Cameron, Paige - Commando Cowboys Desire Their Queen [Wyoming Warriors 8] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) (14 page)

She fell forward, and Lonato’s warm body wrapped around her. His teeth raked across her earlobe. “Did we chase away the monster?”

“For now. But you two better sleep with me the rest of the night or he might come back.”

Lonato rolled onto his back, taking her with him. She lay across his body, one leg between his. Hakan massaged her shoulders, back, and buttocks.

“Sleep, honey. You’re safe with us.” Lonato kissed her forehead.

When she awoke, several hours later, they were gone. Had she dreamed about them making love to her? She sat on the side of the bed. No, it was too real. Someone knocked on the door.

“Come in.” She pulled the sheet up over her.

Hakan walked in carrying a tray. “Breakfast in bed for my lady.” He sat the tray on the bedside table. Leaning down, he kissed her mouth, and then uncovered her breast and tasted her nipple. “Good morning.”

“I didn’t dream last night?”

“No, it was real. We had to get up early and didn’t want to disturb you. Lonato is on his way to surgery. He had an early-morning case, and I have to leave in twenty minutes. You can stay here as long as you want. Forever would be good.”

“I’ll head out soon.” She stretched. “I feel much better and more prepared for what might happen next.”

“Just be careful.” Hakan kissed her and walked to the door. “I have to get ready. Eat.” He nodded toward the tray and left.

He’d brought orange juice, cereal, fruit, and toast. While she drank the juice, she dialed her father’s number.

“Hi, Kira. What’s up?”

“Dad, Lonato flew me to his house last night. My new truck is at Sahale’s cabin.”

“I heard what happened to you and Nanna.”

“How?”

“The grapevine is alive and well.” He chuckled. “But I don’t know what to think about you misplacing your truck. Maybe you didn’t like it.”

“Stop teasing. I love it, but Lonato was determined to keep me safe.”

“Good. He called me. I agreed with him that you should have come right back home, but I told him you were a determined lady. Anyway, I drove your mom out there early this morning. She drove your truck home.”

“I put you both out. I’m sorry. Mom must have had to get up very early.”

“She did. I had to get back to work.”

“Thanks for everything, Dad. I’ll see you later.” She hurried to finish her meal. Then she showered and dressed. Hakan came in the bedroom just as she’d pulled her hair back and fastened it in a ponytail.

“You look about eighteen. Where are you going?”

“I thought I’d catch a ride with you to the hospital. I can walk home from there.”

“I’ll drive you all the way.”

“I can walk. It’s no trouble.”

“We’ll discuss it in the car.”

“You are both too bossy,” she mumbled on the way out the door and heard his quiet chuckle behind her.

Chapter Nine

Pearce had been concentrating on his seduction of Cindy, Cassie’s assistant at her shop. They’d gone out to dinner several times, and tonight she’d invited him to her place. It was the perfect opportunity to turn her to his way of thinking.

At the ranch, the tension could be felt in the air. The people waited for the next attack. No one expected it was over, and word had not gotten out that Gala had any hand in the previous attempts to kill with the poison. Pearce had worried at first that she might have said his name, but as time went by he relaxed.

Once he had Cindy trained to do his will, he planned to introduce her to his parents and big brother, Rex. He’d have her under his spell and she could help him with his plans. If things went wrong, she’d be the fall guy for him. He hadn’t decided whether to start with his own family or someone else. But he needed to act soon. He pulled into Cindy’s driveway and got out. Then he reached in the back for the dozen roses he bought at the local flower shop. Cindy opened the door to his knock.

“Pearce, welcome to my home.” She stepped aside to let him in. He handed her the red roses. “Oh, they’re so beautiful.” She got on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “I’ll put them in water. Dinner is almost ready.”

Delicious scents came from the kitchen. He followed her and was pleased to see a big homey kitchen, very similar to his mom’s. Cindy put the roses in a crystal vase and placed them on a square, wooden table. She pulled a roast with potatoes and carrots out of the oven. After she set it down, she took two wineglasses out of the cupboard.

“Sit at the table.” She nodded to where she’d placed the vase. “Do you like Merlot?”

“I do. Can I open the bottle for you?”

“Thank you. I’ll slice the roast and put the food on the dining room table.”

He opened the wine and took a sip. It was excellent. Yes, she’d make him a much better queen than Gala. Tonight she’d dressed in fancy jeans, a midnight-blue shirt, and low heels. She looked pretty. Seducing her would be fun.

When she started to carry the roast and vegetables to the table, he stopped her. “Let me help.” He deliberately allowed his hand to brush hers as he took the platter. He stared deep into her eyes and smiled.

Preparation was important in all plans, including preparing a victim to be his obedient servant. A rush of pure evil zipped through his veins, invigorating him. His birthmother had taught him well over the years, and no one knew they had any contact. He hadn’t veered from the plan she had embedded in his mind. As soon as he gained control of the tribes, he’d call her to come join him.

Dinner was excellent. Pearce took his time savoring the food. “You’re a beautiful woman who’s also a wonderful cook. It’s difficult to believe no one has snatched you up long before now.” He ran his fingers across the top of her hand where it lay on the tablecloth. A flash of desire lit in her eyes. “Their loss and my gain.” Pearce raised his glass and toasted her.

“None of the ones that came around interested me. I guess I was waiting for someone special, like you.” She blushed and jumped up. “I’ll clean the table and…”

He took her hand and drew her toward him. “Sit on my lap. Relax.” When he tugged at her hand, she sat. He brushed her hair off her neck and kissed the soft skin behind her earlobe. Her body trembled against his.

“I have something for you. Remember the turquoise ring I bought? It was really for you. Even then I knew we’d be important to each other.” He handed her the box wrapped in red paper. “Later I’ll give you a real engagement ring.”

Cindy quickly unwrapped the box and slipped the ring on her finger. “I love it and especially since it’s from you.”

“I want to make love to you,” Pearce whispered in her ear.

“I’m not very experienced. I may disappoint you.”

He lifted her in his arms. “Where’s your bedroom?”

She pointed to the hallway. “The last room on the left.”

He walked down the hall. “I’ll teach you all you need to know.”
In more ways than one.

Pearce carried her into a very feminine room, with frilly curtains and bedspread. He tossed her onto the bed and followed her down. Once he had her legs secured between his and her arms held down, he let her see his real persona. He let his eyes glow red and an evil smile crossed his lips. He loved frightening people. A thrill went through him at the look of horror on her face.

Cindy fought him. She begged him to let her up. But he put his hand over her mouth. “You will be mine and do as I say.” He jerked her chin up and forced her to look into his eyes. She was an innocent. It wasn’t hard to change her thought patterns to match his. When her body relaxed under him, he knew he had her under control.

“And now, my dear, for a little fun. Take off your clothes.”

* * * *

Nick drove Cassie to the hospital. “I am not poisoned. Something I ate last night must have disagreed with me.”

“Lang and I are not willing to take any chances. We’ll get you checked.” Nick parked at the doctors’ building, adjacent to the hospital, where most of the ranch’s physicians had offices. “You like Dr. Jack. He’ll give you a quick check-up and do a blood test.”

“You two are overreacting. I think every person on the ranch is stressed out wondering when the person with the poison will strike again.”

Nick opened her door. “Get out, love. You won’t change my mind or Lang’s.”

Cassie grumbled. Still, their concern gave her a warm and fuzzy feeling. They loved her, and if they did pamper her too much at times, it wasn’t often. Their love for her and hers for them had continued to grow since their marriage, and sometimes she thought her heart would burst with joy.

He kissed her when she stood, then he took her arm, and they walked into the office. It was crowded.

“You don’t have to wait. Go to work. I’ll catch a ride home.”

“You won’t try and sneak out?” Nick raised his eyebrow at her. “We will be checking with Dr. Jack later about his findings.”

She sighed. “I know. Otherwise I would leave as soon as you were out of sight. I’m feeling better already, and my stomach has settled.” She looked up at the resolution on his face. “Oh, all right. I’m staying.”

“Then I’ll go check a few building sites. Call me when you’re through. I’ll come and take you home.”

After checking in, Cassie settled in a chair near the open window to the office. Male voices caught her attention from the magazine she’d been reading.

Dr. Rexford was talking with Dr. Jack. Something about him tugged at her memory. His black hair was pulled back and held by a piece of rawhide, and he was tall. Could he be the man she’d seen in the car behind the bank that day? No, it didn’t make sense.

She’d just discovered the woman was Gala, the young girl who died. Cassie had seen a picture of her in the ranch’s newsletter, and it had clicked. Gala hardly seemed the type to appeal to Rex.

About that time, Rex walked off and Dr. Jack leaned through the window to call her back. She saw Rex disappearing down a long hallway and going out the back door.

“Do you know Dr. Rexford?” Dr. Jack asked.

“Yes, I’ve met him a few times over the years.”

“You were staring intently at him.”

“He reminded me of someone.”

Jack opened an exam room door. “Undress. My nurse will be here in a moment, and then I’ll come back to examine you.”

“Nick and Lang are overreacting. I had a bit of indigestion this morning and threw up twice. I ate something that disagreed with me.”

“We’ll see. My examination will ease their minds. We’ll get several blood tests, too.” He closed the door, and she heard him walking away.