Cameron, Paige - Commando Cowboys Desire Their Queen [Wyoming Warriors 8] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) (16 page)

Cindy hurried out of the room. Pearce paced across the living room. His mother told him Rex was bringing a woman and Hakan was also going to be at the dinner. He’d stressed he wanted only his mother and father there, but Mom said his dad had interfered. He’d be one of his next victims. He’d already arranged for his demise.

When Cindy returned, he rushed her out to the car. Pearce wanted the night to be over. This time he’d be successful.

* * * *

Cindy leaned her head against the back of the car seat. Her stomach was unsettled, and her mind not as clear as it should be. On some level she realized Pearce had done something to her. She’d fought to keep him out of her mind, but he was stronger. She didn’t like what he’d done to her, and she was struggling to overcome his influence.

This time she’d pretended to let him into her mind, and had fooled him. While she was staring into his eyes, she had recited a mantra.
No harm can come to me. I am strong, I am good, I will not do evil.
She recited the words over and over.

“You’re very quiet,” Pearce’s words broke into her thoughts.

“I’m nervous about meeting your parents. I want them to like me.”

“They will, especially my mother. She wants me to get married and live on the ranch.” He gripped her hand tightly. “I’ve told them I’m serious about you. Have you forgotten the ring I gave you?”

“No, but you didn’t want me to wear it today. You told me the other night to leave it off. So do you care about me?” Cindy turned toward Pearce.

“Of course, you know I do.”

“I’ve been fooled before. You’ve never said how you felt.”

“Silly girl, I love you.”

Cindy didn’t believe him. She saw through his fake smile. She suspected he didn’t care for anyone but himself. Relief swept over her when he let go of her hand and turned into one of the gates at the ranch. The guard waved them on through. Pearce drove down several streets before parking in front of a lovely older home. As soon as they got out of the car, Pearce’s mother rushed out to greet them.

* * * *

Rex had not forgotten Cassie’s words. She saw someone who looked like him with Gala. His suspicions had increased regarding his brother. It was such a devious plan, to disguise himself as Rex, just the type of action Pearce often took when they were kids. He’d love to get a chance to check out Pearce’s car. But Pearce would be keeping an eye on him, but not necessarily on Hakan.

Hakan came out of his bedroom dressed for dinner. “I see you’re ready to go.”

“Sit first. I have a plan I want to discuss.” He told Hakan about meeting Cassie and what she had said.

“You think it was Pearce with Gala?”

“Yes, Pearce dressed to look like me.”

“And I suppose you want me to use our youthful skills, get into his car, and search it?”

“I’m glad we can read each other’s minds.”

“Hah, you’re an open book at times, especially when you’re being devious. It sounds like fun. I’ll do it.”

“Thanks, we need to hurry. We have to pick up Kira and be there by six thirty.”

When they drove up to Kira’s parents’ house, Hakan got out. “I’ll run in and get her.”

“I’ll go with you.” Rex beat Hakan to the door and knocked.

“Come in, gentlemen.” Her father motioned them inside. Mrs. Bevyns came to his side.

“You both look very handsome.” She winked at Hakan and then hesitated. She stared at Rex’s face. “You look better,” she said.

Rex took a deep breath. He recognized a compliment. “Thank you.”

They both turned when Kira came in the room and walked toward them. She wore the red dress she had on at her sister’s wedding. The silk hugged every curve, and the color set off her creamy skin.

“Is it too dressy?” Her honey-toned words sent heat rushing through Rex’s body.

“No,” they both said in unison.

“It’s perfect,” Rex said softly as he stepped forward and took her arm. “I hate to rush you, but I want to get there a little early.”

“No problem.” She kissed her mother and hugged her dad. “See you later.”

In the car, Rex and Hakan placed her in the middle between them. Her rose-and-musk fragrance heightened the desire gripping Rex. It was going to be difficult to concentrate on his plan with her around.

His parents’ house was only a few blocks away from Kira’s home. He parked beside his brother’s rental car. When they got out, Hakan walked to the other side and casually glanced in the car.

Rex nodded at him. He saw Kira’s questioning look. She hadn’t missed the signals, between him and Hakan. Rex opened the front door before she had time to ask any questions. “Mom, Dad, we’re here.”

His mother came rushing out of the kitchen. “We’re all having a glass of wine. Come join us.” She glanced at Kira. Rex saw the surprise she tried to hide.

“I don’t think you’ve met Kira, but you saw her at the meeting.”

“Yes, I never expected you were their friend.”

“Why not, Mrs. Rexford? They are both special men and doctors.”

His mother looked flustered for a moment. “You’re right, why not? Come in the kitchen and meet my husband and Pearce.”

They followed her into the large kitchen. Pearce and a small blonde woman sat at the wooden kitchen table with his dad. Rex looked at Pearce just in time to see his startled glance toward Kira.

“Pearce and Dad, I’d like you to meet Kira. You saw her when she spoke to all three tribes. Kira, my brother, Pearce, and my father.”

Kira stepped forward and shook Rex’s father’s hand. “Your son takes after you.”

He squeezed her hands and smiled. “Yes, he does.”

* * * *

Pearce stood and pulled the blonde up beside him. “This is Cindy. She works in Cassie’s shop. We met there.” He walked over to Kira to take her hand. “And I’ve met you before.”

“Yes, small world.” When he touched her hand, a flash of darkness and cold made her shiver.

He grinned and turned to his parents. “She was on one of my flights, and her sister was on another.”

“Are you on vacation?” Kira asked.

“I’ve taken an extended leave of absence. I’m trying to decide if I want to stay at the ranch and work somewhere nearby.”

Kira didn’t miss his mother’s pleased smile when he talked about staying. She moved over to greet Cindy. She put out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” Kira tried to see into Cindy’s eyes, but she kept her eyelids lowered as though she was shy. But for a split second Kira felt the slightest tightening on her fingers.

Then Cindy raised her eyes and smiled. “I’m happy to meet you, too.” Pearce walked quickly to Cindy’s side and put his arm around her.

Lonato’s mother handed Kira a glass of wine. “Dinner will be ready soon. There are hors d’oeuvres on the dining room table.”

“If you all will excuse me, I need to make a call. My phone is set on silent mode, and it just vibrated.” Hakan walked outside.

* * * *

Hakan went to his car. He unlocked the driver’s door and sat. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the edge of the curtain move. Pretending to call, he punched in random numbers and waited. The curtain had fallen back into place. Hopefully, Rex could keep his brother’s attention for a few minutes.

He got the tool he’d borrowed from a firefighter friend. Keeping out of sight, Hakan made his way to Pearce’s driver’s side door. Slipping the blade down the edge of the window, he popped the lock then bent over and climbed into the front seat.

Nothing was underneath the seats. The glove compartment held a few papers. With his head down, he got out of the front and checked the backseat. The car had been cleaned. Hakan checked the house window again. No one was looking out. Reaching down inside the front door, he popped the trunk open.

Toward the back was a gray bag. It blended so well against the car’s carpet that he almost missed it. He took the bag and put the trunk lid down. Then he threw the bag under his car seat and returned to the house.

“Do you have a problem?” Rex asked.

“I think I’ve taken care of it. Hopefully I’ll get to enjoy your mother’s cooking before I get called to the hospital.”

Rex’s mom smiled. “Everything is ready. We can sit at the table now.” She moved several hors d’oeuvres to a side table and instructed where each person should sit.

“Cindy, I want you here on my left. Pearce, you can sit on her other side. Rex put Kira between you and Hakan to my right. Your father has his usual chair at the head of the table.”

“If you don’t mind, Mrs. Rexford, may I sit on your husband’s left side? I can talk to Lonato and Hakan anytime, but I’d enjoy getting to know Mr. Rexford.”

Mrs. Rexford frowned, then smiled quickly. “How sweet. Do as you please, dear.” She sat and turned her attention to Cindy and Pearce.

* * * *

“You call my son ‘Lonato,’” Mr. Rexford said to Kira as he passed her the bowl of mashed potatoes.

“It’s a lovely name. I’m surprised you and your wife call him Rex. I think of him as Lonato. He has a strong face, and I love his long, black hair. Except for the eyes, I suspect he looks like you did at his age.”

Mr. Rexford laughed. His wife glanced at them. “Tell us the joke, Charles.”

“Kira wondered if Lonato looks like I did at his age. What do you think?”

Mrs. Rexford glanced at Rex. A soft smile curved her mouth. “He does. You’ve always been a handsome man, Charles. He looked like you even as an infant, except for the eye color.”

“Is Charles your first name?” Kira asked.

“No.” He continued to look down the table at his wife. “My first name is Maska, meaning ‘strong.’”

“Then I shall call you Maska, if I may?”

“You should call him Mr. Rexford,” Rex’s mom snapped at her.

“Mom, do you have more gravy?” Pearce interrupted the conversation. When his mother left the room, Pearce said, “Mom doesn’t care for Dad and Rex’s Native American names. She prefers Rex and Charles. You’re upsetting her.”

“I’m not trying to.” Kira smiled at him.

“I think Lonato and Maska are lovely names. I agree with you.” Cindy looked across the table at Kira.

Pearce’s head swung around. He stared at Cindy. She shrank down in her chair. It was over so quickly that Kira wondered if Rex’s father noticed. She glanced in his direction. Yes, he saw the angry glare Pearce had flashed at Cindy.