by Stone, Piper
“Hmmm… I might, but it’ll cost you.”
“I’m willing to pay the price.”
“I don’t know, lady. It’s pretty steep. That might take you the rest of your life. Do you think you can handle that?”
“Try me, cowboy. You have no idea how tenacious I can be.”
“I not only plan on trying, little brat. I plan on doing.”
There was nothing like being in his arms. My strong Marine, a wayward cowboy, and a dreamer with a heart of gold.
And very soon, the nightmare would indeed be over.
Chapter 17
Vader
Guilt.
I’d realized over the past few days that harboring guilt had done little but sweep me into the kind of darkness that if left unchecked could have cost me my life. Then Franny came into my life, all spitfire and hellion, determined to make a difference in the world. She’d refused to succumb to fear or anger, something I’d been doing for months. Her strength had given me hope, a light that had entered my heart and a good portion of that blackened soul everyone knew I’d succumbed to.
On this day, I couldn’t be prouder of her, although I remained concerned. Still, this was something she insisted on doing.
“You’re sure about this?” I asked.
“Oh, I’m sure. Stop worrying.”
“I’ll never stop worrying. I own you, remember?”
“How could I ever forget?” She laughed before adjusting her suit, holding her head high then walking toward the set of glass doors. I hung back, just like she’d asked me to, but I wouldn’t hesitate to interfere if necessary.
However, this was something she needed to do.
She stopped just before walking inside, giving me a saucy look that made my cock twitch. “Why don’t you come with me? Just for kicks.”
Grinning, I had to admire her style. She was making the most out of this. “Hell, why not? Could be fun.”
“Just keep your cool. Trust me, I have a few moves that you’ve yet to see.” She threw open the doors, walking inside as if she owned the establishment, ignoring the receptionist as she strode down the corridor against the girl’s frantic cries.
When she reached the closed door, she took a deep breath and walked inside. “Mitchell. You and I need to talk.”
The asshole immediately rose from his desk, glowering as he noticed my entrance. I closed the door behind us. No sense in being disturbed.
“What do you want, Francesca? Unless you’re here to sign over the property, I don’t have any time for you,” Mitchell barked.
The poor man seemed to be in a shitty mood today. Well, it was about to get worse.
“The property. Would that mean the land on which you are planning on building a beautiful office building? An office building holding the corporate headquarters of Serenity’s Edge?”
I had to admit, the look on his face was priceless. Watching him turn bright red, I almost thought the asshole was going to have a heart attack. She’d told me that he had once indicated that the property they owned together could bring them millions, as long as he found the right investors. And his name for the organization? Serenity’s Edge.
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
Franny sauntered all the way to his desk, planting both hands on the surface. “Come now, darling Mitchell. Let’s not play games. I’m well aware that your corporation, the one you developed with a couple golf buddies of yours is behind the recent fires as well as the attempt on my life. Now, while I should be shocked that you’d actually stoop so low as to hire a deputy to do your bidding, I’m not. You’re nothing but a chicken shit in a four-thousand-dollar suit. Sadly, your time is up. You’re going down along with those buddies of yours. Maybe you can share the same cell in prison.”
It took him a few seconds to collect himself before issuing a slight smile. “Franny, you really think that you have anything on me?”
“What I think is that you’re sweating, Mitchell. You forget how well I know you. I admit that your plans are beautiful, but your tragic mistake was including our property. I’m curious how you managed to get the insurance company to fall into your scheme. Did you pay them that well or just force them out of business, developing a shell corporation so all those poor owners wouldn’t have the insurance to rebuild?”
He finally laughed, shaking his head. “You and I both know that everyone has something to hide. You also know that I dig deep, finding every scrap of dirt, which is exactly what I did. Then I simply convinced them into selling off a portion of their business. That’s not illegal.”
“Hmmm… I suppose not. But arson and murder are. I guess those were the same strong-arm tactics you used on the business owners in your attempt to get them to sell. How sad they pushed back, refusing to give in.”
“I’m sorry, Francesca, but you’re going to have to excuse me. I’m certain you’d rather wallow in the dirt with that worthless boyfriend of yours.”
I was stunned at my level of patience, even though there was nothing more I’d enjoy than sailing across his desk and breaking his neck.
She smiled again, inching even closer. “What you don’t know is that Deputy Mathers is singing like a canary right about now. Telling all your trade secrets. You should be looking for a visit from the sheriff any time. I can’t wait to see you in shackles.”
When he backhanded her, that was all I could take. After two long strides and with a single punch, he was pummeled against the wall.
She laughed as she regained her position, standing back when the door was flung open, the sheriff and two of her deputies walking inside. “I think this concludes our conversation, dear Mitchell. Have fun in prison.”
When we entered the elevator, she leaned against the wall.
“Jesus,” she whispered, her entire body shaking.
“I’m sorry you had to deal with that,” I said quietly, turning to face her, rubbing my thumb across her chin where she’d been hit. “That bastard. I should have gutted him.”
“And I might have allowed you.” She winced, rolling her eyes. “Why do guys have to hit right across the jaw? I can feel the pain exploding across my entire face.”
“Because most guys are assholes.”
“Instead of heroes like you are?” When I grimaced, she returned the favor by brushing the tips of her fingers across my face. “You are my hero, Vader, but not just because you saved my life and protected my honor. You’re my hero because you’ve let your guard down, showing me more joy in a short period of time than I’ve experienced my whole life. You made me believe in love again, and that was a tall feat. I know I can never take the pain from Snake’s death away from you, but I hope one day you can finally be free of your demons.”
I took her into my arms, holding her tightly against me. There was no doubt Snake was smiling down on me. “I think it’s already starting to happen. Doesn’t time heal all wounds?”
“The majority of the time, but only if you’re ready to move on.”
“I’m ready. With you by my side, there’s nothing I can’t do.”
“Are you turning philosophical on me now?”
A laugh came easily. “A wise man once told me that happiness is when you can look yourself in the mirror and not regret who you’ve become. The other night, I realized for all my faults, I was proud of everything I’d accomplished and that I’d do nothing different.”
“Mmmm… That is such a turn-on. Do you want to get frisky?” She dropped her hand to my already aching cock, rubbing up and down until I was ready to take her up on her offer.
“You’re a bad girl who needs one hard spanking.”
She jerked back her head to glare at me. “Oh, no, you don’t. I get a reprieve for a least a couple days.”
“All right, but only a couple days. Is there anything you need? That was one solid performance in there.”
“And I’m not sorry at all that I was gloating. As a matter of fact, it felt damn good. You know what I need? Time at the ranch.
Your ranch. Do you think that could happen?”
“That’s exactly where we’re going.”
Two days.
We’d actually spent two days at the ranch, working side by side both days hanging drywall. I was shocked how much Franny knew and how willing she was to help with the renovations.
While we’d done our best to ignore both the news as well as the volume of emails and phone calls, we had been made aware that Mitchell and two others had been arrested, the deputy doing exactly as Franny had predicted, making a deal and singing like a bird. The subsequent article written by Franny’s friend along with Bryce had sealed the man’s fate.
As I added a couple of pieces of wood to the fire, she poured two glasses of whiskey, foregoing her usual wine. Something about her surprised me almost every day.
“You know I’m leaving tomorrow for Washington,” she said so quietly, as if afraid to bring up the subject.
“I know.” I took the tumbler out of her hand, our fingers touching, sucking in my breath from the heavy vibrations of electricity soaring between us.
“I don’t want to, but I’m obligated.”
“You don’t have to explain anything to me. You have an established career with requirements.”
She took a sip of her drink, staring directly at the flames. “I love what I do at least some of the time, but I don’t think I’m going to run for reelection.”
“You’re good at what you do, Franny. Don’t allow everything that’s happened to destroy your legacy.”
Smiling, she wrapped her arms around her bent knees, turning her head in my direction. “I’m not. Actually, I’m going to follow your advice. I’m going write a book, maybe several. Whether or not they sell remains to be seen.” She laughed, running her fingers through her curls.
Grinning, I nudged her, lifting my glass. “That’s fantastic.”
“And I’m going to change my name, taking my maiden name again. It’s Reynolds.”
“I like the name. Maybe that will ease some of the pain.”
“I don’t know about that but it’s something I need to do. By the way, what are you going to do, cowboy? Any thoughts? Doctor. Lawyer. Indian chief?”
“Hawk has asked me consider joining him and Mustang as a part owner of Big Meadow. I think I’ll consider it.”
“I think that’s wonderful.” She seemed genuinely happy.
“The ranch is finally profitable, and Hawk and Mustang want to expand. The decision will give me time to finish working on this place.”
“You’re going to do so well. As long as that makes you happy.”
I laughed. “As long as this investigation goes away everything will be all right.”
She placed her hand on my arm. “Just give it time. It’s likely this upper sergeant major or whatever his title is needs to make a name for himself. He’ll find bigger fish to fry. You know how it works.”
“I guess.”
“Have some faith. Concentrate on what makes you happy.”
“Having you here will make me happy.”
“Does that mean you want to keep me?” She grinned, her face lighting up the entire room.
I took her glass out of her hand, putting both onto the hearth. “That means that you belong to me one hundred percent.”
“My big he-man.”
“I’m not joking.”
She took a minute to gaze into my eyes, searching my soul as she’d done so many times.
“I want to be in your life more than anything, Vader.”
“It’s Austin.”
“What?” She seemed surprised.
“My mama gave me that name. She said it reminded her of her favorite place in the world, the city where she met my father. I figure it’s best to honor her rather than use a name that reminds people of death.”
“Or a giant science fiction character?” Franny laughed when I yanked her hair. “I like Austin. It suits you. Like the rugged cowboy you are.”
Another moment of quiet settled in, but there was no tension, just a sweet taste of peace.
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.”
“Uh-oh.”
Growling, I was trying to find the right words. They seemed awkward when I said them. “I want a home and a family. Just seeing how happy Hawk is when he announced Bryce was having a baby brought both happiness and haunted memories. I want to make good ones. With you.”
She bit her lower lip, tears forming in her eyes. “I’m not going anywhere. No one is pushing me away from the city and state I love, no matter how many threats I receive.”
“That’s good cause it’s hunting season and if another asshole threatens you, I won’t be held accountable for what I do,” I teased, although I was serious. No other motherfucker was going to attempt anything to hurt her or they’d face my wrath. “I had a thought. Maybe you don’t have to worry about changing your name, at least right now.”
“What do you mean?”
I took a gulp of my drink then rose onto my knees, reaching into my pocket. I couldn’t look at her until I’d wrangled the small box out of my pocket. “I’m not very good at this. Hell, I’m not a romantic.” As I opened the box, the sound of her gasp sent a powerful set of shivers shooting down my back. “Francesca Reynolds, will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
Her entire body trembled, her mouth twisting. “Are you serious?”
“There’s nothing I’d like more than for you to be my wife.”
“Then yes. Yes!” As she threw her arms around me, I was surprised at the level of happiness that I felt, the emptiness gone. Maybe I was taking a chance, but in my gut, I knew she was the one. The one I’d fight for.
The one I’d die for.
“Which means I have to follow all those rules?” she asked, tears streaming down her face.
“I might let you slack from time to time, but yes. You know what happens if you break them.” I slipped the ring on her finger, bringing her hand to my mouth, pressing my lips across her knuckles.
She wrinkled her nose, giving me a pouting look. “But I’m such a good girl.”
“You mean other than risking your life on purpose?” When I yanked her over my lap, her squeal gave me a huge smile. “You can’t do those kinds of things, Franny.”
“This isn’t fair. You know exactly why I did.”
“Who said life was fair, little brat?” I smacked her bottom several times, making certain they were slaps she’d remember while spending time in DC.
“Ouch. That hurts.”
“Spankings are supposed to hurt. If you’re not careful, I’ll be forced to rip off your jeans.”
“You are one mean cowboy.”
“You ain’t seen nothing yet.” As I brought my hand down several more times, my cock ached to be inside of her.
But I continued her spanking, adoring the way she writhed in my arms, her moans floating into the wide-open space. There wasn’t a cell in my body that hadn’t reacted to having her in my arms. I’d fallen into such darkness for so long that being with someone, sharing even the smallest moments meant more to me than I would have expected.
The way I felt about her continued to grow along with my burning desires. She was mine. All mine. And no one was going to fuck with her as long as I was alive.
“Oh! Such a bad man.”
As I brought my hand down six times in rapid succession, she rocked against me, driving me to the point I could no longer concentrate. I rolled her over, yanking her arms over her head, keeping her pinned to the floor. “When you return, we’re going to spend some quality time together. But in the meantime, I’m going to remind you why you belong to me.”
I captured her mouth, sliding my tongue inside.
At that very moment, I sensed the demons slipping away.
“Would you stop freaking pacing?” Hawk hissed. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were the one getting married.”
“He’s more nervous than I’ve ever seen him,” Mustang laughed.
/> “Maybe he thinks Franny left him,” Scorpion added.
Reaper snorted. “Let him alone. He’s in love.”
“We’re getting married soon,” I barked, realizing within seconds that all four men had stopped moving, staring at me intently. I’d spent the last fifteen days working on the house from early morning light until long after dark, returning to sleep and start all over again. I hadn’t breathed a word of my proposal to anyone. While I wasn’t the kind of man for the pomp and ceremony bullshit, I’d wanted Franny by my side when they found out.
“Wait. What?” Hawk inched closer, tilting his head. “Did you ask Franny to marry you before she left?”
I shrugged, stalking toward the window and peering out. She was late by an entire day. The damn wedding was in two hours. At this rate, she’d miss it. Her last call had been vague, citing a last-minute requirement in the Senate. I wasn’t entirely certain I bought her story. While I hated myself for not believing her, I was used to disappointment.
As well as betrayal.
“Whoa. You did!” Reaper exclaimed.
“That’s fantastic. Why the hell did you keep it from us?” Scorpion demanded.
I gave them all a hard look. “Because I knew exactly what you’d say. Yeah. I gave her a ring and everything. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Okay?”
While they laughed, I cringed, hoping that she hadn’t experienced second thoughts, although I wouldn’t blame her. I’d purchased a shithole for a house and had no real plans for the future, although the paperwork had been finalized with Big Meadow. I was now part owner of the ranch, the expansion plans underway. In truth, I was excited about the prospects, hopeful that I could find solace in hard work and…
Ah, hell. Love.
As much as I hated to admit it to the asshole inside, that’s exactly what had set me free.
“I’m proud of you, buddy. You’ve found your center,” Hawk said in a respectful tone. “Now, I hope the weather will clear and the wedding can go off without a hitch.”