The Senator's Daughter (Heritage Series Book 3)

by Ciana Stone

  Russell picked her up and swung her around. "That calls for a celebration. How long before dinner?"

  "An hour?"

  "Then come see your surprise. It's out back."

  Naomie laughed and clapped her hands when they walked out onto the back porch. Sitting under a big oak was a shiny new metal horse trough. A garden hose was already stretched across the small yard, dumping water into the trough.

  She ran over to it. "It's nearly full!"

  "I'm surprised you didn't see it. I had the boys bring it over an hour ago."

  "You are the sweetest man ever!" she gave him a quick, noisy kiss and started shucking her clothes. "Come on, get in."

  The water was cold and she shivered a bit for the first few seconds. Then Russell climbed in, blew out a breath and sat facing her, his long legs stretched out so that she was sitting between his feet.

  "This is damn cold." He sunk beneath the water and when he rose, shook his head. "Whew!"

  Naomie smiled at him. "This is perfect."

  "Most women would consider this far from perfect."

  "Because they don't know the sheer joy of getting into a cold trough of water on a hot summer day and feeling all that heat just seep right out. It’s a little slice of heaven."

  Russell smiled at her and leaned forward as he took her hand and pulled her forward as well. "I love you."

  "Oh, Russ, when you say that my heart absolutely melts into puddles of happiness."

  His kiss was flavored with enough passion to have her feeling far less cool than a moment before, but also with a tenderness that caught her off-guard. She pulled back to look at him and he cupped her face with his hand. "You are my dream, Naomie. The one I was afraid to wish for."

  She brushed at a tear that escaped and smiled. "That new bed is going to get thoroughly broken in tonight."

  "Is that so?"

  "Iron clad, guarantee. Now, tell me about your day since I last saw you."

  She listened to him talk, noticing how he took one of her feet in his hands and started massaging, without seeming to pay attention to what he was doing. Naomie loved to watch and listen to him. He didn't embellish but there were times when something struck him as humorous and he'd laugh.

  This was as close to perfect as it got for her, the two of them sitting in a trough of water, cooling off, relaxing and talking about their day. The sound of the kitchen timer gained her attention, "Wow, that was a fast hour. I need to finish dinner."

  "Need help?"

  "Always." She climbed out and gathered up her clothes then waited and watched as Russell did the same. Naomie smiled when he looked at her. "You know, if I'd known how good you look naked, I'd have found a way to get you out of your clothes a lot sooner."

  "Bull."

  She raised an eyebrow. "You know me better than that and you're way too modest for a man who looks this good."

  He stepped over and leaned down to give her a kiss. "I'm grateful you think so."

  "And I'm grateful I finally got you out of your clothes. Come on, time to cook."

  "I thought you already did?" He fell in step with her and they walked up to the back porch. Naomie piled her clothes on one of the chairs and used her discarded shirt to dry off with. After a moment, Russell did the same.

  "I did, for the most part," she finally answered. "I still have to steam the rice, fix a salad and cook the bread. DeLyn gave me some of the yeast rolls she made. She makes the world's best yeast rolls. I could turn into a dough-belly those things are so addictive."

  Russell laughed. "Somehow I don't think you'll ever be able to sit still long enough to gain weight."

  "Well, it's not like I need to," she replied. "No one would ever mistake me for anorexic."

  "Thank god," Russell grabbed hold of her and pulled her against him, running his hands down her back to take hold of her ass and squeeze. "You're perfect the way you are."

  "Awww, you sure know how to sweet talk a gal, Mr. Walker."

  The smack he gave her ass had her jumping, then laughing. "Oh, so you pick now for that?"

  "Just a preview," his smile was sexy enough to have her strongly considering declaring a delay for dinner. But the rumble in her stomach convinced her otherwise.

  "Such a tease." She gave him a quick kiss, gathered up her clothes and went into the house. After tossing her clothing into the dirty clothes hamper, she went into the kitchen and turned off the timer, turned the oven to warm and then went into the bedroom, calling out to Russell. "You have clean clothes in the closet if you want to take a shower. Just toss your stuff in the hamper and I'll add it to the next load I wash."

  "Shower? Sounds perfect."

  The next thing she knew, he had her across his shoulder, heading for the bathroom with her laughing and squealing. Dinner was delayed after all, and two hours later they both lay across the new bed, damp with sweat and almost too lazy to move.

  "I think I need another shower," she murmured, running her fingertips over his torso. "A real one."

  "If I could muster the energy, I'd join you."

  "Oh, I think you'll manage." Naomie rolled over on top of him and gave him a long kiss before getting off him and the bed. "Come on."

  She didn't wait to see if he'd follow, but went into the bathroom, turned on the water in the shower and by the time she was stepping in, he was right behind her. This time they actually focused on cleaning.

  "Were you serious about what you said?" He surprised her with the question.

  "Yes. I won't be putting any more time in on Petrov," she said as she moved aside so he could rinse. "Or government projects. I'm staying here. If you want me to."

  "More than I've ever wanted anything."

  Naomie didn't think she'd heard words that meant more. It brought tears to her eyes. "I love you."

  "I never really knew what that meant until you. You're it for me."

  "If I weren't plumb worn out, I'd jump you right now, but I need sustenance."

  "You don't know the half of it."

  "Well, finish up and I'll go get started. You want rice or bowtie noodles?

  "With what?

  "Chicken Ghiveci."

  "Since I've never had it, I don't know. What do you prefer?"

  "Rice."

  "Then rice it is."

  "Okay, I'm on it." She gave him a kiss and got out of the shower, humming as she dried off, dressed and went into the kitchen to finish up the meal.

  "Can I help?"

  "Mother of God," Naomie put her hand to her chest when she turned and saw him. Wearing a pair of old jeans that were a little loose and a wife-beater undershirt, he looked good enough to stop traffic.

  "What?" Russell looked genuinely perplexed.

  "Suddenly I'm hungry for something besides chicken."

  He laughed and walked over to kiss her. "Give a guy a chance to recover, hot stuff."

  "If I must," She gave a dramatic sigh and smiled. "Do you want salad?"

  "Not really."

  "How about a drink while we wait on the rice. I bought your brand of bourbon. It's in the cupboard."

  "You twisted my arm. Want one?"

  "Not even on a bet. I only like the way it tastes on you. You can grab that big jar from the refrigerator and pour me a glass."

  He took the jar from the refrigerator. "What is this?"

  "Naomie's peach-shine."

  "Say what?"

  "I tried my hand at making shine and like peaches so…"

  "Peach moonshine?"

  "It's pretty yummy. Taste it."

  He poured some into a glass and took a drink. "Whew, that packs a kick, but it's good."

  "Then have a glass. And come over here and let me see if I like it on you."

  Russell poured another glass and carried them both to where she stood. He handed her one and she clinked it against his, then took a drink. "Now, come 'ere."

  Naomie put one hand on the back of his neck and pulled him down as she stood on tiptoe. She took her time, letting th
e kiss take on heat and a growing sense of excitement. "Are you sure you want dinner?" she whispered against his lips.

  "No."

  That made her giggle and he chuckled as well. "I swear to God, you're turning me into the equivalent of a horny teenage boy."

  "Is that a complaint?"

  "Never."

  "Good, because I don't think I'll ever get my fill of you."

  "No?"

  She shook her head. "Nope, you're too good."

  "You do know how to flatter a man."

  "Hardly. Ask anyone whose known me for a while. I'm not a flatterer, and I rarely meet anyone who lights my fire, certainly no one who has the way you do." She picked up her glass. "It occurred to me that I need to live more in a state of gratitude."

  "Meaning?"

  "Meaning that I live a life that some people can only dream of. I've attended some of the finest universities in the world and was given free reign to explore each and every field that intrigued me.

  "I've had not one but several successful careers, traveled, seen the world, met so any wonderful and interesting people, and I ended up in a place that one special family has protected and preserved. There's such beauty here and a feeling that's – it's … sanctuary." She looked up as the right word appeared. "Yes, sanctuary. Loved and tended and guarded by a man I was pretty sure didn't exist.

  "I know what a good man is. My father is one. I thought maybe he was the only one. And then I met you and dear God, the feelings that rioted through me almost took me to my knees. There you were, all six-foot four of strength and character, honor and intelligence, with eyes that saw right into my soul and were capable of turning my thoughts to all the ways I so wanted to sin with you.

  "I didn't really believe you'd ever make that step toward me. I was so close to giving up and just running away. And then…"

  She set her glass down. "Russ, what we have is more than I ever dreamed and I'm grateful for every moment we have. I need to live in that, not forget how blessed I am, and I need you to know, it's all because of you."

  "I think you just knocked me off my feet."

  "In a good way or bad?"

  "Good. Very good. And I'm with you, honey. Grateful for every second."

  The rice steamer pinged. "And ready to sample my mama's recipe?"

  "You know it."

  Within minutes they were seated at the table, enjoying the meal. Naomie smiled at his compliments on the meal, and eagerly accepted his offer to help clean up. They talked about the breeding program, the family, the grandkids and about Harley's new rodeo school which would open next month. Rusty spent so much time over there helping, Harley had asked him to be an official greeter for the kids who arrived. He was over the moon thrilled.

  Naomie believed it wouldn’t be long before Nash and Harley were doing more than just dating. Russell didn't have an issue with that. He'd love to see Nash have a family, some more kids and someone who loved him.

  When they finished cleaning up, they went out and sat on the porch swing. It was a nice night, crickets were chirping and there was a light breeze. Within an hour, they were both yawning. "Want to go snuggle up in bed and watch a movie or something?"

  "Yes on the snuggling. As for the movie–"

  The sounds of gunfire had both of them bolting to their feet. They ran inside. Russell quickly pulled on his boots and slid his arms into the sleeves of a button up shirt. There were more gunshots, so Naomie bypassed socks and just crammed her feet into her cowboy boots and headed for the door.

  Russell's phone rang before they were in his truck. "Yeah? We're on the way."

  "What?" Naomie asked as she closed her door.

  "Someone in the barn shooting. Miles and Roy gave chase and shots were exchanged. That's all I know."

  "Drop me at my lab. I'll get my med kit."

  "You got it."

  Naomie was out of the truck before it came to a complete stop. "Go on. I'll be there in just a couple of minutes."

  She ran inside, checked her kit and slung the strap across her body as she headed back outside. Lights blazed around the barn, the paddocks as well as along the driveways. Naomie ran as fast as she could.

  Just as she reached the barn door, Nash walked out. He grabbed Naomie by the arms. "Before you go in there listen to me."

  "Now I know it's bad. Let go of me." She struggled to break away.

  "Naomie, listen!"

  She stopped fighting him. "I'm listening."

  "The new mare is gone and one of the stallions is in bad shape. There's a man in there as well. He exchanged fire with Miles and was hit in the abdomen. Dale and Mitch are with him, keeping pressure on the wound and we've called for an ambulance, but we need you to check him."

  "I hear you. Will you let go of me now?"

  He released her and she ran past the people crowded around the men huddled on the floor with the gunshot victim. Her path took her straight to Breezy's stall. When she looked in, she had to grab hold of the door to keep her legs beneath her.

  "Turn away," Russell's voice came from behind her a split second before he took her arm and turned her to face him. "You can't help her now."

  "Gun? Midnight?"

  "Gun's fine. Midnight…I don't know."

  "We need to get him into surgery now."

  "We have a man down."

  "A man who tried to kill our horses. You want me to save him over Midnight?"

  "We have to."

  She jerked away. "Fine."

  Russell parted the crowd and Naomie knelt beside the wounded man. It didn't take long for her to ascertain that he would live. "It's a clean through-and-through." She packed and bandaged the entry and exits wounds and then leaned over and looked into the man's face. "Who sent you to do this?"

  He shook his head and she heard Mace's voice behind her. "There was a note. On Breezy."

  Naomie got her to her feet and turned to him. "I want to see. And get Midnight into the surgical bay now."

  "Get on it," Mace ordered the men and fell into step with Naomie and Russell as they all headed for the medical building.

  Mace pulled a bloody piece of folded paper from his back pocket, holding only onto one corner. "I only touched the corner."

  Naomie snatched a fresh pair of gloves from her bag, put them on and took the paper. She unfolded it and felt rage explode inside her. She read the note aloud.

  You made a big mistake and you'd be wise to figure out a way to make sure what was taken from me is returned, quickly. If I do not have what's mine in five days, then you will see how a real man exacts vengeance. Without mercy.

  If you do not understand the meaning of that statement, ask your whore. She knows all too well. And should you be tempted to ignore my promise, do bear in mind. This IS your daughter.

  "I'm going to end that son-of-a-bitch," Russell snatched the note from Naomie's hand.

  "And I'm going to help you," Mace declared.

  "You're quiet," Russell commented when they reached the medical building and Naomie had not spoken."

  "You've got to get Delaney away from him, Russ." She stopped once inside and faced him. "Call Cici and have her try and talk to Delaney. Or Dillion. Someone, everyone. Lie to her if you have to, but get her away from him."

  Russell looked at Mace. "I'll stay here with Naomie and–"

  "No, I've got this. You two do what needs to be done. I'll let you know when I'm finished."

  "Are you sure?"

  "I am. There they are. Okay, get moving. I have a horse to save."

  Chapter Thirteen

  Heritage Ranch, Texas

  Time had no meaning for Naomie. She could think of nothing but saving Midnight Walker. A couple of times she thought she was going to lose him, but when she finished closing him, she had hope he would pull through.

  She convinced one of her assistants to stay with Midnight while she literally ran to her cottage, showered, and changed clothes. She grabbed her laptop and headed back for the medical building to release he
r assistants so they could get some rest. After making a pot of coffee, she set up her laptop and logged onto a highly protected and encrypted account, one she used when she needed complete assurance the email could not be traced.

  Naomie heard the coffee maker ping and got up to pour herself a cup. She reread the note left for the Walkers by Petrov and felt rage start to bubble. She'd hoped she could put him, and everything associated with him, in her rearview and move forward with her life. That didn't seem to be the case.

  He was going to have to be dealt with, regardless of whether they talked Delaney into coming home. When Naomie sat again, she accessed the encrypted email account. What she saw had her stomach turning suddenly sour, and she felt like she was going to throw up. She closed her laptop and sat there for a few minutes, willing the nausea and anxiety to stop.

  Why was it that when she'd finally figured out what she wanted in life and had actually found it, fate seemed bent on pulling the rug out from under her? Naomie knew all too well the debts she'd racked up from favors afforded to her over the years and did her best to repay them many times over, but she was tired of the secrets and risks and wanted to have a normal life.

  She wanted a life with Russ. But it looked like that wasn't going to be on the menu until she put some things to bed once and for all and to do that, she was going to need help. She picked up her phone and placed a call.

  "Long time," Wiley answered. "What's up?"

  "Too long and this isn't a social call."

  "Talk to me."

  "I need your help. You and Riggs."

  "Okay. Why Riggs?"

  "I need people I can trust without question, and it involves his family."

  "All right. When and where?"

  "Can you pick up Riggs and meet me in twenty-four hours?"

  "Where?"

  "D.C. I'll text you the place."

  "Is Riggs in?"

  "I'll know soon enough and text you as soon as I talk to him."

  "I'll be waiting."

  "Thank you, Wiley. I wouldn't ask if–"

  "You don't have to explain. Talk soon."

  Naomie pushed back the emotional response his willingness to help brought surging to the surface and placed a call to Riggs. To her surprise, he answered on the second ring. "Hey, beautiful. Everything okay?"