by Mina Carter
She relaxed. “Forever?”
He nodded. “If it takes forever for you to feel safe, sweetheart, we’ll stay there forever.”
“And no one but us will be there.”
“No one else will be there unless you say it’s okay, and you’ve signed your acknowledgement in triplicate.”
Pepper rolled her eyes. “You know why, right?”
“You just told me.”
“Not just that.” She licked her lips. “I want the freedom to walk around naked… and have a little fun in every room of the house.”
Connall hummed his agreement, leaning over to kiss her.
She slid her hands into his hair. “I love you. More than you could ever know.”
“I love you too. Now, let’s eat and then we can visit Jonesy. You’ll be able to ride him as early as Monday or Tuesday. The parson will be here with everyone for dinner tonight, so we’ll sign the book, have dinner, and then plan on sleeping at the guest house. Does that work?”
“Yes. Perfect.”
“We need to set up some ground rules, though.”
Pepper nodded. “I can’t shut you out.”
“You can’t shut me out.”
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’ll do better.”
“That’s all I ask.”
“Do we have to eat right now?” she asked as she rose to her feet.
“What else did you have in mind?”
She grinned and pulled her T-shirt over her head. “I’ll let you guess.”
* * *
Connall woke to quiet. He and Pepper had slept in the pitifully small guest house bed, and there was no denying he was alone. At the present time, the bed wasn’t moving with her constant tossing and turning. He checked the bathroom and when he couldn’t find her, he pulled on sweats and a T-shirt and made his way downstairs. He heard the sound of singing coming from the kitchen. Slightly off-key, but still lovely. Following the sound of the music, he padded to the kitchen. Pepper was dancing around the room, wooden spoon in hand, and Connall grinned as she dipped the spoon into the pan and then used it as a microphone.
He realized she had ear buds in both ears, which was why her pitch was off, but he didn’t care. She was adorable. She wore one of his T-shirts, and it was tight across her chest but long enough to fall past her bottom. When she raised her arms to reach into one of the cabinets, the shirt lifted to reveal white lace boy shorts. She placed salt and pepper on the counter and stirred the eggs.
“Would it kill you to learn how to love me? Would it kill you to think just for a moment like I do?” she sang, her hips swaying to the music.
He grinned as he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms.
Pepper salted the eggs and turned toward the fridge. “Do you ever stop to think before you take that drink from that bitter cup that’s kill—” She caught sight of Connall and let out a squeal, dropping the spoon.
He chuckled and bent down to pick it up.
“How long have you been standing there?” she asked as she pulled her ear buds out and set her iPod on the counter.
“Long enough to appreciate the view.” Connall dropped the spoon in the sink and wrapped his arms around her. “That doesn’t sound like a Fallen Crown song.”
“It’s The Citizens.”
“Ahh, they’re not bad, I guess.”
“You guess? They’re my absolute second favorite band,” she said.
He chuckled. “So long as they’re not your first.”
She kissed his chin. “Are you hungry?”
“Hm-mmm.” He ran his lips across her jaw and down her neck.
She giggled. “For food?”
“Huh-uh.” He slipped his hands under the waistband of her underwear and cupped her bottom.
She licked her lips. “But I made eggs.”
He focused on her neck again. “I see that.”
“Coffee?”
“Later.”
He lifted her up against the wall, using the flat surface as an anchor. Divesting her quickly of her clothes, he kissed her until neither of them could breathe.
The irritating squeal of the smoke detector sounded in the background and Pepper groaned as she gripped his shoulders. “The eggs,” she panted.
With a grunt of irritation, he turned off the stove, pushed the pan to the back of the cook-top, and opened the small window closest to the fridge. All while holding her. He then carried her up to the bedroom and made her forget about breakfast as well.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
PEPPER KISSED CONNALL’S chest and ran her hand across his stomach. “You seriously should be deemed illegal.”
He chuckled. “And why is that?”
“Because you’re entirely too perfect. Your body’s like granite.”
He kissed her forehead. “I’m kind of partial to yours, personally. Soft in all the right places.”
She grinned and straddled his hips. “I could probably endeavor to make several of those soft places a little more tone.”
“I’d rather you not.” He stroked her thighs. “I love you just the way you are.”
She leaned down and kissed him, just as the doorbell sounded.
“Who could that be?” she asked, irritated.
“I’ll find out.” Connall set her back on the mattress and stood. “Then we can do that again.”
Pepper grinned and kissed him, settling her head in her palm, admiring the view as he pulled his jeans and a T-shirt on and made his way out of the room. She heard the sound of male voices coming from downstairs and hoped it wasn’t one of his brothers. If it was, she’d have to wait a while for an encore of the morning’s activities.
Pepper, get dressed.
The urgency in Connall’s request caused her heart to race in fear.
What’s wrong? She heard something shatter and break downstairs as she rushed to pull clothes on. Con?
I need you to run, Pepper.
Where? Out the window?
He didn’t respond.
Get out of here, Pepper. Now!
She snorted. Not gonna happen.
Pepper. Hide or get the hell out of here.
Pepper sent a quick text to Sam and then glanced around the room, looking for a weapon of some kind. All she could see was the can of hair spray she’d brought with her from home. She tiptoed from the room and toward the stairs. The sound of grunting and Connall’s occasional curse filtered up to her. She made her way into the family room and froze. Connall was in a battle with a large, dark-headed man holding something that looked like a syringe in his hand.
She held her breath in an effort to calm her heart. Connall had his hand around the man’s throat, his other hand gripping the man’s wrist. The assailant was pounding Connall with his free fist.
She was so scared she could feel her pulse throb in her neck, and for some strange reason, her throat burned. She rushed the men, letting out a scream and aiming the hairspray toward the assailant. Fire connected with the hairspray and he screamed in pain as the flame hit him in the side of the face.
Connall made quick work of relieving the man of the syringe and jamming it into his neck. Within seconds the assailant was on the floor and motionless, although his eyes darted from side to side in fear.
Pepper dropped the hairspray and tried not to crumple to the ground. She’d just set a man on fire without a match. Connall reached his hand out. She shook her head.
“It’s all right, love. Come here.”
I don’t want to hurt you.
You won’t, Pepper.
She slid into his embrace. “Who is that?”
“No one.” He pulled her close. “You were supposed to run.”
“And leave you here alone with him? No way!” she snapped, squeezing him tighter.
“Shite… Kade,” Connall said.
Pepper felt a vibration of sorts, felt concern and fear, but assumed it was hers until the front door of the cottage flew open and Kade filled the doorway, followed by Brodie and Sam.
Sam rushed for Pepper, but Kade grabbed her arm. “Wait.”
She gave him a look of irritation, but let him pull her behind his back.
“He’s the only one,” Connall said. “He’s got about 10cc’s of Red Fang in his system, so he won’t be causing any trouble for a while.”
Sam stepped from behind Kade and headed for Pepper again. “Are you okay?”
Pepper nodded and let her friend hug her. “Yes. Fine.”
“What happened?” Kade asked as he knelt beside the man. “Kinnon?”
“You know him?” Sam asked.
“Max and Niall’s brother,” Brodie provided as he started a sweep of the room. Checking for what, Pepper didn’t know.
Pepper scowled at Connall. “Why would he attack you?”
Connall shook his head but said nothing.
Con?
I don’t know, Pepper.
“What did he say he wanted?” Brodie asked.
Pepper felt her face heat when she glanced to where Brodie was standing… right next to her discarded clothing.
I’ll get them, love, Connall offered.
“He said he wanted a job,” Connall answered. “He didn’t give me a chance to respond before he attacked.”
Connall made his way to the kitchen and managed to pick up her clothing with lightning speed. If anyone noticed, no one said anything. Pepper stood with Sam while the men discussed what to do with Kinnon.
“Ali’s outside,” Kade said. “He’ll take Kinnon to the castle and then we can talk.”
Brodie hoisted the paralyzed man over his shoulder and carried him outside, returning a few minutes later.
“I take it by Kinnon’s injuries that your abilities are manifesting,” Kade said to Pepper.
She bit her lip and nodded.
“How did it work?” Sam asked.
“I think fire came out of my mouth,” Pepper said.
“Like a dragon?” Sam asked.
“I don’t know.” Pepper gasped. “I’m not some kind of reptile, am I?” She could see Connall trying not to laugh and she scowled at him. “Don’t laugh at me!”
“Sorry, sweetheart,” Con said. “Just to be clear, fire didn’t come from your mouth. You simply happened to be yelling when you made a run for him.”
Pepper felt her face heat with embarrassment. “Oh.”
“You manufactured it with your mind and it connected with the hairspray,” he explained. “I don’t think we’re going to need to practice, because your aim was perfect.”
Thank you for laughing and making me feel like an idiot, she snapped.
That wasn’t my intention.
Well, you managed it anyway.
He sent a look of warning her way. We’ll discuss this later.
“We might have a problem if Kinnon saw her,” Brodie pointed out.
“We’ll just tell him she had a lighter,” Kade said. “That’s easily explained away, particularly since she was holding the hairspray. I’m not sure this is the best place for you, Con.”
Pepper glanced at Connall, but before he could say anything, Sam cleared her throat. “Why not, honey?”
Kade’s gaze swept the space. “It’s not secure.”
Sam shrugged. “Oh, I don’t know about that. Couldn’t they install a security system? Then it would be perfect.”
He shot her a look, but didn’t comment. Pepper figured it was rare for anyone to argue with Kade.
“Pack your things, Pepper,” Connall said.
“What? Why?” Pepper asked.
“I’m taking you home. Kade’s right. It’s not safe here.”
“You just wanted an excuse not to be here,” she accused.
“That’s not true, sweetheart.”
“Yes it is.”
I’m not arguing with you in front of my brothers, Pepper.
“Why not? Don’t want to reveal your ability to be an ass?” she snapped out loud. “Your brothers must know you by now.”
Brodie sniggered and Kade turned away from her, but she could see his shoulders shake and knew he was laughing.
Connall’s tone dropped low and he gave her a look of warning. “Go pack, Pepper.”
“Do you want some help?” Sam asked, once again the peacemaker.
Is she allowed to help me?
Pepper.
Yes, dear? Oh, sorry, oh big and strong master of the universe. Is it okay if my best friend helps me pack my bags?
He shook his head. Go and pack. We’ll talk about it later.
Can’t wait.
He closed the distance between them and leaned in for a kiss, but she leaned away from him and shook her head.
He sighed. “Be good.”
“Be nice,” she countered, and led Sam up the stairs and into the bedroom.
“You okay?” Sam asked.
“Outside of the fact my mate is playing the role of Neanderthal?”
“Or, we could go with the role of concerned husband,” Sam countered.
“I know.” Pepper flopped onto the bed. “I’m scared to live in that house. It’s so stupid. I thought all this was over.”
Sam sighed and sat next to her. “I know, hon. But you must realize on some level that the main house is safer than here, right? It has a kick-ass security system, not to mention several very large men close by who don’t mess around.”
Pepper shrugged. “He didn’t mention any large men, but yes, I suppose the monster house is safer.”
Sam giggled. “If you call it a monster house, you’ll never get over this, you know.”
“It’s so big, Sam.”
“That’s what she said.”
“Hey, five years ago called… they want their joke back.”
Sam rolled her eyes. “Hey, the nineties called… they want their ‘they want their joke back’ back.”
Pepper couldn’t stop her laugh. “Oh, quit. You are the worst.”
“Look. All of this is an adjustment and not just for you.”
“I know, Sam,” she snapped. “He’s perfect and he’s given me everything my heart desires. He’s made all these changes for me. I should be grate—”
Sam held her hand up. “I was going to say it was an adjustment for me too, but sure, let’s make it all about you.”
“Oh, please. What kind of adjustment did you have to make, Sam? You’re used to money.”
“Not this much money! Jeez, do you even know me anymore? You act like you’re the only one who’s had to struggle with finances!” Sam threw her hands up. “My parents are the ones with money, not me. It’s not like I sat on my butt all day eating bon-bons and paying off teachers for good grades. I had to work hard to get to medical school, and even though my parents paid for quite a bit of college, I still had to work and I also had to pay them back.”
“I know.” Pepper dropped her face in her hands. “I’m sorry, Sam.”
“Forgiven. Come on. Let’s get you packed. We were going to invite you up to the house for dinner tonight, which will be a great distraction, I think. Then maybe you can stay overnight in the dungeon just for kicks.”
Pepper snorted. “Being married to Kade killed off your humor, huh?”
“What? I’m hilarious!”
Pepper stood and pulled a bag from the closet. “It’s terrible that your self-esteem is so low.”
“I know. We’re working on it.” Sam giggled. “You know, if you come to dinner, you’ll get to meet Cole.”
“What? Really?”
Sam nodded and started putting Pepper’s clothes into the suitcase. “Yep. Kade wants him to work for him.”
“What about Dalton?”
“They’re figuring it out. Cole’s not quite ready to quit, and he won’t leave Dalton in the lurch, so it’s going to be an ongoing conversation, I think.”
“I’m surprised Kade would want Cole anywhere near you.”
Colton Drake was an American FBI agent Dalton had hired who had assisted the Gunnachs with discovering who had threaten
ed them.
“Nah, he’s fine. Kade knows everything I’m thinking, so there’s no jealousy anymore. Now that we’re bound, especially. We had to work through Cole kissing me and all, but I think that’s resolved now.”
Pepper stepped into the bathroom to pack her makeup, gasping as she caught sight of herself in the mirror.
“What’s wrong?” Sam asked.
“My hair. It’s dark again.”
Sam joined Pepper in the bathroom. “What do you mean ‘again?’”
“It was blonde when I woke up.”
“Really? Maybe it has something to do with the fire thing.”
Pepper studied her hair. “Well, that’s just frickin’ great.”
“That is so cool!” Sam exclaimed.
“No. It’s weird.”
“But weird cool.”
Pepper snorted.
“How’s Jonesy?”
“Distracting me with talk of Jonesy won’t work.”
“Oh?” Sam challenged. “But he’s your baby.”
“Yes. He is. And he’s great. Con said I might be able to ride him Monday or Tuesday.” Pepper zipped up her vanity bag and sighed. “Honestly, I can’t wait.”
“Hey.” Sam squeezed her arm. “You’re going to be fine, you know that, right?”
“I know.”
Connall peeked into the bathroom and smiled carefully. “Can I come in?”
Pepper rolled her eyes. “I don’t know. Can you?”
“I’ll leave you to talk,” Sam said, and slipped out of the room.
Pepper walked past Connall and tossed her makeup bag into the open suitcase. He took her arm and turned her to face him. “You see the logic in moving back, right?”
“Not really,” she said, and pulled away from him.
“I can’t protect you here.”
“You did a perfectly fine job today,” she argued. “Not that I really needed it. I did a pretty damn good job protecting you, if you remember. What I don’t get is why you’re being so stubborn about it.”
“Me? You’re the one who’s being stubborn.”
She gaped at him. “How do you figure?”
“Because, in my opinion, this isn’t about you needing to live here.” He crossed his arms. “I happen to think this is more about the money issue than the fear issue.”
“So I’m not really scared of living in a big house? Is that what you’re saying? It’s merely stubbornness? And this is all about me not wanting your money?”
