He took a deep breath and blew it out. “I know that. Deep down, I know that but it hurt me that you didn’t come here with me. I was a broken man when you left here and then I had to return by myself.”
She leaned down and kissed his lips. “I’m so sorry. I love you, Kota. I’ve never stopped.”
He rolled over to face her and smoothed her hair back over her shoulder. “I love you too, but there are too many things between us. I believe you love me, I do. But...”
“There should be no buts, Dakota. We belong together. I honestly believe that. I love you. Don’t send me away.” She placed her hand on his lightly whiskered cheek. “We can make this work.”
“I want to believe you, but you told me you loved me once before. I asked you to stay here with me and you refused. How can I trust you to be telling me the truth now?”
She sat up, pulled the sheet up under her arms, and leaned against the headboard. “If I didn’t still love you, I wouldn’t be in this bed with you.”
Dakota sat up against the headboard beside her. “Love isn’t in question here. It’s more about loyalty than anything else. You weren’t loyal to me, only to Aiden and right now he is still between us and until you let him go, there is no way we’re going to make it.”
“I think you’re being a little unfair about this.”
“Unfair? How in the hell am I being unfair about this? You’re the one who couldn’t commit to me enough to leave Denver while I followed my dream. You’re the one who broke us apart. Not me. You put Aiden before me and he’s still there. He’s the reason you’re here now and he’s the reason you probably have a mad man after you. He has never done anything for anyone but himself. Even while he was in jail, he had you call me for money to get him out. What did he do once he was out? He ran. He fucking ran, just as I said he would. He didn’t care what or who he left behind. It was no worry to him that I was out ten thousand dollars or that you might be left to the mercy of a criminal he’d borrowed money from. As I said, Aiden thinks of Aiden and fuck everyone else.”
Megan slid out of the bed, put her clothes on, and stared down at him. “He ran because he’s scared––”
“Bullshit! He knew he was going to run before he even figured out how he’d get out of jail. Hell, he probably knew he could get you to do anything to get him out. I’d bet he gave you some damn sob story about how rough it was in there for him––” Dakota stopped and then laughed when she blushed. “He did, didn’t he? Christ! He knows exactly how to play you, Megan. All he has to do is act like a scared little boy and you cave. Well, let me tell you something, he isn’t too much of a little boy if he had the balls to double cross Caporale. He was stupid to do it, but he wasn’t scared or he never would have done it. If he’d been smart, he never would have gotten involved with Caporale in the first place. If that animal gets a hold of your brother, he’s a dead man.” He swung his legs over the bed and stood.
Megan gasped. “Don’t say that.”
“I’m telling you the truth. Why do you think the FBI wants to get to Aiden first? Because they know what Caporale will do to him.” Dakota thrust his fingers through his hair. She really wished he’d put pants on. As if reading her mind, he entered the bathroom and then came back with his sweatpants on. Not much better, but better. He sat on the bed.
“Aiden is all we ever fight about. It’s been that way since we first dated. Nothing else triggers an argument like your brother does and I’m tired of it, Megan. I’m just tired of it. I can’t live like this. I’m not going to spend my life with you when you can’t let go of your brother. He’s a twenty-three-year-old man. It’s time he acted like one. I was a grown man by the time I was eighteen. I had to grow up because my parents died. Just like yours and Aiden’s, but Aiden substituted you as his mother. Nathan raised me but I learned to stand on my own. You’re Aiden’s crutch. A crutch he doesn’t fucking need.”
Megan marched across the room to the door. “Well, I certainly can’t abandon him now, can I?” She reached for the doorknob but Dakota grasped her arm and spun her around to face him.
“Why not? He’s already abandoned you,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Let go of me.” She jerked her arm from him. “We will never agree on this. Once he’s found, I’m out of here and don’t touch me again.”
“You’re the one who invited me to take a bath with you. I only took what you offered. You’ve always been hot in bed so why should I turn that down?”
Megan slapped him. “Don’t make me sound like a whore.”
Dakota grasped her arms and pulled her close to him. “Don’t ever hit me again. I may take a lot of shit from you, but it won’t be that.” He shoved her from him. “Go to your room and leave me alone. You are right about one thing. Once he’s found, you’re out of here on that pretty little ass of yours.”
She stared up at him then turned from him before he could see the tears in her eyes. She practically ran down the hallway to her room. Slamming the door behind her, she threw herself across the bed and cried until she fell asleep.
Chapter Eight
“I can pay you back, Mr. Caporale,” Aiden pleaded as he stood in front of Vincent Caporale’s desk.
The man sat behind it, staring at him as he leaned back in his chair. Aiden shifted his eyes around quickly. There was no way he’d ever escape. He knew the two goons standing on each side of him would grab him if he tried anything stupid.
“Can you now? How do you propose to do that?”
“I can get it from my sister—”
Caporale laughed aloud. “Your sister doesn’t have that kind of money any more than you do. You see, I talked to her, Aiden. When I didn’t hear from you, I made a visit to your apartment to look for you. That was when I found out that you’d run. You’re a very stupid man, Aiden Carson. To run from the embezzlement charges was bad enough but the bank won’t kill you, like I will.”
Aiden swallowed hard. “I swear I can get you the money. My sister doesn’t have it but her boyfriend does. He’s a rich man.”
Caporale pushed out of his chair and slowly stood. “Who is this rich man?”
“His name is Dakota Walker. He used to be a defense attorney––”
“I know exactly who he is.” Caporale walked around the desk and stood in front of Aiden, so close it made him take a step back. “What makes you think he’d repay the money for you?”
Aiden forced a laugh. “How do you think I got out on bail? My sister asked him for the money and he gave it to her. They’re very much in love.” Aiden shrugged. “Dakota would do anything for her.”
He swallowed hard, and seriously hoped, Caporale didn’t find out he was lying about this. Since he ran after getting the money for bail, he was certain Dakota would never speak to Megan again but Caporale didn’t know that.
“Your sister didn’t mention this to me when I spoke with her.”
“She’s mad at me for running.”
Caporale laughed. “I’m sure Walker is even madder if it’s true that he gave you the money to get out.”
“Let me do this for you and you’ll never see me again.”
“I had plans to kill you, Aiden. In fact, I was going to do it myself because, fool that I was, I trusted you, but then you stole from me,” Caporale shouted.
Aiden grimaced. “I’m sorry, Mr. Caporale, but I can get you the money. I’ll pay every bit of the fifty thousand—” He hesitated when he saw Caporale shake his head. “What?”
“Oh, you’re going to pay me that and more. I want seventy-five thousand. Interest, you see. It adds up so quickly.”
Aiden could feel the blood draining from his face and he was surprised he didn’t actually pass out. “Seventy...seventy-five thousand? But—”
Caporale sliced his hand through the air. “There are no buts! You will pay me what I want or you die. It’s as simple as that. Is your life worth it?” He strode back around the desk and sat down. “Or I’ll just kill your sister instead. One of
you will pay for this, with your life or the money.”
“If you kill either of us, you won’t get your money at all.” Aiden threw out.
Caporale laughed. “Come on now, Aiden. Do you think the money really matters to me? Seventy-five thousand is pocket change. It’s the principle of the thing. I would make an example out of you to others who might think of crossing me.” He stared at him for a minute. “I’m going to do this. I’m going to take another fucking chance on you. I want that money within a week, or I will kill you and your sister.”
“But Megan didn’t have anything to do with it.”
“Do you think I care?” Caporale stood and placed his hands on the desk and leaned forward. “If you dare try to run again, I will kill her and then hunt you down. Trust me on this...you will suffer before you die. Where does Walker live? My men are going to be tailing you to make sure you don’t do anything foolish.”
“H-he lives on a ranch in Wyoming.”
Caporale nodded. “I’d heard he left Denver. Where in Wyoming?”
“Dry River,” Aiden said.
“Never heard of it, but I will know where you are every second, Aiden and if you dare even try to lose my men, you’re a dead man. Got it?”
“Yes, sir, Mr. Caporale.”
“Get him out of here. Take him to my house and lock him in a room,” Caporale barked at his men.
The two goons each took a hold of Aiden’s arms and walked him out of the office, and then down to the garage. After putting him in the back of a black SUV, they drove to Caporale’s home and locked him in a room. Aiden didn’t know what was worse, the thought of facing Megan and Dakota or having Vincent Caporale kill him.
****
Dakota sat in his office in town, and stared out the window. It was a sunny, beautiful day but he saw none of it. All he saw was Megan’s face when they’d argued two days ago. Neither one had made any effort to speak to the other since. He couldn’t believe, that after all the hell Aiden had put her through, she still defended him. Aiden would always be there between them. He might as well be a twenty-foot high cement wall between them. They’d never agree on anything concerning him. And as far as Dakota was concerned, there was no love lost there since it was because of Aiden that Dakota had lost the one woman he’d always love.
Pushing his chair back, Dakota stood and walked to the window. Snow flurries fluttered around though the sun was shining down brightly. Thanksgiving was next week and he had no clue what to do about it. Usually, he spent it with Shelly and Nathan, but with Megan at the ranch, would they want Megan to join them.
Dakota blew out a breath. He knew they’d never turn her away. She’d spent Thanksgiving with them before she left him. Aiden too, for that matter, although Dakota hadn’t been too happy about that, but he’d never been able to tell her no. About anything.
Sighing, he walked back to his desk to work on a case. The phones were ringing, which was good. He was always busy but never too busy to keep Megan out of his mind. She was always there. Even before she came back to ask to borrow money for Aiden. Dakota knew the minute she asked for it, he was going to give it to her and he never really cared if he didn’t get it back. He’d do anything for her. Anything she asked of him.
He turned when someone knocked at his office door. He called out for them to come in. His receptionist, Phoebe walked in with a big smile. The woman wanted him and let him know in every way possible. She was beautiful but married, and married women were off limits to him. Besides, he also didn’t mess with women who worked for him.
“I’m going to lunch. Do you want me to bring you something back? You’ve been holed up in here all day.”
Dakota smiled. “I’ll get something in a bit. I have another case to look over then I’m leaving for the day. It is Friday and you know I like to let everyone go early.”
“Any plans for tonight?”
“Just going home to relax.”
“Anytime you want to relax with me, let me know.”
“Phoebe...”
She waved her hand. “I know, Dakota, but Ray and I are getting a divorce and you have to know I’m interested in you.”
Dakota nodded. “You work for me.”
Phoebe laughed. “I’ll quit.”
Dakota blew out a laugh. “You’re too good of a receptionist.”
Phoebe tilted her head. “You’re not over her, are you?”
“I’m not discussing Megan with you or anyone else.” He clenched his jaw.
“You just answered my question.” Phoebe smiled at him. “All right, I’ll be back in a while.” She gave him a little wave and left the office.
Dakota shook his head and laughed. Women. Nothing but trouble. But man, he loved every one of them—especially, the one staying in his home right now. He dreaded going home and seeing her there. Even loving her as he did, he didn’t want to see her. Any time he saw her, he wanted her. His dick twitched thinking of being between her legs again. Fuck!
He moved behind his desk and tried not to think about her. He sure as hell couldn’t walk out of here with a hard-on. An hour later, he closed the computer down and walked into the outer office. Phoebe, and his secretary, Ruby smiled up at him.
“I’m out of here. If you need me, call me. Once you two are done, go home. I’ll see you both on Monday.” He smiled at them then left the office. Once outside, he crossed the street and headed toward Zellene’s. He loved the little restaurant and they had fantastic food. When he opened the door, the smell almost brought him to his knees. He hadn’t realized he was so hungry.
A hostess seated him and handed him a menu. He opened it and scanned the selections.
“Hi, Dakota.”
He glanced up and smiled at the young woman standing there. “Hey Chloe, how are you doing?”
She pulled out a chair and took a seat. “I’m good. What about you?”
“I’m good. Ready for the weekend.” He stared at her a minute. “I heard you’re leaving us.”
She quickly blinked her eyes and nodded.
“I am. I hate to leave, but...” She shrugged.
“Then why go?” Dakota leaned forward and rested his arms on the table.
“It’s hard to explain,” Chloe said.
“Try me,” Dakota said in low voice. “I’ve been told I’m a good listener. I guess it comes with the job skills.”
“My parents give me an allowance every month. It’s how I keep this place up and running. I can’t do it on just what this place makes. My parents know this and since they know how much I loved inheriting this from my nana, they helped me out. I could never keep this or the house without their help.” Chloe shrugged again. “They said I’ve been playing restaurant owner long enough and I need to come home and marry David Campbell. He’s a man I’ve known since we were both in diapers. I think they knew all along that they were going to do this. I mean I love David but not in the way, a wife loves a husband. He’s like the brother I never had.”
“Why do your parents want you to marry him?” Dakota didn’t tell her he’d already heard the reasoning behind it. He wanted to hear it from Chloe.
“His parents and mine want to merge their hotels into one...two families coming together as one. No one buys out the other or shares stock just merges them together.” Chloe blew out a breath. “It sounds crazy but it’s what they want, and I lose my monthly allowance if I don’t do it. I have no idea what I’ll do with the house. I can keep the restaurant running without me being here, but the house is another matter. My parents told me if I marry David, they’ll give me money to keep the restaurant, and house...and I have to keep them, Dakota. You know they belonged to my grandmother and I can’t let her down by losing them. And I would, if I don’t marry David.”
Dakota couldn’t comprehend any of it. “So they’re making you do what they want, not what you want.” He shook his head. “It’s not fair to you, Chloe. How can you marry a man you don’t love? At least, not in the way you should.”
Ch
loe stared at him. “I don’t have a real choice in the matter. Even if I stay here, there are no other jobs in this area. It’s a ranching and farming community. I love Dry River, but I’m going to have to go back and do what they want. I really don’t have any job skills either. I could move back here after the wedding but I’ll be married, and I don’t think David will want to move here. And something tells me if we lived separately, our parents would do something else to make us stay together. He works at the hotel his parents own and he loves it, although he’s being forced into this too.” She took a deep breath. “It’s sad, for both of us.”
“I’m sorry. I wish I knew what to tell you, but I don’t. I hate that you’re leaving and I know Kennie is really upset.”
Chloe smiled at him for the first time since sitting down. “I know she is. I’ll keep in touch with her though.”
Dakota grunted. “I don’t think that’s going to help. You’re her best friend.”
“She has Cooper now,” Chloe said.
Dakota chuckled. “Not the same. You women have to have your friends.”
“I agree. We women don’t have a lot of friends, but the ones we do have are close.”
Dakota frowned. “I’ve never understood that. Women only have a few close friends.”
Chloe laughed. “Competition, baby. Women don’t really like women.”
Dakota smiled. “I get it now.”
“If you know what you want, I’ll tell them in the kitchen,” Chloe said as she stood.
“Cheeseburger and onion rings with tea.”
“Got it. It’ll be right out.”
“Chloe? I hope it works out for you.”
Her smile was sad. “Me too. I’ll see you all before I’m gone. I plan on having a party here before I leave.”
“All right.” Dakota watched her walk away, hating that she was hurting. Chloe was a good person and her parents were wrong to pressure her into marrying a man she didn’t love. He knew she was right about the job situation though. Dry River wasn’t a business type of town and the closest town for good jobs was over two hours away. He mentally shook his head. He really felt bad for her. Without job skills, it wouldn’t do her any good even to search two hours away. What a mess.
Dakota Bad Boys of Dry River, WY Book 5 Page 11
