* * * *
At six thirty the next morning, Madilyn strolled into the sheriff’s department. She smiled at Betty Lou.
“I need to talk to Brody.”
“He’s in Sam’s office. I’ll let them know you’re here.”
“Thank you, Betty Lou—”
“Sam,” Betty Lou shouted.
Sam came striding out of his office. “Why can’t you use the damn intercom?”
“Don’t you swear at me, Sam Garrett,” Betty Lou huffed.
Madilyn heard Sam sigh. “Sam, can I talk to you and Brody?” She saw the surprise on his face.
“I didn’t see you, Madilyn. Of course. Come on back.” He led her to his office. Brody stood when she entered the room.
“Maddie? Are you all right? You look tired.”
“I didn’t sleep much.” She took a seat across from Sam’s desk. Brody and Sam both sat.
“What is it?” Sam asked.
“I think Wilson Delgado called me last night.”
“What?” Brody jumped up. “What do you mean, ‘you think’?”
“A man called me and told me we had a friend in common.” She glanced at Brody. “You. Then he said he wanted to get to know me since you knew his wife before she was killed and he wanted the same courtesy.” Her voice caught on a sob.
“That son of a bitch. He’s here, Sam,” Brody muttered. He gazed at Madilyn. “You’re coming to the ranch to stay.”
“What good is that going to do? I still have to come into town for work,” Madilyn reminded him.
Brody didn’t take his eyes off her. “Tell her, Sam.”
Madilyn glanced at Sam to see him nod. “He’s right, Madilyn. We can’t give him any opportunity to get to you.”
“I’ll be alone out there at night. Isn’t that worse?”
Brody sat back down. “Shit,” he growled. “She’s right.”
“Then I’ll move you to day shift. At least at night, you’ll be together and during the day, you’ll both be working,” Sam told them.
“How are we going to do that? Rick will pitch a fit working nights,” Brody said.
“He’ll do what I tell him to do.” Sam picked up the phone and called Rick into his office.
When Rick strolled in, he smiled at Madilyn and Brody. “What’s up, Sam?”
“I’m switching you to nights for a while.” Sam raised his hand when Rick started to interrupt. “Hopefully it won’t be for long, but I need you to do this, Rick. No questions asked.”
“All right, Sam. You’re the boss.” Rick gave him a nod.
“Go home, Brody. I’ll see you tomorrow. Rick you can start tomorrow night.”
Madilyn, Brody, and Rick left Sam’s office. Brody glanced at Rick. “I appreciate it, Rick.”
“No problem, Brody. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I’ll help however I can,” he told Brody.
Brody put his hand out to him. “I appreciate it, Rick. Hopefully, it won’t be too long for you.”
Rick shook his hand and then entered his office. Brody and Madilyn walked outside. The summer heat slapped them in the face. The thought of being in the greenhouse today didn’t sit well with Madilyn. It was bad enough on fall and spring days but in the stifling heat of August, it was a killer.
“I guess you have to work today.” Brody grinned at her.
“Yes. I don’t want Katie alone too much right now.” Madilyn smiled. “What did you have in mind?”
Brody pulled her close to him and whispered in her ear. “Horseback ride and then spend the day in bed.”
Madilyn groaned. “I wish I could.” She sighed. “Can you come back into town later to help me pack some clothes?”
Brody nodded. “Of course. I think I’ll get started on tearing the old barn down since my plans to spend the day with you are shot to hell.”
Madilyn laughed. “Sorry but I have a job…for now.” She sobered, remembering it was possible she’d be out of a job soon. Sighing, she took his hand and started across the street toward the florist shop. It was early but she’d go ahead and open to get started on her day.
At the shop, she unlocked the doors and strolled in with Brody following her inside. She turned the alarm off then moved behind the counter. Brody stood in the middle of the shop, glancing around.
“What does he look like?” Madilyn asked.
Brody’s mouth tightened. “I suppose women think he’s good-looking. He’s tall, around six foot, slim. Blonde hair, blue eyes. The son of a bitch is always tan. I think he has a damn tanning booth in that mansion of his.”
Madilyn felt faint as she sat down. “I saw him.”
“What?” Brody strode around the counter. “What do you mean you saw him? When?”
“A while back. A man came to my door asking if Caroline was there. I told him he had the wrong apartment, it was a floor up. He smiled and left but he fits the description.” She shivered. “I was confused, at first, because no one by that name lived upstairs but then I thought maybe he was just meeting her there.” Madilyn raised tear filled eyes at him. “He was there to see me, wasn’t he?”
Brody nodded. “He was scoping you and the apartment out.” He swore. “Damn it.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I wonder how long he’s been here. I wish you’d told me about this.”
Madilyn placed her hands on her hips. “How was I supposed to know who he was? I thought he was just lost. You had no idea he was here.”
“I know, but I should’ve known he’d show up. He’s not the type to let something go. It doesn’t matter how long ago it happened, he wants revenge. Revenge for something he did but blames me for.” Brody paced. “I can’t let you out of my sight.”
“What are you going to do, Brody? Stay with me all day?”
“No. I know I can’t do that, but I will come pick you up at the end of the day and take you to the ranch with me. Once there, you’re not to leave my side.” Brody strode toward her and cupped her face in his hands. “I won’t let him get near you or I’ll die trying to keep him from you.”
Madilyn hugged him. She sighed when his arms tightened around her. This couldn’t be over soon enough.
* * * *
At the end of the day, Madilyn stayed inside, waiting for Brody. Kaitlyn entered the front shop and smiled at her.
“I’m going to head home. I’ll be late tomorrow. I have an appointment with an attorney first thing in the morning.” Kaitlyn shook her head. “I have no idea what it’s about, unless Kevin owed someone money or something. I’ll be in as soon as the meeting is over.”
“That’s fine, Katie. Have you had any calls about the house?”
Kaitlyn nodded. “Yes. A family was by over the weekend. They really like it so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”
Madilyn smiled and watched as Kaitlyn left. Brody stopped her outside the shop to speak to her. Madilyn watched as Kaitlyn hugged him then headed for her car. Brody came inside and strolled up to her. He grinned at her and her heart hit her stomach.
“Ready to go home?” he said softly.
“Yes. It’s been a long day.” She moved around the counter and stood in front of him. “Why did Katie hug you?”
Brody chuckled. “Because I’m protecting you, she said.”
Madilyn laughed. “She’s priceless.”
“Let’s go. I don’t want to be out after dark.” Brody grasped her arm and led her from the store.
Madilyn locked the door and walked with Brody to his truck. She climbed up into it. “Could you have gotten a bigger truck?” she teased.
Brody laughed. “I don’t think so. But, I am going to get a new bike as soon as I have a chance. I miss riding.”
“I’d like to ride with you.”
Brody glanced over to her. “You can ride with me anytime, baby.”
Madilyn swatted her hand at him. “Stop.”
His eyebrows went up. “What? What did I say?”
Madilyn snorted. “Men,” she muttered.
Br
ody burst out laughing and started the truck. He drove them to the ranch and stopped by the back door. “I’m going to check the house. Stay here and lock the doors behind me. I’ll only be a minute.”
Madilyn nodded as he climbed out of the truck and strode into the house. Lights came on as he made his way through. She glanced around the yard. There were so many good memories here for her. A smile lifted her lips as she gazed at the huge red barn. They’d made love so many times in the hayloft. She chuckled as she remembered the time they’d almost been caught by Brody’s dad. They lay in the hayloft trying not to laugh as Brody’s dad walked through the barn yelling for them.
She was startled when Brody tapped on the window. Reaching over, she unlocked the door and climbed out. She couldn’t keep the grin from her face.
“What are you grinning about?” Brody asked suspiciously.
“I was remembering when your dad almost caught us in the barn.”
Brody laughed. “He may not have caught us but he knew when we walked into the house and you had hay in your hair.”
Madilyn groaned. “I’d never been so embarrassed in my life as when he pulled it out of my hair.”
Brody chuckled. “Mom had to look away. She was laughing so hard.”
Madilyn slapped his arm. “It’s not funny.”
Brody pulled her against him and kissed her. “Yes, it is.” He put her back to the truck and deepened the kiss. His tongue moved into her mouth and he groaned when she touched hers to his. “We need to go inside.”
Madilyn nodded and took the hand he put out to her. They went inside and Brody locked the door behind them. She stood in the center of the kitchen and rubbed her arms. “I hate knowing he’s out there. How does he know about me?”
Brody shrugged. “He has connections. He can find out anything he wants. I’m sure he’s not here alone either. I’m sure he’s brought his henchmen with him.” Brody sighed. “It won’t do any good to ask around about new people in town with all the tourists here.”
Madilyn turned from him and headed toward the living room. She took a seat on the sofa. Brody joined her and took her hands in his. “We’ll keep an eye out. If anyone looks suspicious, we’ll take them in for questioning. I doubt if Delgado will show his face but I also don’t believe his men will blend in real well.”
“Let’s go to bed,” Madilyn said unexpectedly.
“Bed? Don’t you want to eat something?”
“I want you, Brody,” she whispered. “I need to feel safe and there’s no place I feel safer than in your arms.”
Brody stood and put his hand out to her. She placed her hand in his and followed him to the bedroom. He lifted her into his arms and laid her on the bed. He laid down beside her and kissed the tears from her cheeks.
“I won’t let him hurt you,” he promised.
She reached for the buttons on his khaki shirt and slipped them open. Brody took the shirt off and tossed it to the floor. His hands went to the bottom of her shirt and lifted it over her head. He pressed his lips to hers as he unclasped her bra. Pulling her up, he removed the bra and tossed it. Then his hand roamed down her stomach to the snap of her jeans and lowered the zipper slowly. Brody’s hand snaked inside her panties to her feminine folds. She squirmed under his hand.
Madilyn’s hands went to the snap of his jeans. His hard shaft strained against the zipper. She lowered it, wrapped her hand around him, and moved her hand up and down the length of him, making him growl low in his throat. Her hands moved to push his jeans down, when one of them encountered the handcuffs. She raised her gaze to his and grinned.
“Why are you grinning?” he asked.
“So…deputy. How often do you get to use these?” She jingled the handcuffs.
He chuckled. “Not as much as I’d like to. Why? What do you have in mind?”
“Handcuff me,” she whispered.
Brody took both of her hands in one of his. He put the handcuffs through the bed spindles and hooked them around her wrists. He grinned at her as he ran his hands over her breasts to her stomach.
“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” Madilyn moaned.
“Oh, I think it’s a wonderful idea.” Brody chuckled as he moved down her legs and stripped her of her jeans and panties.
Madilyn pulled at the handcuffs. “I want to touch you.”
“You should have thought of that before you suggested this. I have you at my mercy.”
Madilyn stared up at him. “You’ve always had me at your mercy, Brody.”
“I’m not taking those off you, so don’t try to sweet-talk me.”
Madilyn growled up at him and then laughed. “Damn it. You know me too well.”
Brody leaned down and kissed her. “I’m going to go over every inch of you.”
Madilyn groaned. “Brody…”
“Shhh. Leave me alone.”
She let out a gasp when he moved his tongue to her breast and took a nipple deep into his mouth. His hand moved down her stomach and down through her curls. He moved his finger up and down her folds, making her wetter. His finger dipped inside. When she moaned, he inserted another finger as his mouth moved over her stomach and down to her clitoris. Brody sucked and moved his tongue over it. She screamed out his name as she came. Madilyn lay there panting, watching Brody roll on a condom. He sat up and pulled her onto his lap, and thrust into her. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he pumped into her.
Madilyn pulled against the handcuffs. She wanted her hands on him but it was exciting as hell with handcuffs on. She watched as Brody dropped his head back while he started slamming against her harder. She started breathing harder as she felt the orgasm coming over her and cried out his name the same instant he groaned out hers. Brody’s head dropped forward as she watched him try to catch his breath. His hard pecs rose and fell with each deep breath.
“Take these off me now, please,” Madilyn panted out.
Brody leaned down and captured her lips in a deep, hard kiss then he leaned over and removed the key for the handcuffs from his utility belt. After he took the cuffs off, he lay down beside her and pulled her to him. Madilyn needed this all-consuming feeling of him needing her and loving her. He could always make her feel cherished and safe. She really wanted to feel safe. They fell asleep.
Chapter Nine
Wilson Delgado leaned against the fender of his car. The two men he’d hired stood in front of him. They were both huge men. Well over six foot, with each of them weighing close to three hundred pounds. Muscle. Delgado knew he could trust them. They were the same men who’d killed Abby for him. Not very intelligent but they got the job done.
“I want her taken from him as soon as you can. It’s not going to be easy, especially since she’s living with him now.” He moved toward the door and opened it. “I don’t want you to hurt her. That’s going to be my pleasure. You just get her for me. I want Morgan to know I have her and will kill her.” He smirked.
“Boss? How long are you going to keep her alive?” one of the men asked.
Delgado frowned. “You got somewhere you have to be?”
“No, but this town is boring as hell.”
Delgado laughed. “Once you grab her, we’re out of here. We’ll take her to the same spot Abby was killed. So appropriate, don’t you think?” He narrowed his eyes at them. “So, how quickly we get out of this hellhole is entirely up to you. Let me know when you have her.” He entered his car and pulled away. Glancing in the rearview mirror, he shook his head as he watched the two men staring after him. The sooner this went down, the better.
Delgado grinned as he thought of how Morgan would freak out when he knew Delgado had his woman. The thought of not killing her right away just came to him. He’d keep her as long as he could, just to torment Morgan. After all, Morgan had been with Abby for a while before Delgado had her killed. He’d take great pride in watching her beg for her life, though. The house he’d rented was secluded and no one would hear her screams. He’d paid for an entire year,
although he’d be there less than two months. Once he knew Morgan was going crazy looking for her, she’d be killed. Delgado was going to take great joy in letting Morgan know what he planned on doing. He chuckled as he drove toward the house. It wouldn’t be long now. All he had to do was wait for his men to grab her and bring her to him. Brody Morgan was going to suffer for a while. Wilson wasn’t going to end it for him quickly. He shook his head. No. He was going to keep her alive until Brody begged him to let her go. Then he’d pull Morgan in and kill her in front of him. Wilson shrugged. Maybe he’d just go ahead and kill Morgan too. That way when Wilson took off for Canada, there would be no loose ends. He’d wouldn’t need to look over his shoulder all the time. Because he knew, without a doubt, Morgan would hunt him down. Wilson nodded. It would be better to kill him right after Morgan saw the love of his life die.
* * * *
The next morning, Brody stood in the kitchen drinking coffee when Madilyn strolled in. She moved toward him, stood on her toes, and kissed his chin.
“Good morning.” She got a cup down and filled it with the dark brew.
“Morning. Did you sleep well?” Brody kissed her head.
“Once I got to sleep, I did. I tossed and turned a good bit first.”
“Yes, I know.” Brody set his cup down and took her hands in his. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe.”
Madilyn’s arms went around his waist. “I know.”
“I’ll follow you to work and check the place out before you go in.”
“He can’t get into the shop, Brody. The alarm would’ve gone off.”
“I’m still checking it out. Humor me.” When she nodded, he put his utility belt on and his weapon into his holster. “I’m going to look around outside before we leave. Lock the door behind me.” He walked out the door and listened as she locked it. Moving down the steps of the porch, his gaze swept the yard as he headed toward the barn. Opening the door, the scent of horse, hay, and manure assaulted his nose. He smiled, loving every bit of it. He’d recently purchased two horses from Wyatt Stone. Now, to just add some Angus to all of it would make it complete. Brody withdrew his weapon as he slowly moved down the aisle of the barn. Horses whinnied and shifted around but nothing out of the ordinary. Once he walked through both barns, he headed back to the house. The door opened before he reached it. Madilyn stood in the doorway. He stopped in his tracks. This is what he wanted. Her. At the door, waiting for him every day for the rest of his life. Brody moved up the steps and took her in his arms.
Brody Page 11
