by Avery Gale
Holly smiled and turned her attention back to her plate, deciding to stay out of the drama unfolding in front of her. But watching was really an interesting study in verbal versus non-verbal communication. It wasn’t hard to imagine Kalen Black as a deadly enemy, his dark hair was a shade too long, giving him a classic bad-boy look. Holly had noted each time she’d seen him that his movements were so graceful they were almost catlike. It wasn’t hard to see why the other men called him “pretty boy” because he was extremely good looking and there was a magnetism that seemed to surround him. If the electric current leaping between Kalen and Abby was any indication, Abby’s steel was being pulled in fast and hard.
Abby had leveled her glare at her brother, “Listen, I’ve had about all of the Alpha male bullshit I can take, so back off big brother. I came home to escape this…” Holly watched as the woman’s eyes filled with unshed tears that she quickly blinked away. “Frack…never mind. I need to go help mom.” Smiling at Holly she added, “Come up tomorrow and we’ll chat. I’m anxious to get to know you.” With that she scrambled to gather up her things and before Holly could blink, Abby was gone.
Kalen looked at Jace, “What happened to her and what did she mean by escape?”
Chapter 17
Jace wasn’t sure which was more startling—his sister’s comments or the fact that his friends had both just essentially declared their interest in her. His confusion must have been apparent because he felt Holly’s small hand on his forearm. “Jace, are you alright? You look kind of…well, stunned is the first word that comes to mind. Would you like for me to go check on Abby?” The kindness of her words and the sincerity in her expression warmed his heart and he fell just a little further in love with her.
“Yes, pet, I’d appreciate that very much. She seems to like you and I’m not sure I’m quite ready to talk with her.” When she immediately started to stand up, he stilled her, “But don’t be gone too long, baby. We need to be heading down to the guest house and getting you settled in. We promised to take care of you and that is exactly what we intend to do.” She cupped his face in a move so tender you would have thought they’d been lovers for years. Holly didn’t say anything, she simply nodded her head and then quickly made her way into the house.
Jace turned his attention to his friends and simply said, “Explain.” There wasn’t any heat in his demand, it was just a request for information. The bottom line was that Abby was a grown woman and short of someone deliberately hurting her, he wouldn’t interfere in her life. Both men briefly spoke of their interest in Abby and assured her older brother that they had her best interest at heart, although it appeared she might not be on board yet.
Even though Abby was only twenty-five, she was a well-respected geo-engineer working in a male-dominated field. Her specialty was biofuels and she traveled so often he had trouble keeping tabs on her. After Jace had gotten Mitch Grayson to tap her smart phone with a tracking program that sent him updates about her location, Jace had finally been able to relax. At least now, if something happened, he’d know where to start looking for her.
Abby Garrett had always been academically advanced, and she’d driven their parents nearly insane with her constant thirst for information. They’d finally agreed to advanced placement for her in school and then had to hold on for the wild ride she’d given them. Jace had been deployed during the time Abby had blown through high school and college and graduate school—all in four years. She rarely copped to the fact that she had dual PhDs because, as she’d explained to him one night, it was just a pain in the ass to explain why she was so young and so smart. She’d snorted in disgust, “Cripes, how am I supposed to explain that? It just is.” He’d laughed at the time because he’d understood her dilemma even though he also certainly understood everyone’s confusion. Jace didn’t even want to consider how bad something was if it was derailing the little pint-sized genius.
Jace looked between Kalen and Logan and groaned. He really didn’t want to get involved in this, and quite frankly, it was the former Rangers that he was more worried about. He’d seen Abby in action and she could slice and dice a man before he even knew he was near a knife. Sighing, he just shook his head, “I don’t really know what’s going on. I know there was some kind of a problem at a drill site, but we just got here and I haven’t had a chance to talk with either of my dads yet. Not that they’ll know anything, but it’s the only place I know to start. I know Abby just got here last night, so she wouldn’t have wanted to distract mom with her problems. But I can’t see her flying under the dads’ radar, they don’t miss anything, particularly when it comes to their daughter—something you might want to keep in mind.”
Logan leaned back in his chair steepling his fingers in a move that should have look relaxed, but was anything but. “Why don’t you and surfer-boy here take care of your sweet sub and let us spend a little time finding out what’s up with Shorty?”
It was a testament to how worried he was about Holly that he readily agreed to Logan’s suggestion. He simply nodded, “Agreed. But remember, she is my baby sister…”
Logan nodded once, “Got it, hurt her and die. Understood.”
* * * *
Holly walked into the kitchen and froze. There were dirty dishes everywhere and the women in the kitchen were sitting around the table sipping wine as if they were oblivious to the fact they were surrounded by total destruction. She didn’t even want to consider the hissy fit her own mother would be throwing about the state of her kitchen if it looked half this bad. Turning to the ladies she inquired about Abby and was directed down the hall to the den. She found Abby staring out a window overlooking the backyard, obviously lost in thought. Not wanting to startle her, Holly cleared her throat before walking up beside her.
“They send you to check on me? Shit, that sounded rude. I’m sorry.”
Holly laughed, “Are you kidding? You are going to have to step up your game if you want to compete in the Rude Olympics with my mother. And no, I volunteered.”
Abby burst out laughing and Holly watched as the woman’s face went from tightly held sadness to bewitchingly beautiful in a heartbeat. “Damn I’m going to love having you around, sure hope those two don’t fuck this up.”
This time it was Holly’s turn to laugh, “Truth is, it’s more likely I’ll be the one to mess up. I’m not working with a very good track record from what I understand.” Looking at Abby she asked, “You okay? Anything I can do to help? I mean after all, I’m probably your best bet for a confidant since my memory seems to fade inappropriately leaving me staring off into oblivion like some spaced-out stoner.” To Holly’s great relief, Abby leaned her head back and roared with laughter. God it feels good to be myself again…oh my God…this is one of the pieces that’s been missing.
Abby led Holly over to one of the smaller sofas and when they’d settled in, she explained some of the problems she’d been dealing with over the past few months at work. And even though Holly didn’t understand all the technical issues Abby had rattled off like they were common knowledge, she did understand that two different men…from competing organizations…were making Abby’s life hell. Even as little as Holly knew about the entire situation, she could clearly see the potential for danger, because there was simply too much money at stake.
“Don’t you think you should talk to your family about this? Perhaps they’d have some ideas to help?” The minute she’d spoken the words she realized how inane they sounded. Rolling her eyes at her own foolishness she added, “Oh my God, listen to me. Of course they’ll have suggestions…Alpha Doms are kind of a double whammy in the suggestion department I’m guessing.”
“You got it in one. I know this could get ugly, I’m not the village idiot, but I really need to process it before I talk to anyone else about it. I appreciate your ear and I’ll appreciate your amnesia even more.” They shared a laugh and were just getting up to return to the party when Gage and Jace stepped through the door.
Gage walked u
p to stand right in front of Holly, while Jace stepped over and she heard him speaking quietly to his sister. Gage used his fingers under her chin to direct her attention to up to him. “Sweetness, you about ready to call it a night?”
Smiling up at him, she wondered how she’d gotten so lucky to have two gorgeous men taking such good care of her. Giving herself a mental head slap, she thought how literal that question was at this moment. She shook her head, “Not just yet, I need to help with the cleanup. Did you see that kitchen? Good Lord…I can’t leave Jace’s mom with that kind of a mess.” Even though she’d been raised in a household filled with servants, Holly’s Aunt Daphne had drilled etiquette into her from an early age and she’d always appreciated her aunt’s efforts because watching her mother’s behavior had always made Holly cringe.
Jace had walked up to her side and she heard him chuckle, “Pet, my mom has already marshalled the troops and the cleanup is nearly finished. If she had wanted you and Abby to help, believe me, there wouldn’t have been a place on this ranch remote enough to hide the two of you. Now, let’s go say our goodbyes and head out.” He leaned down so that his quiet words were a warm breeze over her ear, “We’ve been waiting too long to feel your delectable naked body between us in bed, pet. We won’t push the sex issue just yet, but naked in bed is non-negotiable.”
Trying not to swoon on the spot and clenching her pussy tightly as if she could stem the burst of moisture that had just soaked her panties, Holly walked between Jace and Gage as they made their way back into the now sparkling clean kitchen. She stood by quietly while both men spoke with their families and friends hoping that her smile didn’t look as plastic as it felt. Her entire body seemed to be vibrating from her core out and it was if her soul recognized them despite the fact her mind was busy playing catch-up. Holly was surprised to find out their bags had already been delivered to the guest house and that all they were left to do was make the short moonlit walk.
The guest house had a beautiful wraparound porch lined with potted plants. There was a porch swing that looked as if it would easily seat four or five people. When they stepped up to the door, Holly was a bundle of nervous energy. Jace handed the key to Gage and turned her into his arms, “Pet, look at me.” She could feel him waiting for her to respond but it was taking all of her concentration to just keep from shattering like the finest crystal. It wasn’t fear, but anticipation that seemed to be powering itself unchecked through her system. “Holly, do you remember the doctors telling you that you should expect exaggerated emotional responses while your body heals?”
His words penetrated the fog that had settled over her and she snapped her attention to his smiling face. “No. Really? I mean, no I don’t remember hearing that. But it makes sense I guess and it makes me feel better, because I was feeling like…well, I don’t want you to be disappointed in me.” She hated the tears she felt running down her cheeks, but she couldn’t help the wave of emotion that was threatening to pull her under.
When Gage opened the door and stepped to the side, she took one step toward him but he bent and scooped her up into his arms. Cradling her close he made his way down the hallway and into what she assumed was the master suite. The bed was enormous…much larger than a regular king-size. Even as tall as both he and Jace were, she was sure they’d be able to sleep comfortably in a bed this size. Gage didn’t set her on her feet until he’d reached the bathroom. “We’ll let you have a few minutes of privacy, but then we’re going to join you in the shower. We need to get you into bed, sweetheart.” His fingertips brushed the side of her face so softly she found herself leaning into his touch, seeking the comfort that it offered.
It didn’t take her long to finish up and she was washing her hands when they walked back into the room. They made short work of setting out towels, starting the shower, and stripping themselves and then her. She gasped when she stepped into the shower…it was really more of a small garden room than a shower. The back wall was covered in what must be native stone because it looked like what she’d seen surrounding the outdoor kitchen. Tiny lights behind cascading water gave the waterfall a sparkling look that was almost hypnotizing. There were several tropical plants sitting on rock ledges and it seemed as if pulsing jets of water were coming from every direction. But it was the large overhead showerhead that simulated a gentle rain that was Holly’s favorite feature. She had always loved walking in the rain. Standing there with her head tilted back so that the water could sluice over her face she felt like a child again, and even if it was only for a few seconds she was that carefree young girl once more…the one who hadn’t yet learned she wasn’t ever going to be enough or do enough to please her parents.
Chapter 18
Watching Holly tilt her face up to the water as it painted its way over her porcelain skin, Gage wondered what was going through her mind. Ordinarily, he or Jace would demand to know, but they knew she had been walking an emotional edge ever since Jace had told her she’d be sleeping naked between them. Gage had watched as their little sub’s body had responded in all its submissive perfection all the while her mind had been racing. He’d been sure that her anxiety hadn’t been from fear, because he’d seen the heat in her eyes. No, there hadn’t been anything but arousal coursing through her veins, he was sure of that much.
Filling his palm with a generous amount of shampoo, Gage started working it through her long hair. He massaged her scalp and was rewarded by her soft moan of appreciation. “Do you like that, sweetness?” He chuckled when she groaned her agreement and pushed closer into his hands. By the time he’d shampooed and conditioned her hair, Jace had finished his shower and took over with Holly while Gage took his own shower.
Gage watched as Jace ran his soaped hands over every inch of Holly’s skin in slow, sweeping strokes that he was sure were setting each and every nerve ending aflame. He and Jace had always known the value of touch when dealing with a submissive in their care. Gage had seen Doms fail miserably with a sub simply because they hadn’t taken advantage of every opportunity to touch the woman they were supposed to be cherishing.
Leading Holly into the bedroom Gage was grateful to whoever had taken time to turn down the bed and adjust the lights so the room itself seemed to invite relaxation. There was soft piano music playing through the hidden speakers and Gage watched as Holly’s eyelids began to droop before they’d even gotten her to the bed. She was so utterly wiped out that she seemed to have forgotten she was naked and they were both sporting hard-ons that could pound nails. Just as they’d settled her between them, she’d snuggled against his chest and pushed her ass against Jace’s groin and murmured, “I’ve wanted you…both of you for so long. You promised…and I’m so sorry I ran. I just remembered him hitting me with his belt…and it hurt so badly.”
Gage went completely still, barely daring to breathe because he didn’t want to interrupt her. He pushed the hair from her face and kissed her forehead hoping it would be just enough to prompt her to continue. He was pleased when she took a shuddering breath. “The doctor called the police and I wanted to die when they took pictures of what he’d done to me. Mama was so mad at me for causing a fuss…and now I’ve done it again. I’m so sorry…” Her words had enraged him, but it was the utter defeat in her small voice that broke his heart.
Long after her breathing had evened out, Gage spoke quietly into the darkness, “I’ll find him. There is no hole deep enough for him to hide in.” Jace didn’t answer, but he didn’t need to, Gage already knew they were in agreement. And as heart wrenching as the information had been, it had also answered several important questions, as well as given them even more hope that Holly’s memory was well on its way back. He wasn’t entirely sure how he was going to find out who Holly had flashed back to when she’d seen him removing his belt, but it was obviously critical to find out exactly what had happened—the who was just going to be bonus information.
Gage felt Jace slipping from the bed, “I’m going to call Mitch Grayson. If anyone can ac
cess the records, it’ll be him.” Everybody knew that there wasn’t a computer database on the planet that Mitch couldn’t find his way into. The man was a techno-genius of the first order and the Lamont’s chief of security and brother in law, Colt Matthews was a very close second. The quiet snick of the door must have been enough to penetrate Holly’s sleep because she immediately snuggled closer.
“Hmmm…Gage.” He smiled to himself, happy that she obviously already recognized him, even in sleep. Pulling her closer to him, he pressed her soft curves against his body and lost himself in the wonder of her softness. There was a tremendous appeal to having a woman’s warm naked flesh against your own and its significance wasn’t lost on Gage.
* * * *
Jace wasn’t surprised to find out that his own team was busy with activity at Club Isola, so his check-in with them had been short and sweet. His conversation with Mitch and Colt had taken longer. By the time Jace had finished recounting what Holly had shared, Mitch had already pulled up several reports related to an incident while Holly had been a student at a private boarding school in New England. Mitch and Colt had both been in the Crow’s Nest at The ShadowDance Club when Jace had called. Colt’s curses told Jace that he was helping Mitch and was equally disgusted with what they were finding.
Hearing how Holly had been beaten so severely by the Headmaster that her friends had snuck her out of the school during the night to get her to a local emergency room had turned Jace’s stomach, but the photos attached to the responding officer’s report had enraged him. She’d been sixteen at the time and her small body looked like that of a prisoner of war. Many of the lashes had broken the skin, but according to the report they hadn’t been able to close them immediately because of severe swelling from the other welts.
