He hadn’t meant to say the words out loud, but rather than apologize for them, Wolfe leaned down and kissed her. Softly at first, letting her lead as he had the first time. That lasted for at least a solid minute before Amy pulled back, her eyes locking with his.
“Why do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Act like I might break.”
“I…” Hell, he couldn’t answer that because it was true.
“Is Rhys the dominant one in this relationship?” she asked, her tone sassy.
“How’s that again?” he asked, grinning.
“Well, he kissed me like he was trying to possess me. I just thought…”
He lowered his voice, leaned in close. “Is that what you want? Me to possess you?”
“I want you to kiss me like you mean it.”
Pulling back a little, Wolfe studied her face, trying to read her. He heard what she was saying, and he was so damn tempted to do just as she’d requested, but he’d seen the fear in her eyes too many times. He had no idea who had put it there, but he damn sure didn’t want to be another one to do so.
“Wolfe, you won’t hurt me.” She said the words with such conviction he couldn’t help but believe her.
Sliding his hands down to her ass, Wolfe hefted her off her feet in one quick move, spinning them around so her back was to the wall. When she inhaled sharply, Wolfe crushed his mouth to hers.
Amy knocked his ball cap off as her hands gripped his head, holding him to her. Her soft mewls and sweet moans had his dick roaring to life. What he wouldn’t give to strip her naked and sink deep inside her right this fucking minute. He felt like he’d been waiting a lifetime for her.
Wolfe finally pulled back for air, but Amy’s mouth trailed over his jaw, down to his neck, and he groaned. “Darlin’, you’re temptin’ a very hungry man right now.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
No, she clearly didn’t understand. Wolfe was nearing his breaking point. One of these days, he wasn’t going to be able to stop. And he had to stop. Seriously. They were at the shop, and the first time he was inside this woman damn sure wouldn’t be here.
She licked him and his breath locked up. “Amy… Darlin’…”
When she lifted her head, their eyes met and he saw her desire reflecting back. She wanted this as much as he did.
“I’ve never felt anything like this,” she whispered. “Never.”
Yeah, that made two of them.
“Yo! Where the hell you at, Wolfe?”
Shit.
Wolfe lowered Amy to her feet knowing Lynx would come directly upstairs looking for him. The last thing he wanted was for the man to find them like this. Not that he really gave a shit, but Wolfe wasn’t interested in Lynx giving him shit for the rest of his life. Which he would.
“I should get back to work.” Amy glanced around the room as though looking for something to do. “Crap.”
“What?”
“No way he’s gonna think we were working.”
Nope, he wouldn’t.
Amy’s head snapped up, her eyes meeting his. “Next time you wanna make out like teenagers, let’s make sure to do it in my office. That way I can at least pretend to be doing something productive when we get caught.”
Wolfe laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”
He would definitely remember for next time.
Rhys hadn’t heard from his sister all damn day although he’d texted her twice and tried to call her once. On his way home, he decided to stop by the bar to check on her, but he found it closed up tight.
As he was sitting in the parking lot, another car pulled in. He glanced in his side-view mirror to see Amy pulling up beside him. She got out of the car and walked around to his side of the truck after looking at the door and seeing the same Closed sign Rhys saw.
He rolled down his window when she walked over. “Hey.”
“Hi.” She smiled, her eyes softening as she looked at him. She rested her hands on the door. “I came to check on her. I’ve been worrying about her all day.”
“Yeah. Me, too.”
“Where do you think she is?”
He shrugged, glancing back up at the door. “At home, most likely. She’s done this before when she and Billy get into it.”
“He’s an asshole.”
Rhys’s eyes slammed into her face, his laugh rumbling out of him. He hadn’t expected that to come out of Amy’s sweet mouth. “That he is.”
She leaned back, her fingers still curled over the door. “Well, I don’t know where she lives, so I can’t very well go check on her. But if you are, I guess—”
“Hop in,” he said, nodding toward the passenger door. “We can go together. Maybe she won’t kick my ass if you’re there.”
Amy’s face lit up. She released the truck and hurried around to the passenger side. When she was in and buckled, Rhys pulled out of the parking lot and headed south on the main road through town.
“I know it’s none of my business, but…” Amy fidgeted with her hands in her lap.
“What?” He glanced over at her briefly, then turned his gaze back to the road.
“Have they been together long?”
He nodded. “Eight years or so, I guess.”
“They’re not married, right?”
“Nope.” That was the only good thing about their relationship.
“Does he hit her?”
“No.”
“How do you know that for sure?” Her eyes were wide, as though she didn’t believe him.
“I know Reagan. She puts up with a lot of shit, but she would never tolerate him laying a hand on her.”
“Oh. Okay.”
The way she said it made him think she felt as though he was judging her. Was that what she was running from? An abusive ex-boyfriend?
“I don’t mean it like—”
“No. I get it. Reagan’s tough, anyway. I’m sure she could kick his butt.”
Reagan was feisty, there was no doubt about that.
“I honestly don’t know why she’s with him,” he told her, wanting to explain. “They’ve been together on and off since high school. I always thought…”
“What?” Amy was watching him intently.
Rhys pulled off the main road toward Reagan’s house. “I always thought she had a crush on someone else.”
“Who?”
He shrugged. “No clue. But it never seemed like she was really into Billy. He was just a way to pass the time.”
“Good grief. I’m sure there are two dozen other men in this town who’d be better to pass time with than him.” It was clear Amy wasn’t fond of the guy.
“Yeah. There are.”
When they pulled up to Reagan’s little two-bedroom rental, Rhys noticed her truck was outside.
So was Billy’s.
“Do they live together?”
“Yeah. But he’s gone a lot. He installs fiber optic lines throughout the state. And when he’s not workin’, he’s usually out partyin’. Stay there. I’ll get your door.”
Rhys shut off the engine, then made his way around to her side of the truck. When he heard the yelling coming from inside, he was tempted to tell Amy to stay put. He doubted that would go over well. After all, Amy had gone to the bar specifically wanting to check on Reagan.
Opening the door, he paused, his attention turning toward the house. He checked for his gun although he knew it was there.
“You think we should interrupt?” she asked, her eyes wide as she watched the house.
“Someone has to.”
Amy linked her fingers with his and Rhys paused to stare down at their hands for a moment. It hit him then that he was here with Amy and he hadn’t seen her since Saturday night. Although he knew there was an incident inside that had to be dealt with, there was suddenly something more pressing.
Turning to face her, he tilted her head back with his finger and leaned down.
She met him halfway and Rhys felt some of the pressure on his chest
dissipate. He hadn’t realized he’d been holding his breath until then.
Her free hand clutched his waist as he deepened the kiss. As much as he wanted to linger, Rhys knew they needed to get this over with. Maybe then he could spend a couple of hours with her. Alone.
“Come on,” he said, kissing her nose before pulling her to his side. “Let’s see what’s goin’ on.”
Rhys didn’t bother knocking. It wouldn’t have been heard over the angry voices coming from inside.
“I fucking hate you!” Reagan screamed. “Hate. You.”
“Yeah, well, I fuckin’ hate you, too.”
“Then let me leave!”
“Hell no. And what? Have you go fuck Lynx Caine? Ain’t happenin’, sweet thang. No way am I lettin’ that bastard get his hands on you.”
“Give me my truck keys!” Reagan yelled.
Rhys stepped inside, quickly scanning the room for a threat. Reagan was standing just a few feet from the door with a suitcase at her feet. Her hands were on her hips as she stared back at Billy, who was lounging in a ratty recliner.
“Get the fuck outta my house!” Billy hollered, shooting to his feet as soon as he noticed Rhys and Amy.
“What’s goin’ on?” he asked, looking at his sister.
“He stole my truck keys. I’m tryin’ to leave.”
“And go where?” Billy taunted. “You ain’t got nowhere to go. I’m the only one dumb enough to put up with your shit.”
Same fight, different day.
Rhys released Amy’s hand and stepped back, motioning toward the door. “Y’all go outside and I’ll get your keys.”
In the past, Reagan would’ve told Rhys to mind his own business. He’d figured the fighting was as much her fault as Billy’s and she did it to piss the man off. He’d intervened before only to be kicked out of her house with her insisting that they would work through it; they always did.
This time, Reagan nodded her head, snatched up her suitcase, and barreled through the screen door with Amy just a couple of steps behind her.
Looked as though his sister really was done with this asshole.
Thank God for small miracles.
Rhys held out his hand. “Pass ’em over.”
“Fuck you.”
Rhys sighed. “Don’t you think it’s time you grew the fuck up?”
“Oh, don’t go gettin’ high on your horse, Sheriff.”
“I’m not here in an official capacity, Billy. That’s my sister you’re stringin’ along. What I don’t get is why she hasn’t left your sorry ass long before now. Just give me the damn keys and you can move on with your life.”
“She ain’t gettin’ the rest of her shit.”
Rhys cocked one eyebrow. If Reagan wanted anything else in the house, he’d make sure she got it, but he wasn’t interested in playing this game with Billy right now.
“Keys, Billy.”
Billy tossed them over, glaring at him. “I ain’t takin’ her back this time. She just lost the best damn thing she ever had.”
He choked on a laugh. If Billy Watson was the best damn thing in her life, Reagan had nowhere to go but up.
With that, Rhys walked out the front door, gently pulling it shut behind him.
13
__________
“God, I hate him!” Reagan snapped, standing beside her truck while they waited for Rhys to come outside.
When Amy heard the screen door slap shut, her head snapped over, her eyes flying to the man coming out of the house.
Just Rhys.
“Did you get my keys?” Reagan demanded.
Rhys tossed them toward her. Reagan caught them.
“Thank you.” Her tone didn’t have a lot of sincerity, but Amy could tell she was grateful. “Damn it.”
“You need to leave for good this time,” Rhys told her.
Amy felt him move closer to her side and she welcomed his presence. She wasn’t sure when she’d gotten so comfortable with him, but she was.
“Trust me, I’m done.”
“Good.”
Reagan grabbed her suitcase and hefted it into the bed of the truck.
“Where’re you gonna stay?” Rhys asked his sister.
Reagan shrugged. “No clue.”
“You can stay in my guest room,” he offered.
Amy noticed the way Reagan’s nose scrunched up. “Although I appreciate the offer, Sheriff, I think I’ll pass.” Her blue eyes reflected more humor than frustration. “I love you and all, but I damn sure don’t wanna live with you.”
“You could always go stay with Mom and Pawpaw. I’m sure they could use the help.”
“Yeah. And listen to Pawpaw tell me every day that I’ve fucked up my life. No thank you.”
Amy looked at Rhys, then Reagan. “I’ve … uh … got an extra bedroom.”
Reagan’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”
Amy nodded.
The next thing she knew, Reagan was throwing her arms around her, hugging her tight. “Thank you. Oh, my God. Thank you!”
Reagan jumped back, practically skipping to her truck.
“Where’re you goin’?” Rhys asked.
“Work.” As though that made perfect sense. Reagan’s attention turned to Amy. “It’ll be late when I show up. You don’t mind, do you?”
Amy shook her head. “Of course not. Do you … uh … know where I live?”
“McKenzie Catlay’s old place, right?”
“Yeah.”
“I know where it is. I’ll shut the bar down a little early tonight.” Reagan’s smile was bright. “You’re a lifesaver, Amy. Thank you.”
Feeling as though she’d been hit by a tornado, Amy didn’t say anything more as Reagan backed out of the driveway, then tore out onto the road, leaving rubber on the asphalt behind her.
Rhys chuckled. “I hope you know what you’re in for.”
She seriously didn’t. But that was okay.
At least this way, she didn’t have to stay in her house alone.
An hour later, Amy was walking into her house, Rhys and Wolfe directly behind her. She and Rhys had driven back to Reagan’s bar so Amy could get her car. When they arrived, it looked as though half the town had showed up to see what had happened. She’d realized then just how quickly the news spread in a small town. Before they’d pulled out of the lot, Wolfe was pulling in, his truck blocking both of their vehicles.
This time, when Amy offered to cook dinner, he didn’t hesitate in agreeing. Of course, she’d made the offer to both of them.
The problem was, she really didn’t know what she could cook. She had very little in her fridge and even less in the pantry. It only took a second to get a full menu of options and they consisted of… “I don’t suppose y’all like grilled ham and cheese?”
Wolfe was the first to grin, followed quickly by Rhys.
“It’s our favorite,” they both lied in unison.
“Whatever.” Amy sighed.
Wolfe moved over, his hands curling over her shoulders as he pulled her into him. Amy went willingly, resting her head against his chest.
As he brushed his hand over her hair, he said, “How ’bout we let Rhys make grilled ham and cheese and we’ll supervise?”
“Me?” Rhys sounded appalled. “Have you ever known me to cook?”
“There’s a first time for everything,” Wolfe noted.
Amy laughed, pulling back. “I can cook, it’s just—”
Before she could finish the sentence, Rhys moved past her, swatting her on the butt and chuckling. “I’ve got this, girl. Never underestimate the power of law enforcement.”
“Trust me, I won’t make that mistake ever again.” Although she’d said the words under her breath, Amy hadn’t meant for them to come out. And she especially hadn’t meant for Rhys and Wolfe to hear them.
“What?” Wolfe’s emerald gaze slammed into her, his tone hard, his concern apparent.
As she stared at them, she felt heat creep into her cheeks. What had she d
one?
“Amy? What do you mean by that?” Rhys’s tone was more pained that angry, but she saw the worry on his handsome features just the same.
“Nothing. Oh, God.” Amy covered her face and tore out of the room, going straight for the guest bedroom.
She needed to get it ready for Reagan.
Yes. That was what she needed to do.
How could she be so stupid? She’d managed to keep her mouth shut for a solid year, and suddenly she’d let out her greatest secret. Not to mention, her biggest fear.
It had to be because of what Reagan was going through. The mere thought of Reagan’s boyfriend hitting her had been a fear Amy had wrestled with all day.
Staring at the empty guest room, she tried to think what she should do first. Anything to keep her mind off the past and to keep the men in her kitchen from asking questions. She didn’t have anything except for a futon for Reagan to sleep on, but she was sure she and Reagan could figure that out. Amy had never anticipated actually having guests.
“Amy?”
Wolfe.
Unable to move, she stood facing away from the gruff voice behind her. She figured there were two imposing men standing there, wanting some answers. Answers she wasn’t ready to give because she didn’t want to relive the past. It was bad enough she continued to have nightmares.
She didn’t want those memories imposing during the day.
Hell, she didn’t want the memories at all.
Wolfe wanted Amy to turn around and spill her guts, to tell him what the hell was going on. Why she’d say something like that.
No, he needed Amy to talk to him. It was no longer a mere want.
And he knew that Rhys would demand it. The man couldn’t possibly sit back and allow a statement like that to slide. It was clear something had happened to her and it was obvious it had to do with law enforcement.
Glancing over at Rhys, Wolfe nodded toward Amy, signaling for him to address the situation.
Rhys moved past him into the room, coming to stand behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders. “Talk to me, Amy. Please.”
She shook her head. “I can’t.”
“You need to.”
“No. I don’t. Please, just let it go.”
Rhys turned Amy around, tilting her head back to force her to look at him. Wolfe moved in beside him.
Hard to Hold Page 15
