by Leah Brooke
Reaching out to cup his jaw, Nat smiled up at him, the love in her eyes breathtaking. “My hero.”
Her eyes followed Hoyt as he refilled his cup and hers, the love and desire in them unmistakable. Shaking her head, she smiled again and glanced at Caleb. “I don’t want your money. We give a gift bag to every new woman in town.” She smiled at Stormy, still apparently distracted by Hoyt’s presence. “The fact that she’s Logan’s sister makes her even more special. Hoyt, go play with your toys. You’re too damned distracting.”
Hoyt gave her a wolfish grin. “Really?” Placing her mug of coffee in front of her, he bent over her. “We’re going to have to talk about that on the way home.”
Giggling again, Nat pushed at his chest, not even managing to budge him. “No way. You’re too damned sure of yourself as it is. I’m not giving you any more ammunition to use against me. Now get out of here and take Caleb with you.”
Straightening, Hoyt ran a finger down her cheek. “He’s doing what he needs to do to protect her, Natalie. In his place, do you think I’d let anyone tell me what to do?” Turning, he glanced at Stormy before meeting Caleb’s gaze. “She refused to stay away from the window?”
Caleb eyed her steadily. “Yep.”
Hoyt shrugged and looked at Stormy again, his eyes narrowing. “Wouldn’t it be easier just to stay at the table with Nat?”
Nat smiled. “Honey, you’re gonna have to learn to pick your battles. If not, they’ll exhaust you.”
Fighting the urge to shift under Caleb’s steady gaze, Stormy frowned and stared back at him. “I don’t like being told what to do, and I sure as hell hate being treated like I’m incompetent. Or weak. Or stupid.”
Caleb went to the table and pulled out a chair for her. “I don’t think you’re any of those things, and you know it. You just aren’t used to having someone take care of you and having anyone other than your brother handle you.”
“Handle me?”
“Uh-oh,” Hoyt mumbled under his breath while Nat sat back, crossing her arms over her chest and grinning from ear to ear.
“Well, well. This is interesting.” Nat’s gaze went from Caleb’s to hers and back again, obviously enjoying herself immensely.
Hoyt laid a hand on her shoulder. “Behave.”
Caleb didn’t take his eyes from Stormy’s. “You heard me. You’re used to running roughshod over people and have a very low opinion of men in general. You don’t trust us, and that’s too bad, but we’ve got a responsibility to protect you.” The intensity of his gaze told her he spoke of more than just protecting her.
Stormy held her breath, hoping he wouldn’t reveal her secrets. “I trust you.”
Caleb’s lips twitched in self-depreciating humor. “You’re beginning to, but we have a long way to go. I get that, but none of us are gonna tolerate you bucking us at every turn. We’ll protect you—with or without your cooperation. So, are we gonna do this the easy way or the hard way? Your choice.”
Although bristling at his arrogance, she knew he was right. “Fine.” Glaring at him, she reached for another doughnut. “Get out so Nat and I can talk.”
He gave her a long look, one that threatened that the subject would come up once they were alone again, and inclined his head. “Thank you. I’ll be in the next room if you need anything.”
Nat waited until the two of them were alone together, watching Hoyt’s ass as he left the room before turning to Stormy, her eyes dancing. “Please tell me there’s something going on between you and them.”
“Them?” Stormy shook her head, reaching for her coffee. “Not a chance. Not the way you think. I’m leaving as soon as all of this is over. I’ve never had much use for men. Never trusted them.”
Nodding, Nat smiled faintly. “I can understand that. But, I promise you, Lucas, Devlin, and Caleb can be trusted.”
“Maybe. But I have no intention of living in Desire.”
“Oh?” Nat’s gaze sharpened, her lips twisting in disapproval. “Can I ask what’s so bad about Desire?”
Not wanting to offend the other woman, Stormy searched for the right words. “I know that the women who live in Desire like having men who protect them, but I can’t live in a town where I’d be subordinate to a man. I like my independence. I like making my own decisions. I understand that it’s great for some women, but I could never really be happy with that.”
Wrapping her hands around her mug, Stormy thought about the way it had felt to have Caleb’s and Devlin’s warmth and strength surrounding her and how much she anticipated the night ahead. “I never thought I could want any man, let alone two of them. I was honest with them and told them that I was willing to have an affair with them, but that I’m going home as soon as all this is over.”
Meeting Nat’s gaze, she smiled. “Having an affair with two men, especially men like Devlin and Caleb, would be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.” She found herself confiding in another woman for the first time in her life. “I never thought I could feel this way, but I know myself well enough to know that I could never tolerate having two men boss me around.”
Not knowing if Nat knew that Devlin and Caleb were Dominants, Stormy shrugged. “They’re a little too demanding.”
Nat leaned forward and smiled. “You mean they’re Dominants.”
Stormy gulped. “You know about that?”
“Sure.” Shrugging, Nat sat back again but kept her voice low. “It’s not something they’re ashamed of, and they all go to the men’s club in town.”
Glancing at the doorway, Stormy blinked. “Are you telling me that Hoyt’s a Dominant, too?”
“Nope, but my other husband, Jake, is.”
Stormy blinked. “You have another husband?”
Nat grinned, clearly pleased. “Yes, but Jake was my only husband for a long time. I married Hoyt only recently. The three of us had a past together, and Jake knew how much I loved Hoyt.”
“You don’t love Jake?” Stormy tried to hide her disapproval but had a feeling she’d failed.
Nat touched the ornate gold choker she wore around her neck. “Of course I love Jake. He and I have always been in love. He’s my life. Hoyt’s part of both of our lives now, but I never would have been with Hoyt if Jake hadn’t insisted.”
Stormy set her doughnut aside, too caught up in Nat’s story to eat. “Why the hell would he insist you take another husband if you were already married to him?”
Nat grinned again. “Because he loves me.”
She reached for a doughnut, glancing toward the living room. “Jake and Hoyt have always been close, and Hoyt used to visit all the time. He’s the biological father of my son. I was pregnant with Joe when Hoyt joined the Navy. I knew I couldn’t go with him. I wanted to be there for my sister, Jesse, and I was young and too scared to leave the country, especially pregnant. I was a mess. Jake and I already had feelings for each other, but I didn’t know he’d fallen in love with me.”
Nat smiled, obviously caught up in the memories. “When he asked me to marry him, I accepted. I knew it was best to be with him. He was so good to me. He made me feel so safe. By the time I had Joe, I was madly in love with him. What we had together was strong, but I never expected it to become as strong as it is.” Nat smiled again, her features taking on a dreamy quality. “He’s amazing.”
Confused, Stormy leaned closer. “I don’t understand, Nat. You seem like a strong woman to me.”
“I am.” She gestured toward the living room. “Does it look like Hoyt bosses me around? Does it look like I’m somehow beneath him? Do I look unhappy?”
“No, but—”
Setting her coffee aside, Nat leaned forward. “Look, I’m not going to tell you that you’d love being dominated in bed. It’s not for everyone, but don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it. I’m also not going to tell you that you’d love being in a relationship with more than one man. What’s important is the love. Both of my husbands love me, and I love them. We make each other happier than I could have ever ho
ped to be. Hoyt loved me enough to stay away when I needed him to and to fight to be with me when the time came. Jake loves me enough to share me with another man because nothing matters to him as much as my happiness. He’s been my rock and was always there when I needed him. He’d do anything for me, and I’d do anything for him.”
“He’s not jealous of Hoyt?”
Nat sighed, her smile forced. “Yes. At times. We’re still working things out, and I’m making sure I give Jake the attention he deserves from me. Having Hoyt in our lives is still new, and Hoyt is doing everything he can to make it easier, but there are still some things to work out. We love each other. Deeply. With that, we can work out anything.”
“I can see how much you love them. I’m happy for you.” She thought about Logan’s own need to dominate, and Nat’s obvious adoration of her Dominant husband gave Stormy hope that Logan would one day have a woman in his life who felt that way about him.
“They love me.” Reaching out, Nat touched Stormy’s hand. “I’m happy and secure in ways that a lot of women envy.” Sitting back, she grinned. “Not the women I know in Desire, of course, including my sister. She has two husbands, and they both worship the ground she walks on.”
“I met Clay. It’s obvious that he loves his wife.” Shaking her head, Stormy rose and went to the window, wondering what it would be like to have such love. Automatically glancing into the living room, she stiffened when she saw Lucas staring back at her.
Setting the gun he held aside, he sat forward, the warning in his narrowed gaze creating a cold knot in her stomach.
His look and posture made his intention clear.
Either she moved away from the window or he would come out to the kitchen.
After shooting him a dirty look, one that didn’t seem to faze him in the least, she went back to the table, reaching for her coffee as she dropped into her seat again. “I can’t even imagine something like that.”
Nat giggled. “Jesse couldn’t either. But she’s madly in love with both of her doting husbands, and they think the sun rises and sets on her. Hell, I couldn’t imagine being with anyone other than Jake, but that’s changed now, too. Never say never, honey.”
“I can say never to this.”
Nat glanced toward the doorway and took another sip of coffee, watching her closely as she set it back down again. “I’ve noticed that you haven’t mentioned Lucas.”
“Lucas hates me.” The words tumbled out before she could stop them, but it felt too good to confide in another woman to hold back.
Nat appeared to be struggling not to smile. “I see. Well, let me show you what I brought for you before the men come back.”
Stormy leaned forward, unable to resist her newfound opportunity. “In the meantime, what can you tell me about Dominants?”
* * * *
Lucas studied the items Hoyt had brought, impressed by the other man’s ability to anticipate every possible scenario.
He’d not only brought the groceries but had taken it upon himself to bring a variety of items that he might have taken on a SEAL mission.
He’d included packs for each of them and had already filled them with everything they could need, and more.
First aid kits, tools, dried food—including bouillon cubes and instant coffee—bottles of water, compasses, small LED flashlights, fire starting kits, thin thermal blankets, duct tape, paper, pen, and a small lantern.
Leaning forward, Hoyt kept his voice low. “I wasn’t sure if you had enough firepower. I brought more with me.”
“We have plenty.” Lucas smiled faintly. “Thanks for the packs. I should have realized that asking you for supplies would produce something like this.”
Hoyt sat back, reaching for his coffee. “This is nothing. You should see all the stuff Nat packed for Stormy. Everything from feminine hygiene products to lip balm. Christ, women need a lot of stuff. I figured you’d be set here, but I know you had to rush out of town. I brought things you might need if you found yourself on the run. The headsets in the outside pockets will put you in touch with me.”
Grinning, he gestured toward the kitchen. “I have a feeling my darling wife filled Stormy’s bag with an entirely different tactic in mind.”
Lucas thought about the bags they’d brought for her—the clothes they’d bought for her and her gun, along with her ammo clips.
He hadn’t seen her wear makeup, nor had he ever smelled perfume on her.
She didn’t need any.
Lucas repacked his pack, his gaze drawn toward the kitchen again. “We’re supposed to be protecting her, not seducing her.”
Caleb set his pack aside and rose, his eyes shooting sparks. “None of us has ever gotten involved with a client in our lives. Stormy’s different, and you damned well know it.”
Ever since his friends had started finding the women who made their lives complete, Lucas had imagined having a woman in his home.
A woman he could love.
He’d never believed in love at first sight until he met Stormy’s gaze as he reached in to pull her out of her car window.
He’d dismissed it as concern for her, just as he’d dismissed the rage and fear he’d felt when she’d run away and the overwhelming relief at finding her safe.
But after holding her in the aftermath of a nightmare and hearing her tell Devlin what had happened to her, Lucas could no longer deny the truth.
He’d fallen in love with Stormy James, and keeping his distance was no longer an option.
Chapter Twenty
Lucas watched Stormy over dinner, unnerved by her unusual stillness.
Ignoring all attempts to include her in their conversation, Stormy stared at her plate, pushing her food around.
She appeared to be deep in thought, which meant that he would have to keep a close eye on her.
The back of his neck tingled, much like the last time she’d been so quiet and, as he’d discovered, meant she was plotting something.
He shared a look with Devlin, who sat on the other side of her, before turning his attention to Nat. “It was nice of you to bring things for Stormy. We packed in a rush, and I’m sure she’ll appreciate the things you brought her.”
Nat glanced at Stormy, seeming amused at the silence. “She will, probably more than she realizes.” Grinning, she stabbed another bite of steak. “So will you.”
Stormy didn’t even seem to hear her, appearing completely oblivious to her surroundings as she poked her baked potato.
Hoyt eyed Nat indulgently. “You really are a brat.”
Nat didn’t seem at all perturbed by his comment, waving a hand negligently. “Tell me something I haven’t heard before.”
Trying to imagine playfully teasing Stormy in such a way, Lucas continued to watch them while keeping a close eye on Stormy.
Hoyt gripped Nat’s chin, turning her to face him, his eyes narrowed. “I regret not making you pregnant again.”
To Lucas’s delight, Nat turned a becoming pink, her eyes going wide. After several seconds of stunned silence, she cleared her throat and finally found her voice. “Well, Jesus, Hoyt.”
Still holding her chin, Hoyt gave her a slow smile. “It’s good to know I can still surprise you. Rendering you speechless is damned near impossible.”
The image of Stormy, pregnant with their child, rose in Lucas’s mind and wouldn’t go away.
Shifting his gaze to hers again, he stabbed another bite of steak, pausing with it halfway to his mouth when he saw that her cheeks were flushed.
Intrigued that whatever she was thinking about made her blush, Lucas continued to watch her.
As if feeling his stare, she looked up at him, the flush on her cheeks deepening.
Raising a brow, he allowed a small smile. “Something on your mind?”
Her gaze darted to Devlin and Caleb, and although her cheeks reddened even more, her tone remained calm and even. “No.”
Intrigued, Lucas lowered his fork and continued to study her. “You’ve been
a million miles away. Care to share?”
Lifting her chin, she glanced at Nat. “No.”
Nat touched her arm. “Don’t be shy about speaking your mind. It leads to a hell of a lot of misunderstandings that could be avoided.” Glancing at Lucas, she patted Stormy’s arm. “She’s a little…disconcerted about the men in Desire and their need to be in charge. I think she’s a little worried that any man she finds herself involved with will try to boss her around and expect her to obey him.”
Stormy appeared to suddenly take an interest in her food. “I’m not worried at all. I’m leaving, remember?”
Meeting Stormy’s gaze, Lucas frowned. “A man has a responsibility to take care of his woman. He can’t very well do that if she doesn’t respect him enough to listen to him, especially concerned with her safety.”
Stormy snorted. “Any man who can’t get a woman to respect him without spanking her isn’t a man at all.”
Devlin sat forward to speak, but Lucas shot him a look and waved a hand to silence him.
Leaning closer to Stormy, Lucas gripped the arm of her chair and pulled her toward him. “Sometimes a man is faced with a hardheaded woman who disobeys him just to prove that she can. When it comes to her safety, that can’t be allowed, and warming her ass is a good way to remind her just how much is at stake.”
“Abuse is abuse.”
Devlin’s fork clattered on his plate. “You think a spanking is abuse?”
Stormy glared at him. “Don’t you?”
Lucas closed a fist in her hair, tilting her head back, keeping his voice low while Hoyt held Nat close and spoke softly to her.
“Sometimes, when the passion is strong enough, sex gets violent.” His eyes narrowed on hers, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re a woman with strong passions. You’re gonna be demanding in bed. We’ve already caught a glimpse of that. Just having me hold you this way excites you. I see it in your eyes.”
“That’s fear.”
Devlin shook his head. “Bullshit.” His brows went up. “I told you I’d call you on it. Lying is one thing sure to get you one of those spankings you’re so apprehensive about.” He picked up his fork again, watching her while stabbing another bite of steak.
