by Piper Stone
“I bet I know one who will be happy to help you out.”
I inhaled, trying to keep my anger at bay. “Leave Monica out of this entire conversation. I’m not going to allow her to know anything about this.”
“Son, she already does. If you ask me, that girl still cares about you!”
“You fucking told her our business? And I couldn’t give a shit whether she cares about me. Don’t you get that?” I was more than just furious. How dare my father drag my ex into anything regarding the ranch. How fucking dare he.
“The last time I checked, the deed to this ranch was in my name and my name only. I am free to talk to anyone I want to, especially since you washed your hands of this place on the day you walked out and signed up for the Marines. Monica was nice enough to offer help long before you did.”
The words were harsh, frank, and too close to home. I had no idea what to say.
“I’m sorry, son. That was pretty shitty of me.”
“It’s all right, Pops. I deserved it.”
His eyes locked onto mine. “No, you didn’t. I’m just feeling the pressure. Truth is, I don’t want this place to go to some two-bit firm out of Dallas, trying to muscle in. The asshole man who runs it isn’t much older than you and arrogant as fuck. Jesus Christ, the jerk is as condescending as they come. He has no care for any of the ranchers at all. Condos. I mean really? Says that’s his specialty. If you ask me, the man is hiding something behind his fancy cars and all glass office building. Who’s going to buy a condo way out here?”
I hadn’t gotten that far up the ladder in my earlier efforts of rabble rousing, but this time I would.
“Yeah, seems like an odd place to build them if you ask me, but if they’re building a full resort, who knows.” The very same thought had entered my mind more than once. I could sense my father had done a hell of a lot more digging than he’d originally let on. Maybe hunting down the CEO of the corporation would be easier than I anticipated. Besides, I was ready for ensnaring deceiving prey.
“I love this place, Jack. I can’t lie about it. Your mother loved this ranch more than anything. I feel like I’d be losing what I have left of her if I sell.”
“Then why did you try and convince me you wanted to?”
“Because I didn’t want to be the one to hold you back. Truth is, you’ve always felt so responsible for this place and I didn’t want you saddled with a broken-down life. That’s not fair.”
A jab went straight into my heart. If only I’d stayed around. “We’ll figure it all out. I promise you that this ranch isn’t going anywhere.”
He lifted his bottle, giving me a half smile. “I know you’ll do your best, Jack. How about this? Tonight, no talk about business. Let’s enjoy that fine-looking woman you got there and some good grub. Made my famous scalloped potatoes and I have two-inch-thick steaks to throw onto the grill. Besides, tomorrow is a new day.”
I allowed our bottles to touch and as I took a gulp, I caught sight of Summer coming back into the room. While her expression almost immediately changed, I could easily tell she’d been eavesdropping.
For some reason, my hackles were raised.
Chapter Eight
Summer
You have forty-eight hours to make up your mind.
The text was clear enough. I’d heard the notification long before we pulled down the long driveway, but the last thing I wanted to do was check out what the asshole had sent. Not in front of Jack. He had enough on his mind.
I stood in the bathroom, glaring at the screen.
Bastard. Bastard. Bastard.
Fuck you...
I was ready to hit send when I thought better of it. I needed a much clearer mind to beat him at this game.
Whatever the hell this game was really about.
I backspaced the letters, snarling the entire time. He was merely trying to get to me, just like he’d done with my mother.
Dangerous. My mother had once told me that Jonathan was well connected. She’d been convinced that he had ties to certain influential men who didn’t mind getting their hands dirty. That was the very reason she’d never left him.
Except...
One night, she’d tried, one horrible stormy night, dragging me out of my bed sometime after two in the morning. She’d made it two miles down the road before being forced to stop, headlights coming from every direction. I’ll never forget screaming as hands ripped me from the car, shoving her into a waiting van.
“Mommy! No. No!”
“I’ll be all right, baby. Mommy will be all right.”
She’d remained in her room for almost three days.
I’d only been eight years old, but I’d known that very night that something was horribly wrong with our family.
The memory was one I’d attempted to put behind me, trying so hard to believe in a better life. But I will never forget the way Jonathan had manhandled her after we were brought back to the house, smacking her around as if she was a rag doll. Up until that point, I’d honestly never believed a weasel like my stepfather could be capable of anything other than wielding a pen to create destruction.
I’d been very wrong.
The thought was as horrifying as it was disgusting. I knew one thing. My stepfather would never stop until he had me in his clutches. Controlled. Kept in a cage in order to hide his secrets.
My mind was muddled, filled with anger as well as confusion. I adored Jack. He was honest and good to a fault, sexy as hell in the most swoon-able way.
He was also dominating, more so every day.
I glanced at my reflection, unsure of the girl staring back at me. Shame. Should I continue to feel humiliation for the fact I was starting to accept how much I needed a firm hand? “Ugh.” The single word was filled with admittance.
The simple answer was no.
I lifted my middle finger and shored my shoulders. There was nothing wrong with craving a strong and decent man. I read the words again, more certain than ever that Jonathan had something up his sleeve.
However, there were no other texts, no wayward emails with detailed instructions. It was as if Jonathan was certain I’d come racing home to comply with his demands. I’d become a glorified assistant at his corporation with a wedding to plan and no doubt babies to make.
Over my dead body.
My hands were still shaking as I’d quickly fluffed my hair and freshened my makeup. I didn’t want to ruin the evening or this trip. Unfortunately, I wasn’t certain I could simply ignore Jonathan entirely.
I glared at the screen one last time before shoving the phone into my jeans’ pocket. A single tear formed in my eyes and I swore to myself that I wasn’t going to shed another tear. I should have told Jack everything.
Then what?
Would he be my superman, fixing every aspect of my sad little life?
No, he’d likely be terrified, just like the majority of people Jonathan came into contact with.
Or would he fight not only for my heart but for my freedom? Jack was different, strong and solid, brusque, and a take no shit kind of man. A perfect match for Jonathan.
Then again, maybe I was living in a fairytale.
I heard their deep baritone voices, the conversation filled with anger. The closer I crept, the more I cringed, my heart thumping. A Dallas office. Condos being built. A ruthless businessman. I had a sick feeling in my stomach and one I doubted was going to go away any time soon, but I had to know more about what they were talking about. I only hoped that Jack would confide in me.
There were no coincidences in life.
No. No! This couldn’t be happening. There had to be another explanation.
On top of everything, I’d heard he was considering switching jobs and about Jack’s ex-girlfriend. An attorney. And a woman who still cared about him. Possibly moving across the country.
Fabulous.
My entire world was turning upside down.
I certainly wasn’t any competition for a beautiful attorney given the
state of my affairs. I had no business being in his life, but damn if I didn’t want to be. There was no reason for me to be jealous, but I was, my defense mechanisms off the charts.
Swallowing, I plastered on a smile and crossed the threshold.
Jack lifted his eyebrows as I walked in, as if he’d caught me standing in the corner listening to the conversation. Then he and his father shared yet another look, as if they held a deep and very dark secret. I shuddered at the thought.
We were both hiding something.
Being asked to come with Jack to his home had caught me off guard, creating so many questions that my daddy certainly didn’t seem to want to answer at the time.
Why do you have to go?
Can I help you with whatever you’re working on?
Are you purchasing the ranch?
Are you giving up rigging?
His response to almost every question? That dark and dangerous stare of his, the one I was learning didn’t necessarily put me or my reddened bottom in the best position. He’d just given me that same look. Somehow, he knew me far too well, especially my inquisitive side. I was also horrified of the distinct possibilities formulating in my mind. I certainly didn’t believe in coincidences. How could I share my fears with him, the man I already cared for?
I knew karma had to hate me.
The bitch.
I would find out one way or the other whether I was right in my assumptions. What if I was? What in the hell could I do about it?
Run, just like you did before.
I hated my conscience.
“There she is. How about a glass of wine?” John asked, his expression immediately softening, more than happy to see me. He poured a hefty amount before I managed to answer.
“I’d love one.” Or five. This could be an arduous trip. My head was already aching, the pain furrowing behind my brow.
“You got it. And how do you like your steak, little lady?” John pushed the full glass across the table.
“Blood rare.” Reaching for the wine, I could feel Jack’s hot breath skating across my skin.
John gave me a huge grin. “A girl after my own heart. I think we’re going to keep her. I’ll be right back. You kids have some fun. Well, not too much fun.”
The laughter remained even after John walked outside.
“You okay?” Jack asked.
I was only able to nod, the thick bile in my throat preventing me from lying.
“Why don’t I believe you?” He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into the heat of his chest.
“I don’t lie.”
“Uh-huh. You just tell a lot of fibs. Right?” He swayed from side to side, the simple dance making my nipples harden.
“I can’t tell fibs around my daddy.”
“Keep that in mind but I think an after dinner spanking is in order, just to remind you.”
“That’s not fair.”
Jack grinned. “That’s very fair. My rules. Remember?”
Hell, maybe a spanking would allow me to figure out how to deal with my stepfather.
There were far too many maybes.
Dinner conversation was pleasant, although I garnered no additional information, but I genuinely fell in love with Jack’s father. Unfortunately, my curiosity got the better of me, as well as three glasses of wine.
“The ranch is beautiful. It’s a shame you have to sell it, John. What do the buyers want it for?” I tried to keep the question very casual, but as soon as the words left my mouth, the tension could be cut with a knife. The two men dared take a quick glance at each other before Jack turned into Daddy mode.
Daddy cleared his throat after taking my hand under the table, but John shook his head and answered for both of them. “As I said before, we’re not discussing any business tonight. Besides, it’s a lovely evening and perfect for a walk for two fine-looking people. I’ll clean the dishes.” He abruptly got up from the table, grabbing his plate.
I opened my mouth to somehow retract my questions when Daddy exhaled. “I’ll help, Pops. Then we will go on a walk. I think Summer and I need to discuss a few things.”
“No, you kids go on and have some fun. This old man is going to grab a brandy and a cigar and sit out on the back porch before turning in. And you know me. I’m a sound sleeper.” John grinned but I could still see sadness in his eyes.
“Okay, Pops.”
I hated this for both of them and could tell the weight of the world remained on their shoulders. He kept my hand in his as he led me down the shadowed hallway.
“You’re angry with me,” I managed.
“Not angry. You just continue to push the envelope, no matter with whom or when.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interfere. Everything is just so beautiful here. Seems a shame that your father has to sell it.”
He fell in beside me as we walked off the front porch. “That’s not your decision or even mine for that matter. Yes, I don’t like what I’m hearing, but he can do with this place what he wants.”
“You don’t really mean that. I can tell how much you adore the ranch.”
He groaned as he moved toward a line of trees, walking slowly. “I do adore this place, but things change. People change.”
“People don’t change. They’re either good or they’re evil.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them.
“Like your stepfather?”
“Very much like him. He’s pure evil.”
“If it makes you feel any better, the life with my father has always been complicated, difficult.” Exhaling, he shoved his hand into his pocket. “Dad is very private and after my mother died, even more so. There are just some things I need to work through with him. Family business. Unfortunately, he seems dead set on selling the place.”
I didn’t buy everything he was telling me. “I meant what I said. I’d like to help any way I can.” Jack would never understand how my mother had put up with Jonathan’s bullshit for so long.
“While I appreciate that you care, I need to handle this without interference. We had this discussion on the plane and in the car. Please don’t push me, Summer. Let’s just enjoy a nice walk. There’s a lovely stream not too far from here and with the bright moon, it should be gorgeous. But that doesn’t mean you’re getting out of your spanking. Not by a longshot.”
I nodded, biting back the remaining questions as his grip tightened. The thought of another spanking left me filled with apprehension, but the tingling sensations rocketing through every overheated cell in my body was a clear indication of how much I cared for him. We walked quietly for some time, the man deep in thought. I struggled to remain silent, giving him the space he so obviously needed.
Forty-eight hours. The timeframe loomed. I wasn’t entirely certain when we were leaving the ranch. How the hell was I supposed to admit that I had to at least get in touch with Jonathan?
I shuddered visibly.
“Are you cold?” he asked, almost absently.
“No. Just... I’m fine.”
“And your wrist?”
“Fine.” We headed through a bank of oversized trees, the bright moon shimmering through the leaves and branches.
“Two fines. Hmm... Good then. When we get back aboard the rig, you’re going to the clinic first and having that wrist of yours rechecked. Then we can discuss what or if you’re going to continue on the welding team.”
“That’s all I know how to do on the rig! Where else would you put me?”
“I haven’t thought that out yet.” Even in the darkness I could tell there was a gleam in his eyes.
Damn him. He was the most frustrating man.
I pulled away, taking several steps ahead of him, half jogging until I reached a clearing. The lapping water trickling over various rocks at the river’s edge was soothing, drawing me closer. I finally felt a hand on my shoulder; the touch left me quivering. “Can I ask you something, Daddy?”
“You can ask me anything.”
“Who’s p
ushing your father into selling and more important, why? Is this really all about building condominiums smack in the middle of nowhere? I find that hard to believe.”
Jack didn’t respond at first. “This isn’t anything for you to worry about. I will figure it out. No business. Remember?”
“Why won’t you let me in? I’m not some dumb kid with no intelligence. I have a business degree from Yale with a minor in accounting. I am perfectly capable of running an entire corporation by myself. As a matter of fact, I think I could run one better than the majority of men in this country.”
“Wow. Now, that’s a soliloquy,” Jack snickered.
“That’s the truth. Whatever your father is dealing with, I know I could at least give you some solid advice. But you don’t want that. Do you? You have to be the big man in charge at all costs, including with the ranch.”
“Whoa. Where in God’s name is this coming from?”
I jerked around to face him. “I’m a pretty good judge of character, believe it or not.”
He opened his mouth as if to retort then snorted. “I think we need to end this conversation right now.”
“O-kay. Then how about this? Do you want to tell me about Monica?” Why did it even matter to me?
Jack’s eyes opened wide. “You were eavesdropping the entire time. Were you not taught any manners?”
“I was taught plenty but it’s tough not to hear two grown men who were just about at each other’s throats.” I folded my arms, standing my ground. I thought for certain he was going to lash out, punish me for the multitude of sins I’d performed. Instead, he walked closer to the water, sitting down by the edge on the slight grassy knoll.
“I’m sorry you had to hear that shit. I told you, my dad and I have always had a volatile relationship, but more so around the conversations about the ranch.”
I eased down beside him, pulling my knees to my chest. “Every family has issues. It doesn’t matter who you are or how much money you have.”
“Yeah, that much we can agree on.” Jack fiddled with a rock before tossing it into the water. “Did something else happen that you’re not telling me?”
