by Rivi Jacks
“I’ve been with Lucas all afternoon, and I don’t think he’s interested in seeing you right now,” Teresa says smugly. “He sent me in to get a bottle of tequila.” She steps right over to the cupboard where Lucas keeps his extra bottles.
Okay—pissed.
I walk out without bothering to grab a coat. I head straight to the arena, and as soon as I walk in the door, he turns to watch me. He’s with a group that includes my Uncle Jake. I march straight across the arena toward Lucas with blood in my eye. He smiles and then frowns with speculation. That expression changes, too, when he sees I’m pissed.
“Sofie,” Lucas says, his voice smooth as silk.
“Hey, Sofe,” Jake says, and then frowns. He knows all is not good with me.
I notice Lars Aasen giving me a quick once over. I’m wearing a soft, knit, V-neck black sweater, and a pair of skinny black jeans tucked into my black boots. He must like what he sees because he grins and reaches his hand out. “Miss Reece,” Aasen says in a heavily accented voice.
I see Lucas frown before he introduces us. “Sofie, this is Lars Aasen. You didn’t get to meet Lars the night of Walter’s party.”
I take Aasen’s hand. “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Aasen.”
“Lars, please. I know it’s you I must thank for tipping us off about Ed Smith.”
Lars Aasen is certainly a handsome man with his blond hair and bright blue eyes. He is tall, muscular, and very Swedish looking. The blue shirt he wears matches the blue of his eyes, and if I were another kind of woman, I would flirt with him just to piss Lucas off. As it is, I don’t have to do anything. Lars does it all. He kisses the back of my hand and holds it longer than necessary. I notice Lucas’ eyes narrow. I look at the other guests as I withdraw my hand.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Sofie.” Dominic tilts his head in greeting. He is smiling, clearly amused. I suppose he noticed Lucas’ discomfort with Lars’ attention to me. Dominic looks as good as he did the night before at the club.
“Sofie, this is Quanah,” Lucas continues with introductions and gestures toward one of the men from Dominic’s office the previous night.
Quanah is an American Indian, tall and lean with wide shoulders. His long black hair is pulled back and tied at the nape. He turns his black eyes on me with an intensity that should make me uncomfortable but oddly, doesn’t.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I say. He smiles slightly.
“Lucas!” We all turn and see Teresa sashaying toward us with the bottle of tequila. She is shaking her butt with everything she has. “Here’s the bottle you wanted,” she purrs.
I want to punch her in the face as Lucas gives me an unfathomable look. The air is thick with tension and Jake and Dominic look amused by the situation. Lars looks amused too, but I think his is for a different reason, and the Indian watches me with his dark stare.
“Sofie—” Lucas holds his hand out to me.
“Oh no, Lucas, you go ahead and entertain your—guests.” I maintain eye contact with him. “If y’all will excuse me.”
“Sofie,” he says again, this time with a warning in his voice.
“Lucas, why don’t you show me where you keep your glasses?” Teresa coos.
“Yes, Lucas, why don’t you show—Teresa where the glasses are kept. She seems to know where everything else is.”
His expression says he is not happy with my attitude, and I turn on my heel. Before I can step away, his hand grips my arm. “We’re going to talk,” he darkly informs me as he clamps his hand around my wrist.
I don’t say anything. Jake looks a little concerned, and I give him a reassuring smile as Lucas heads across the arena floor, pulling me along. When we get to Teresa, I stick my tongue out at her.
“Don’t be childish, Sofie,” Lucas murmurs.
He opens the door to the office, and I pass through the doorway. As he closes the door, I step up on the couch and launch myself at him when he turns. He catches me, and I wrap my arms around his neck and legs around his waist. All I want is to kiss him, so I do, for all I’m worth.
“You’re a feisty little thing, aren’t you?” he says with a blunt chuckle when the kiss ends.
“I can be.”
He laughs with a low, throaty sound as he takes my lips in a kiss that leaves me reeling. His mouth trails across my jaw to my neck where his tongue strokes the pulse point. I moan and my stomach tightens.
“Lucas,” I gasp.
“Hmmm,” he hums as his tongue follows the outline of my ear. His hand is under my sweater and molds to my breast. His fingers pluck at my nipple through my bra.
“I-I thought we were going to talk.” I strain against his hand.
He raises his head, and I see a sparkle in his eyes. “You started it.”
I smooth his hair back from his forehead with my hand. “I did, didn’t I?”
“You continually surprise me,” he says, his voice deep and husky.
“Why?” I unhook my legs and stand on the couch again.
“Well, I was certain you were ready to do me bodily harm.” He gives me a steady look.
“Why are you spending time with Teresa?” Oh, I really don’t want to waste our time talking about her.
He lays a finger across my lips. “I was not spending time with that vicious bitch.” Before I can respond, he scoops me up and I give a startled squeal. Lucas laughs as he sits on the couch with me on his lap. He tilts my chin up, gripping it when I try to turn away. “Look at me,” he commands.
I am intensely aware of his strength, his masculinity, and I’ve never wanted him more. I suddenly don’t want him to see my need, my craving for him; it makes me feel vulnerable. The man so owns me! I let him turn my face toward his, but I keep my eyes downcast, watching him from under my lashes.
“I like it when you defy me,” he claims, his voice dark and growly.
My gaze flies to his with surprise. I look into his wickedly handsome face. “You do not.”
“Oh, but I do,” he assures me with a slow, seductive smile.
“Why?” I ask softly.
He leans back and contemplates me. He is so freakin’ sexy! It’s a cliché, but he literally takes my breath away. He says, “There are several reasons, my sweet, but the one I particularly appreciate is that you are discovering how much you want me, and it frightens you into defiance.”
I lower my gaze. “I think it’s more that you’re always trying to boss me around.” When he doesn’t respond, I peek up at his dark, seductive smile.
“I believe this situation will be ongoing with us—and I look forward to every moment,” he affirms.
I give him a dubious look and see the dark gleam in his eyes. “I... I worry about... how much we fight,” I murmur.
“Fight?” He frowns. “I don’t think of it as fighting, per se. More that we’re getting to know each other.” I smile. I like that. “And you’re trying to see how far you can push me.”
What? I elbow him in the side and he laughs before pulling me close and resting his chin on the top of my head.
“Did you have a good day with your friends?” he asks.
“I did. It was great fun.”
“I was glad you decided to stay here instead of going into Springfield.”
I lean away. “How do you know what we did?” He smiles enigmatically at me. “You’re having me followed?” I try to stand.
Keeping me on his lap, he says firmly, “Sofie, I’m not about to let you go out without a bodyguard.”
“A bodyguard!” I lean even further away and glare at him.
“Yes, a bodyguard,” he hisses. “And I don’t want to hear another word about it!” He pulls my resisting body close again.
Struggling does no good, so I decide to calm down and approach the subject differently. “Do you really think I need a—bodyguard?” I have a difficult time even saying the word. It’s a little disquieting. “I didn’t see anyone lurking around me.”
“If you had seen someone... l
urking around you, it wouldn’t have been your bodyguard.”
The way he says “your bodyguard” has me leaning away again. “You’ve had someone following me for a while now, haven’t you?”
“I’ve had someone with you for protection for a while now, yes.”
I search his eyes. How can I be upset with him when he only wants to keep me safe? I lay my hand against the side of his face. “Thank you,” I tell him softly.
A slow, dazzling smile sweeps across his face. “You’re welcome.” He pulls me gently back into his arms. There’s a light knock on the door and Lucas sighs deeply in irritation. “Go away!”
“It might be important.” I try to wiggle off his lap.
“Sofie,” he growls, holding me in place, “I guarantee it’s not as important to me as you are.” I sit perfectly still and look into his silvery-green eyes as deeply as he looks into mine.
“I need to tell you some things.” He frowns slightly, tucks a wayward curl behind my ear, and moves the pad of his thumb across my bottom lip.
“Yes, you do, but you’re a little late because Nick already spilled the beans.”
He looks at me impassively. “Is that right?”
“Yes, and—”
There’s a sudden banging on the door. “Lucas! We have an emergency!”
We look at each other. My eyes are startled, but Lucas’ never flinch. “What now!” he hisses as I scramble off his lap. Lucas opens the door to Christian. “What’s happening?” Lucas reaches for my hand, pulling me along with him as we leave the room.
“The Zelts are under attack.” They exchange a pointed look.
“What?” I ask in surprise.
Lucas sighs. “Now?” I hear a slight, almost amused, note in his voice. Then he exhales a sharp breath and shakes his head.
“Nick, Dominic, and Taylor have already headed that way,” Christian says. Lucas walks with strong, purposeful strides, and I hurry to keep up. “Andy, Ray, and Patrick went with them—and Sawyer.” Christian gives me a quick look.
“Have the others ready to leave in three minutes,” Lucas orders. He slows and pulls me up beside him, circling my waist with his arm.
“They’re ready, Lucas. At the gates,” Christian adds.
Lucas gives me a quick hug. “Sofie, you stay here.” Then he moves away quickly, leaving me. “Have Cal and Brighton man the gates—” Lucas stops, turns, and regards me for a moment before returning to me. He bends down to look into my face as he speaks.
“Sofie, I want you to stay here—where I know you’re safe. It will help if I don’t have to worry about you so I can stay focused.” His eyes hold a hint of amusement, but I know he’s serious.
“Okay.” When he cocks an eyebrow, I snort softly. “I will stay here, Lucas.”
“Thank you.” His deep voice is husky as he strokes my cheek with his fingers. He pulls me into his arms and kisses me with a passion that leaves me breathless. I flush when I see Christian’s knowing smile.
I lay my hand against the side of his face. “You be sure and come back.”
“My sweet, I will always come back to you.”
“Lucas, I have some things I need to tell you too.”
He touches his finger to my lips. We share one more fervid look. “Soon.” He turns to Christian, and they leave.
I look around, feeling uncomfortable in the empty arena. Very uncomfortable. I hurry out and head toward the house. The night is eerily quiet. It’s most likely my imagination, but the silence seems foreboding as I move quickly along the lit pathway. As I enter the house, I lock the back door and the door to the kitchen. It just makes me feel better. What I haven’t counted on are Bobbi and Teresa sitting at the kitchen table. I pause as I turn from the door.
“What are you doing here?” Teresa asks with plenty of attitude.
I exhale sharply and head for the living room. “I live here.”
“You’ve known him for what, two weeks?” she asks, bitchily.
I keep on walking. Jake and Lars are having a drink in the living room with the Indian, Quanah. Quanah’s eyes are on me as I step over to Jake, who gives my shoulder a quick squeeze.
“You okay?” he asks.
“Yeah, I’m glad you’re here.” I do feel better—until Bobbi and Teresa slink in.
Teresa slithers right up to Lars. “Buy me a drink?” she coos.
Oh, good grief!
“Can we turn some music on or something?” Bobbi asks. I think I hear a note of anxiety in her voice. I glance toward her. How much does she know? Does Nick tell her things? Important things—like what Lucas should tell me.
I go to check the front door and the outside door in Lucas’ study. I know I’m being silly, but it makes me feel better.
“I’ll see if I can figure out Lucas’ music system,” Jake says as I walk back into the room.
“Play something good to dance to,” Teresa says. My disbelief must show on my face because Teresa gives me an ugly look. “What?” She demands.
“I believe the lovely Sofie is worried. She has loved ones out there tonight,” Lars answers for me. He tips his head when I smile my thanks.
“Do you think I’m lovely?” Teresa asks as she latches on to his arm and leans into him.
I don’t hang around for the answer. I go to the bedroom and stand at the windows. I wonder what’s happening at the Rogers plantation. Please God, keep them all safe, I pray. I check and lock the outside door off the bathroom hall. How silly! I don’t know why I’m being so paranoid.
I pace in front of the windows. I hate being here, not knowing what is going on. I pray Lucas and I will get to finish our conversation. I’m ready to tell him everything. I want, no, need to tell him. Plus, he does have some explaining to do about the shared-blood situation. Every time we try to talk, we are interrupted, start making out, or end up in bed. That makes me smile. I’ve also decided I want him to know I love him.
I continue looking out into the night, looking for something, anything that would indicate trouble.
Damn! I hate waiting.
Girl——they are coming.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
“What?” I ask, surprised and wondering if I’ve imagined the voice.
The Kihn are coming through the woods——they are coming for you.
Crap! I didn’t imagine that!
I grab the flashlight out of the nightstand and run into the living room. “Turn off the lights and the music!” They all look at me. “Hurry! The Kihn are coming onto the compound!” The men move at once to do my bidding.
“Sofie, are there any weapons in the house?” Jake asks.
“None that I know of.” Our eyes lock.
“I’m going out to the truck.”
“No!”
“I have to,” he says firmly.
I’m afraid he really does. We need weapons. “My shotgun’s in the Jeep.”
“In the back?” he asks, already on his way out.
“Yeah. Shells are in the console. Bring both boxes.” I’m right behind him at the door.
“I will go with him,” Quanah offers at my back.
I nod. “Thank you.”
I’m terrified. I scan the parking area and beyond to the woods. No sound comes from anywhere and I wonder about Cal and Brighton at the gates. About the time I’m thinking, Oh please hurry, Jake and Quanah bound up the steps. Jake hands me the shotgun.
I notice he only has his crossbow. “Why didn’t you get your shotgun?”
“I left it at Diane’s,” he admits a little sheepishly. “I didn’t think I would need it.”
“As much as I wish you had it, I’m glad you’re looking out for her.” Diane’s parents are gone for the weekend, and I guess he felt better with her having a shotgun. I know I do.
We lock the front door and go back to the living room. Lars is with Teresa, who’s crying, and Bobbi, who looks scared.
“They will come through the doors,” Quanah quietly says.
“Wha
t are we going to do?” Teresa wails.
Jake is at my side. “Sofie, is there a safe room in the house?”
“No one’s ever mentioned a safe room.”
“What about the basement?” he asks.
I shake my head. Then I remember something.
Jake sees the change in my expression. “What?”
“I think we should move to the basement. I’ve got an idea.”
We hurry through the kitchen, and I retrieve two more flashlights from a drawer. In the back of the drawer, I see the flashlight I dropped the night I snuck on to the compound. I knew he had it! Before heading downstairs, I unlock the kitchen door and grab some of the coats hanging by the outside door. I hand a couple to Bobbi and Teresa. Bobbi thanks me.
“I think we’re going to need them,” I say to Jake.
“Good thinking,” he says as he and Lars grab a coat each.
We use the flashlights to go down the basement stairs. The night Christian and Taylor were down here, they came out of the wine room I’d just been in. So I’m thinking there’s a hidden door that leads—somewhere. We make our way into the wine room and close the heavy steel door behind us. It has a bar that drops down so no one can open it. At least, not easily. Jake drops the bar in place.
“How strong are the Kihn?” Bobbi asks.
Quanah and Lars exchange a look. “They are strong enough,” Quanah answers in a calm voice.
At a shelf of wine bottles, I start searching for a release handle behind the racks. I push on the shelves in different areas. Jake goes to the racks on the opposite wall and does the same.
“We’re looking for a door I think is down here,” I say.
“You think!” Teresa screeches. “You think!”
“Shut up, Teresa!” Bobbi tells her. “Get over here and help me.”
Thank goodness, one of them has a little sense.
I remember something Gramps told me about a tunnel down here. I just hope we’re in the right area of the basement, and Lucas hasn’t had it sealed off.
Hurry, girl.
Damn it!
“Quanah?” I say. He’s quickly beside me. “Can you reach up on top? There at the back.”
