by Leah Brooke
Lucas smiled coldly, inordinately pleased by the flash of alarm in her eyes. “The last twenty-four hours have proven differently.”
Her eyes flashed again, this time in anger, which pleased him even more. “None of this is any of your fucking business!”
Lucas raised a brow, knowing that he had to establish his position as quickly as possible. “It is now. Besides, we work for your brother. Not for you. He hired us to protect you and put an end to the threat against you. That’s what we’ll do. In the meantime, be nice to Logan. You’ve put him through hell.”
Nodding, she looked away. “I know. I’m sorry for that. I’ll talk to him.”
“Good.”
Turning back, she gave him a smile filled with challenge. “I hope you’re not expecting me to be as nice to you and your fellow Neanderthals.”
Amused, Lucas allowed a small smile. “Of course not. I don’t expect you to be nice, but I do expect you to do as you’re told.”
Pleased that he’d managed to shock her, Lucas started to turn away, pausing when she spoke again.
“I don’t take orders well, and I already said that the only man I trust is my brother. I know you’re his friend, but I’d rather deal with this on my own. Why don’t you just help me get out of here so that I can do what I need to do? I have a client, too, and I need to check on her.”
Turning to face her fully, Lucas tightened his hand on his mug, his stomach clenching at the sight of her in his bed. “No. Our job is to protect you. We’ll allow you to contact your client later.”
“Allow me?” Stormy eased from the bed again, her obvious effort to hide her pain annoying him further. “Listen, asshole—”
Lucas continued as if she hadn’t spoken, ruthlessly cutting her off. “Get back into bed before you hurt yourself. It’s obvious that you need a firm hand, which Devlin, Caleb, and I will be glad to provide.”
Stormy gasped, her eyes going wide. “A firm hand?”
Lucas inclined his head. “On your bottom if necessary. Your clothes are in the dryer, but some new things will be delivered soon. In the meantime, there’s a robe in the closet you can wear.”
Wrapping her arms around herself, Stormy gave him a stiff smile. “You keep it here for your overnight guests? How thoughtful.”
Amused at her show of jealousy, one in which he could see she immediately regretted, he smiled and headed for the door. “Don’t worry about it. You have my undivided attention. You’re my only overnight guest right now.”
He closed the door before she had a chance to voice the insult he was sure she wanted to hurl back at him, grinning when he heard her curse. Standing at the door, he waited, listening for a cry of distress.
If he was honest with himself, he had to admit that he wanted an excuse to go back to her again.
Her movements had been stiff and slow, and the thought of her falling and hurting herself even more worried him.
“Jerk. Probably has women over every night.”
Relieved and amused at her outburst, he turned away. Following the voices coming from the kitchen, Lucas blinked at the sound of a door being closed with more force than necessary.
Stormy’s temper didn’t surprise him.
He was confident in his ability to handle it, but her repeated requests to leave worried him.
It also worried him that she only seemed to trust Logan.
In order to protect her, they would have to get her to obey their orders without hesitation.
With an inward sigh, he continued on to the kitchen, knowing that earning her trust would be an uphill battle—one none of them could afford to lose.
Chapter Six
Stormy retrieved the robe from the closet, fisting her hand in the super soft material and trying not to think about how many women had worn it before her.
She glanced back at the bed, trying not to picture Lucas there with another woman.
She had no right to care, and the brief flare of jealousy, a sign that she did, pissed her off immensely.
Slamming the closet door made her feel a little better, but her satisfaction didn’t last for long.
Her pulse still raced from the encounter with Lucas, which pissed her off even more.
She hated his arrogance but couldn’t deny that the aura of quiet confidence surrounding him drew her.
Used to loud-mouthed men, who believed they could do whatever they want and get away with it, she couldn’t help but admire the strength and morals of her brother’s friends but bristled against the chauvinistic attitude that came with it.
Lucas had a harder edge than any man she’d ever met, an aura of danger that attracted her in a way that both confused and scared the hell out of her.
Strong, masculine men could protect.
Her brother had shown her that.
They could also cause a lot of harm.
It was a lesson she’d learned from another man—a lesson that had changed her life forever.
Suddenly chilled, she took the robe into the bathroom with her, stripping out of her clothes and heading straight for the shower.
As soon as the hot water washed over her, the muscles in her back and shoulders began to loosen, easing her discomfort almost immediately.
Moaning in bliss, she made the water as hot as she could stand it, closing her eyes and just letting the hot water do its job.
She didn’t know how long she stood motionless under the water, but it was long enough to loosen her muscles, enabling her to move with less pain and stiffness.
Feeling much better, she smiled and slowly washed, stretching her muscles as she did.
Running the washcloth over her skin, she breathed in deeply, loving the scent of the body wash that smelled like Lucas.
Clean. Fresh. Masculine.
Keeping her eyes closed, she ran the washcloth over her breast, imagining it was Lucas’s hand.
He’d be a confident lover, one who’d know his strength and ability to overpower the woman he was with.
Suddenly chilled, she wrung out the washcloth and set it aside, standing under the water long enough to dispel the chill.
She dried off, dabbing at the bandage, and eased into her borrowed robe before using the comb she found on the counter. She left the steamy bathroom, shivering at the change in temperature.
Pausing at the sight of a large bag sitting at the foot of the bed, Stormy looked around, half expecting to see Lucas waiting for her.
Irritated at the disappointment in finding herself alone, she moved slowly to the bed, curiosity eating at her.
Loose cotton pants, jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and even socks filled the bag, everything in her size.
She didn’t see any bras or panties but decided that the men probably wouldn’t have thought of such things.
Setting a pair of the soft cotton pants and a T-shirt aside, she started to untie her borrowed robe, but a knock at the door had her hurriedly retying it again.
Expecting Lucas, she straightened and wrapped her arms around herself, bracing herself for the punch to her senses. “Come in.”
The door swung open and her brother walked in, followed by Caleb, who carried a larger than average first aid kit and yet another bag.
Stormy’s breath caught, the jolt to her senses surprising in its intensity. Logan’s gaze raked over her, his smile filled with concern. “Feel better?”
Stormy couldn’t take her eyes from Caleb’s wide chest, frowning at the realization that for the first time in her life, she understood the feminine hunger she’d heard so much about. “Yes. A hot shower got rid of a lot of stiffness.”
She found her gaze drawn to Caleb’s hands, strong, yet amazingly gentle hands.
Sturdy. Competent.
They could harm.
They could hold—making it unable to escape.
But instead of thinking about the damage those hands could do, she found herself remembering how gently they’d moved over her when he’d been checking her for injuries.
&nbs
p; She remembered the awareness he’d awakened everywhere he touched, a sensation that had distracted her from some of the pain.
She couldn’t forget the concern in his eyes and his teasing tone as he’d tended her.
Caleb dropped the bag onto the bed next to the other. “The other things were delivered a little while ago.”
Realizing she was still staring at his hands, and remembering their tenderness, she jerked her head up, drawing a shaky breath at his questioning look. “Other things?”
Taking a step back in the hopes of shaking off the desire to feel his hands on her—a sensation that shocked her to her core—Stormy glanced up at him, waiting for his answer.
He made her wait.
Eyeing her steadily, Caleb took a step toward her, not allowing her to put more space between them. “We had Erin and Rachel send over an assortment of bras and panties and some stuff to wear to bed.” Pausing, he smiled faintly. “And a robe. Lucas said you objected to the one you’re wearing.”
He set the first aid kit on the foot of the bed beside the bags, his gaze narrowed as he studied her features. “Your bandage needs to be changed.” He took a step closer, his gaze moving over her neckline. “Is something wrong?”
Gripping the edges of her robe, she held them closed, meeting his knowing smile with a glare. “Of course not.” She glanced at Logan to find him watching her closely, and the concern darkening his eyes had her swallowing her automatic insistence that she could change the bandage herself.
Acutely aware of the ache in her nipples, she cupped the soft material covering her breast to hold the robe in place, and eased her arm free, her breath catching when she looked up again to find Caleb staring at her cupped hand.
He slowly lifted his gaze to hers again, his blue eyes twinkling and a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips. “Are you sure there’s nothing wrong?”
Aware of Logan’s sharp attention, Stormy swallowed heavily, knowing her brother watched for any sign of fear from her.
It irritated her more than she would have expected and made her realize that he still thought of her as the little girl he’d rescued so long ago.
She hated that and vowed to put an end to it.
“Of course not. What could be wrong? Logan, don’t hover. I’m fine.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “I’m a big girl now, Logan.”
Scrubbing a hand over his unshaven jaw, Logan studied her with narrowed eyes and blew out a breath. “You’re my little sister and always will be. It’s my job to look after you.”
Stormy smiled, raising a brow. “Do you think I’m in some kind of danger with your friend? If that’s the case, maybe you should let me get the hell out of here like I asked.”
Shaking his head, Logan smiled faintly. “You always were a brat.” Lifting his hands in a sign of surrender, he moved closer. “Fine. I won’t hover. Much.”
Frowning, Logan bent and touched his lips to her forehead, glancing at Caleb as he straightened. “She feels a little warm.”
“She just got out of a very hot shower, and she’s standing right here.” Shaking her head, Stormy smiled at her brother while Caleb unwrapped the fresh bandage. “You’ve always had that macho streak that drove me nuts.”
Gripping her chin, Logan lifted her face to his, his eyes narrowed and bleak at the memory. “But you could always count on me, couldn’t you?”
Stormy’s face burned, and aware of Caleb’s sharp scrutiny, she smiled and nodded. “Yes. I always could.”
Embarrassed to be coddled in front of Caleb, she lifted her head to meet Logan’s gaze squarely. “I’m not like that anymore, and I hate that you think I’m weak. I shouldn’t have gotten you involved in this. If doing that is going to make you think l can’t handle myself, it’s really going to piss me off.”
“This is more than you can handle alone, and you know it.” Logan tugged the ends of her hair. “Besides, you have help, and pride is a stupid reason not to accept it.”
Shaking her head, she poked him in the stomach, unsurprised to find it hard as a rock. “You can be a real pain in the ass sometimes.”
Logan smiled, running a hand over her hair. “I know, but then again, so can you. I’m not going to try to give up on getting you to move here, you know. You’d be much safer.”
Shaking her head again, Stormy sighed. “You wouldn’t be comfortable with the way I make a living and would try to stop me. I owe you more than I could ever repay, but I’m not moving here.”
The feel of Caleb’s fingertips brushing against the outer curve of her breast made her breath hitch and made her nipples ache even more.
Logan scowled. “You don’t owe me a damned thing, and you’re gonna move here.”
She continued as if he hadn’t spoken, tightening her hand over her breast. “You could use what I owe you against me without meaning to.”
Logan opened his mouth, but she waved a hand, cutting him off before he could speak.
“And would do it in a heartbeat if you thought it could keep me safe.”
She found herself glancing up at Caleb, the twitch of his lips telling her that he knew exactly what his touch did to her.
Bastard.
Logan’s jaw clenched in frustration. “You’re right. I would. But I can’t live with you in this kind of danger anymore, Stormy. Something has to change.”
Caleb finished bandaging her arm, smoothing a finger over the edge of the bandage closest to her breast, sharpening the need until it became nearly unbearable. “Her eyes are a little glassy, too. Must be the fever.”
Stormy looked away, touched that he would try to excuse the tears of need welling in her eyes. “I’m fine.” She had to swallow before she could speak again. “Just get out so I can get dressed. I need some coffee.”
Caleb’s lips twitched as he sent a glance in Logan’s direction. “Lucas mentioned that she was a little irritable. Maybe your disagreement with your sister could wait until later.”
Once again surprised and moved by Caleb’s attempt to sidetrack Logan, Stormy sent him a small smile of thanks. “Lucas would make anyone irritable.” Stormy glared at him and turned away to slip her arm into the robe again. “Again, she’s right here—and I’m not irritable. I’m hungry.”
Logan sighed and turned toward the door. “Devlin’s making your breakfast now. I’ll let him know you’ll be out in a few minutes.”
Caleb waited until Logan left the room before leaning close, not bothering to hide the mischief in his eyes. “Unless you’d like to have your breakfast in bed?” Running a fingertip over her shoulder, he watched her closely, his smile falling at her gasp. “I’d be glad to bring it to you.”
Shaken by the warmth surging through her, settling in every erogenous zone, Stormy hurriedly took a step back. “No. Thank you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get dressed.”
His eyes narrowed, and after studying her for several long seconds, he gave her a small, tender smile, a smile that made her heart beat faster. “You liked it when I touched you, but it shocked you that you liked it.”
Stormy snorted, pulling her robe tighter. “Get over yourself.”
“That tells me two things.”
Curious to see what kind of nonsense he thought he knew about her, she smiled. “Oh? And exactly what two things do you think you know about me?”
He slowly closed the distance between them, watching her closely as if expecting her to panic and move away.
He reached out slowly, as if reaching out to a wounded animal. “The fear in your eyes told me that someone touched you and you didn’t like it. In fact, it scared you.” Winding a curl around his finger, he continued to stare into her eyes. “Who scared you, Stormy?”
Lifting her chin, Stormy forced a smile to hide her alarm. “No one scares me.”
Caleb’s smile held a teasing quality that made her heart race. “Really? That’s good to know, because I want to try something—an experiment. That is, if you’re not scared.”
Irritated that h
e’d neatly boxed her in, Stormy sighed and gave him a bored look. “What kind of experiment?”
With a finger beneath her chin, Caleb lifted her face to his. “One to prove what else I learned.”
“Oh? What’s that?”
“That you like my touch.”
Forcing herself to remain still, Stormy fought to regulate her breathing. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
She couldn’t even imagine how he knew that, but she realized that she had to be careful.
Releasing her chin, Caleb inclined his head. “You’re scared. I understand. You don’t have to be scared of me.”
Stormy’s breath caught, the seductiveness in his intimate tone making the ache in her nipples even more intense. “I’m not scared of you.”
“Then you’re afraid of the way my touch makes you feel. Interesting.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Caleb smiled, his hand cupping her jaw before sliding down to her neck. “I’ll show you. You don’t have to be afraid of me. Ever.”
The feel of his warm hand made her yearn for him to slide his hand lower.
“W-what are you going to do?”
“I just want to touch you. I won’t hurt you. Just a little caress. You can stop me at any time.”
Trembling with a combination of nerves and a hunger for his touch, Stormy sucked in a shaky breath. “How?”
“Just tell me to stop.”
“And you’ll stop?” Nerves took over. “I don’t believe you.”
She did believe him, which made him even more dangerous.
She trusted him.
“If I don’t, you can always scream for your brother.” Lifting her chin, he ran his thumb over her bottom lip. “I won’t even kiss you, so you’re free to scream.”
Staring at his mouth, Stormy couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to be kissed by him. “You don’t want to kiss me?”
His eyes narrowed again. “Oh, I want to kiss you very much. I don’t want to do anything to keep you from telling me to stop, and I want to watch your eyes. They’re very expressive.”
She wanted him to touch her more than she’d ever admit, so she shrugged, adopting a bored tone. “Fine. Stop hesitating and just do it so I can go get some coffee.”
