know.” Bright orange tinted the sky, the flames licking at the trees. “What about the horses?”
Shifting his gaze toward the bar, he slapped his hand on the steering wheel. “The barn is untouched, thank God.”
“I’m afraid.”
“I know. I’m going to kill the motherfucker who did this.”
As he raced toward the scene, I glared out the window, my entire insides churning. There was already so much devastation, half the roof obliterated, the entire left side of the house engulfed in flames. I eased out, careful to stay out of the way as I tried to find Scorpion. Fire hoses were everywhere, screams coming from the various firefighters as they swarmed the location.
I moved behind the fire engines, noticing the number of embers arcing in the sky. There was no doubt the fire had been set, the rancorous stench forcing me to choke. I could see Scorpion as he attempted to fight his way closer to the house, only to be pushed back by Hawk and Mustang.
The roaring sound echoed in my ears, the heat permeating the surface
air incredible. I could barely breathe, the smoker getting thicker by the second. All I could think about was the animals, their whinnying sounds becoming more intense the closer I got to the corral.
Sudden movement caught my eye. I could swear there was a flashlight. What the hell? I inched closer, able to catch a glimpse of a silhouette close to the barn.
“Get out of there!” I called. Whoever had set the fire had intentions of taking out everyone. Oh, God. Oh...
Whoosh!
Boom!
The wretched sounds were followed by a hard cracking noise and another burst of flames. Embers must have fallen on dry timbers catching a massive tree on fire. The entire oak erupted, a huge limb slowly tumbling toward the roof of the barn.
Everything seemed to be in slow motion, the wind sweeping another wave of embers directly on the wooden surface. Within seconds, the smoldering burn erupted into dancing flames licking at the building.
There was no time to waste. The horses were in danger.
“Scorpion! The horses!” I wasn’t certain my scream could be heard over the roar, but I had to try. Every second wasted meant their lives could be lost. As I raced toward a group of firefighters, I scanned the perimeter, my heart thudding so hard against my chest I had even more difficulty breathing. I couldn’t see him. Oh, God. Where was he?
“Fire. The barn,” I managed after tugging the arm of one of the men. “There’s someone still here. The arsonist.”
He swung his head around, acknowledging my words. “We’ll take care of it, ma’am. Just get back. Where did you see someone?”
“By the barn. You have to help. Please.”
“Okay. Let me get one of the deputies,” the firefighter said. “Stay away from the barn. We’ll take care of it.”
“Okay.” I stumbled backward, the cries of the horses permeating every ounce of my being. I scanned the crowd, trying desperately to find Scorpion.
“Where are you? Scorpion!” I called, the sound immediately crushed by the roar of the flames.
I ran back toward the driveway. Where the hell had the arsonist gone?
When the firefighters didn’t respond immediately, I knew I couldn’t wait. I had to save the animals. Whoever the asshole was would not take the horses. Bolting toward the corral, I fumbled until I was able to unlatch the gate, using every ounce of strength to throw open the heavy door. The smoke was getting thicker. Coughing, I struggled to see anything as I pushed forward, finally able to find the entrance to the barn.
“Come on, babies. I have to get you out of here.” Everything was pitch black, but there was no time to look for the light.
As I felt my way through the darkness, I could hear the continuing crackle on the roof as the smoke rushed in. Seconds ticked by in my head, the fire getting closer, the heat suffocating.
Move. Move. Move!
Several of the horses were kicking at the stall doors, their cries riddled with terror.
I managed to get one of the stall doors open, praying to God that I knew what the fuck I was doing. “Come on... Baby. Come...” Another coughing fit doubled me over as I struggled to feel for the horse. The power of the incredible animal as he bolted from the door was enough to pitch me onto the floor, a rush of pain sweeping through my back and legs. I could hear his hooves as he raced to freedom and safety. Thank God.
The muffled shouts of the firefighters as they planned their attack were comforting, allowing a slight smile as I tried to roll over. The pain was intense, but I finally managed to get to my feet, my legs struggling to push me forward. I was forced to feel my way to the next stall, trying everything I could to control my nerves. I had to concentrate in order to get the door open.
The horse was going wild, slamming his massive body against it. “Stop... Just...” I could no longer get the words out, my air completely constricted. Every part of me felt numb, my fingers rigid yet I managed to free another horse, trying to remember how many were inside.
Fuck!
I had no idea, but I could hear others.
Whoosh!
Another series of cracking noises came from the rear of the barn and within seconds, the licking flames had found their way inside the barn. No. No. “Help!” I called out, dropping to the ground and crawling toward the fire in order to free another horse.
Another coughing spell.
My eyes burning.
My entire body shaking.
I could no longer see, couldn’t think clearly, but I would get to them. I would save them.
“Help...” My throat constricted as I began to wheeze. I would not stop. I would not stop. I would not... The flames were getting closer. Oh, no. Please, God. Please help me save them.
“Caroline!”
The call boomed over the roar, the dreadful cries of the remaining horses.
Scorpion.
“Hel... Help me.” I fell against the stall, reaching up to try and grasp onto anything.
“Caroline!” he called again. He was getting closer. I could feel him. He was here.
My savior.
“The... horses!” My voice was raspy but more powerful than before. I managed to get to my feet and pushed forward, reaching another door.
“Stay right there,” he commanded.
Crackling sounds.
Booming.
A rush of hot air.
Everything was happening so fast.
Suddenly, there were flames everywhere, coming from all sides, boards from the roof smashing down against the ground. I wasn’t going to make it.
Get the horse. You can do it. You can...
I fought, slapping my hand on the damn latch. It was stuck. No. No. “Fuck. Fuck!” Using the last of my energy, I managed to slide it enough, the beautiful creature did the rest, smashing through the gate.
Taking gasping breaths, my entire body swayed, but I could see him. My hero. The man I loved, highlighted in the flames as he raced toward me.
“Caroline. Hold on, baby. Hold on!”
“Scorpion. There was... somebody... here...”
Cra...ck!
Boom!
Chapter Fourteen
Scorpion
Life.
I think I’d always taken it for granted, acting as if my bravado would always save me, no matter the circumstances or odds. Hell, I’d taken pride in being a weapons expert, a killing machine. And I’d enjoyed it.
What I hadn’t understood was how precious life truly was. I was still in some kind of shock, or at least that’s what the EMTs had told me after insisting they check me out. I hadn’t given a shit, my anger off the charts, my need for revenge even worse.
But I’d saved her.
Thank God, I’d managed to drag her out of the barn, but not before a timber had fallen directly on top of her. That she’d survived was a miracle. And up until now, I hadn’t believed in them. I chuckled softly, trying to remain grateful for the fact Caroline was alive and with only minor burns, only her wrist injured from the timbers. However, the smoke she’d inhaled had almost killed her.
And it still could.
She’d been trying to tell me something. Who was there?
I held my head in my hands as I concentrated on the sounds of the machines she was attached to. While they were subtle, they seemed to hammer in my head, a reminder that I could have lost everything I loved.
Love.
I shuddered from the thought. I wasn’t the kind of man who deserved love, but my heart was filled with it. Reaching out, I took her hand in mine, rubbing my fingers in aimless patterns. I finally looked at her. She seemed so frail in comparison to the bold woman who’d not only given me hell at every turn but had also risked her life to save the horses. Her courage was something I could learn from.
“You’re going to be all right, baby. Just get better. Rest.” My words seemed hollow, as if I didn’t believe them myself.
Maybe the truth was I didn’t. Everything was gone. Destroyed. I had no doubt whoever was responsible would go for the ba
r next. What in the hell was going on? Even the sheriff had seemed confused, although she’d tried to provide comfort as well as assurance that they had every deputy working on the case. The bright sun streaming in through the window did nothing but piss me off. It had been hours since the fire, fucking hours, and there was no sign of Brandy. It was like she’d disappeared.
Whatever was going on had several layers attached to it and I was getting angrier by the minute.
I wiped my mouth, preparing myself for bad news. The doctors had fought to keep me from remaining by her side, but I’d refused, stopping short of choking one of them. When I heard a knock on the door, I shifted my gaze toward her ashen face. “I’ll be right back.” My legs felt like lead when I stood, leaning over and brushing hair from her face. I hated the damn tube stuck in her mouth, the ventilator required in order for her to breathe.
I couldn’t wait to shove the barrel of my gun in the mouth of the perpetrator. He would pay dearly for what he did.
My heart skipped several beats as I walked toward the door.
“I thought you could use this, buddy,” Hawk said as he handed me a cup of coffee. “Don’t worry. It’s from a little coffee shop down the street. None of the crap in this building.”
I offered a slight smile, accepting the gesture. “I appreciate it.”
“How is she?” he asked.
“Hanging on. Still not breathing on her own.”
He patted me on the back. “I have a feeling that tough as nails little lady is going to be just fine. Why don’t we go over there and talk?”
I glanced back at the door then nodded, following him to the small waiting area.
“I had a chat with Sheriff Robertson. She was helpful with Drake’s murder case. While the fire investigator isn’t finished with his report, his preliminary results are arson.”
“Tell me something I didn’t know.”
“Mustang has taken the liberty of getting some of the ranch hands from Big Meadow to remain on the property of the bar. Just in case the asshole decides to torch the place next.”
“Thank you,” I huffed. At least one less thing to worry about.