by BJ Wane
Since she didn’t know what to say in the face of his sadness she offered an olive branch of friendship. “I’m sorry if having me here has disrupted your life. I’m sure you know your son is a difficult man to argue with when he’s hell bent on something.”
“Yes, I know.” He spun around to face the stunning mountain view. “I also know you must mean a great deal to him. He only gets so overprotective and demanding with those he cares about the most. Go help yourself in the kitchen and then sit down before you fall down.”
He sounded as commanding as Kurt just then and since she didn’t want to risk collapsing either, she left him to his brooding to mull over what he’d said and wonder about the guilt etched on his face. The thought of Master Kurt having deeper feelings for her besides that of a Dom gave her a thrill of pleasure even as it ratcheted up her anxiety over this new threat to her peace of mind that could force her to start over far away from him and Montana. That small burst of happiness confirmed she’d made the right decision to end the physical side of their relationship now in preparation for the worst.
Chapter 10
Kurt had wasted no time in sending out an employee text as soon as he’d settled Leslie, explaining the situation and offering paid leave to anyone who was uncomfortable with the risk of having her on the ranch. It didn’t surprise him no one took him up on the offer, the quick replies ranging from joking about looking forward to some excitement to anger over the cowardly actions toward a woman. Then he’d spoken with Leland, not giving him a chance to order Kurt to make other arrangements for her by telling him she stayed or he went with her. That had stifled the instant denial he’d seen as he’d spoken but not the flash of fear in his father’s eyes.
“You’ll be safe, and so will everyone else, Dad,” he’d rushed to assure him. “You know how good our security is and have to know I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think the risk to everyone was minimal and worth it.”
Leland had shaken his head and turned away from him with a slump to his shoulders. “Fine. Just keep her out of my way.”
Irritated, Kurt had snapped, “That won’t be difficult since you rarely venture out of this room to be sociable to anyone.”
Now, as he re-entered the quiet, darkened house, he breathed a sigh of relief Leland had turned in. He intended to rouse Leslie so she could eat something, but as he slipped into the guest room and spotted the empty plate next to the bed, he was relieved he wouldn’t have to disturb her. Her eyes were clear the last time he checked on her and, according to Mitchell, it should be fine now to let her sleep.
He didn’t like going to his room and leaving her to sleep alone but respected her wish to step back from the physical side of their relationship. After the obvious struggle she’d portrayed with wanting to keep him and others safe from whoever was after her, he didn’t take that ultimatum personally. He also didn’t intend to play fair in abiding by her wishes as soon as she healed enough to move around without pain.
To Kurt’s surprise, he found Leslie already up, dressed and chatting with Babs in the kitchen early the next morning before he could introduce them. Sitting at the counter sipping coffee, she looked well-rested and not bad for someone who had survived such a horrendous car accident the day before. Gazing at the swelling and bruising around her bandaged head, his gut cramped with the same sucker punch as when he’d connected the dots between seeing the wrecked car and then Leslie on the ambulance gurney. He’d known in that moment of breath-robbing fear that sometime in the last month she had gotten under his skin too deep to let her go. For the first time in his life, he wanted a woman for the long haul and he embraced the prospect with a surge of protectiveness and excitement.
Now, all he needed to do was convince her to get on board with the idea.
“My two favorite ladies. Good morning.” Strolling over to Leslie, Kurt watched her eyes widen in surprise and alarm as he bent to give her a thorough, deep kiss before drawing back and smiling at Babs. “I see you’ve met our guest.”
Babs nodded, beaming at him. “She was telling me about what happened and trying to warn me to stay away from her outside the house.” She huffed, stirring the pan full of fluffy eggs on the stove. “As if you or anyone else on this ranch would let anyone get close enough to harm her or me.”
Leslie rolled her eyes. “Kurt can’t be everywhere at once.”
“No, but I can be where you are whenever you leave the house,” he returned, walking over to get a cup of coffee. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“Sore but better. Thank you for setting the pain pills out for me. They helped enough last night and I don’t need them this morning.”
“Don’t push yourself, Leslie. Do you remember what your car looked like?” He sure as hell did. It was something he doubted he would ever forget. Sliding onto the seat next to her, he eyed her askance, wondering how soon he could start poking at her for the whole story behind her placement in witness protection.
“I remember,” she admitted with a visible shudder, tightening her hands around the coffee mug. “I guess I should be grateful he missed instead of killing me with a direct hit.”
Cocking his head, Kurt regarded her solemnly before saying, “He didn’t miss, sweetheart. Grayson speculated he aimed for the tire to drive you off the road and then for the gas tank, which he did miss, but not by much. An explosion would have delayed not only identifying you, but the car and discovering the bullets.”
Her hands shook, forcing her to set down the cup. Rubbing her palms up and down her jean-clad thighs, she blew out a shaky breath. “I didn’t think of that.”
“Oh, honey, don’t you fret.” Babs set a plate of eggs in front of her and reached over to pat her forearm as Leslie brought her hand up from her lap. “Anyone would be a fool to try and come after you on Wilcox property. Eat your breakfast.”
Kurt’s lips curved at Leslie’s bemused expression. “Don’t argue with her, it won’t do you any good.”
She flicked him a sly, teasing glance. “Like with you?”
“Exactly. When you’re done, you can write the things you want from your apartment. Or would you rather go into Willow Springs when you feel up to it? We can purchase whatever you need for the next few weeks.”
She shook her head and then winced, brushing her fingers over the bandaged bump above her right eye. “I don’t want to answer any questions and I’m sure news of this has already made the small-town gossip circles. Besides, I’m not anxious to get back on that highway anytime soon.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll run into Billings and get your things this morning, while you’re still recovering inside. It won’t take me long. As soon as you’re up to it, we’ll start target practice.”
That had her halting her fork halfway to her mouth as she paused to say, “Huh?”
He nudged her fork hand forward. “You heard me. It’s past time you knew how to defend yourself. Gotta run so I can get back.” Taking his plate to the sink, he asked Babs, “If Dad’s plate is ready, I’ll take it to him.”
Leslie frowned. “Why doesn’t he eat in here with us? You shouldn’t cater to him. That just enables his bad behavior.”
Kurt lifted an inquiring brow, regarding her with curiosity. “Have you met Leland?”
“Yes, last evening.” She waved her hand holding the utensil. “It only took a few minutes to ascertain he could benefit from more blunt speaking. Sorry if I’ve overstepped, that’s just my opinion.”
“And here I thought I was the only one who had the guts not to put up with his bullshit.”
“Language, Kurt,” Babs admonished, swatting at his shoulder.
“Right.” He winked at Leslie. “Go for it, sweetheart.” He handed her Leland’s plate. “I’ll get out of here a lot faster if I don’t see him first.” Giving her another kiss, this time by tugging her head back with a handful of hair, he strode out with her narrowed-eyed glare drilling a hole in his back.
Leslie turned from watching Kurt walk out,
her blood having pooled in a hot puddle between her legs and her nipples peaking in her usual response from his touch. She encountered Babs’ knowing grin and returned it with a rueful smile. “Has he always packed such a wallop with the girls?”
Babs bobbed her head. “Oh, yes, ever since he was too young to know what those looks meant.”
Leslie smirked. “I bet it didn’t take him long to find out.”
Babs turned serious. “No, but he also didn’t let it go to his head and get all cocky like some teenagers. His father taught both Kurt and Brittany to respect others and hard work.” Sadness flitted across her rounded face. “It was a shame, what happened to that girl, and what her passing did to the two of them.”
She wanted to know the whole story, but it should come from Kurt or his father. Maybe helping them mend their rift would ease some of the guilt riding her over the unconditional stance of protection Kurt and his employees had given her. Eying the two plates Babs was filling with eggs, sausage and toast, she asked, “Who’s the second one for?”
“Cory, Mr. Wilcox’s aide. He’ll be in there by now.”
“Mind if I deliver them? I’d like to make myself useful.”
Babs cast a critical eye over her before handing Leslie the plates and pointing in the opposite direction of her guest room. “The master bedroom is on the far south end of that hall. The missus wanted privacy from her children. Just don’t overdo. I’ll be here all morning, so you tell me if you need anything.”
She grasped the plates, grateful for Babs’ support. “I will, Babs. Thank you.”
Leslie got a better idea of how the sprawling, one-story house was laid out as she wound her way toward Leland’s quarters. Splashes of sunlight streaming through wide windows and skylights brightened the buffed, dark hard wood floors throughout, the views outside them amazing, no matter what direction you looked. She itched to explore the property, get a closer look at the beautiful Thoroughbreds she spotted grazing in the pastures and familiarize herself with the running of a working ranch. In the three and a half years she’d lived in the midst of cattle country, she’d stuck to the familiarity of city life, but now found herself interested in learning more about how Kurt spent his days.
That new interest didn’t bode well for keeping a physical distance between them, but she wouldn’t be content to sit around the house all day for long. She needed to stay busy to keep from freaking out over someone intent on killing her.
The door stood open when she reached the bedroom, the frustrated voice coming from inside reaching her before she saw who it belonged to.
“Why don’t you want to go this morning?”
“I didn’t sleep well,” Leland snapped.
A tall, young man in his mid-twenties shook his blond head at Kurt’s father who was up and dressed and sitting at a small table in a corner of the spacious room. “You used that excuse last week.”
Leslie held up the two plates as she entered. “Maybe breakfast will perk you up and then you’ll feel like going out.” She smiled at the aide. “Hi, I’m Leslie.”
“Kurt mentioned you this morning. I’m Cory,” he said, reaching for the plates. “Thanks but I could’ve gotten them.”
“No problem.” She looked down at Leland with a wry expression. “Are you starting the day giving him a hard time? I don’t know you except for what Kurt’s mentioned, but I’ll bet you’re balking at going into therapy again.”
Leland’s glare reminded her of Kurt’s when he was annoyed with her. “Mind your own business,” he returned sourly.
“I’d love to but your stubbornness is weighing your son down with worry and since I care about him, I hate to see him upset. I would think his father would have even stronger feelings.” Satisfied with the consternation filling the older man’s eyes, she beamed at Cory. “Nice to meet you. I’m going to rest so I don’t give my generous host anything else to fret over.”
Cory’s face split in a knowing grin. “Nice to meet you, too.”
Pivoting, she ignored Leland’s disgruntled hrrmph. Her gaze landed on a chess set by the window as she headed out. An idea took hold and, pausing, she turned her head to say, “I used to be damned good at that game. I’ll play a match with you after your next therapy session.” Satisfied she’d given him something to think about with that challenge, she left the room.
Leslie made it back to her room, closed the door and leaned against it before her trembling body could threaten her composure. Admitting her feelings hadn’t been easy and added to the hardship of her uncertain, risky future. It also ratcheted up her anger over her circumstances, Edwin Glascott and whoever he hired to come after her. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, she prayed for a quick, safe end to the threat against her, wondering if it was too much to hope she could stay in Montana and see where these feelings could lead.
Kurt kept himself busy over the next few days, giving Leslie time to recover and think about where she wanted to go from here. Denying her submissive needs while living alone and staying home from the club was one thing, dismissing them while living with her Dom would be much harder. He joined her for dinner Monday night and breakfast the next morning, sitting close, touching her often, and enjoyed watching her tremble or hearing her sudden, indrawn breath, the flash of arousal in her eyes before she masked it with annoyance.
The unguarded moments when he caught the fear and uncertainty on her face tore at him, her hands-off stipulation grating the most then, the depth of his feelings as obvious to him as the sun at high noon on a cloudless day.
Tuesday morning, he started the day on a positive note when Leland announced he was going into therapy. Kurt greeted the news with relief even though he silently questioned his father’s change of heart. And then he’d returned to the house for lunch and found Leslie sitting with his father, her hand hovering above her bishop on the chess board that had gone unused since he’d returned. When his dad refused to join them in the kitchen for lunch, she’d surprised him by standing and saying, “Then we’ll have to finish this later because I want to have lunch with Kurt in the kitchen.” She’d breezed out with a small smile, his father’s irritated scowl priceless.
And Kurt fell in love a little bit more.
Now, as he let Atlas out in a full run back to the stables two days later, Kurt realized Leslie had transferred her drive for encouraging kids to work hard toward reaching their full potential to his father. Whenever he saw her with Leland, sparring over a chess game with Cory looking on in bemusement, the clutch around his heart gripped his chest tighter. She’d even managed to coax Leland out to the patio table for dinner last night after Kurt grilled steaks for everyone, including Roy, Babs and Cory.
As pleased as he was with her efforts toward his father, Leland still kept a wall between him and Kurt, still refused to discuss what had driven Kurt away for so long and wouldn’t put out the effort to do anything physical outside of his bedroom. But as he savored the hoof-pounding ride across the pastureland, the strength of Atlas’ bunching muscles against his legs and the brisk air rushing by him, he shoved aside thoughts of his difficult parent and focused on his difficult guest. Leslie was moving without pain, hadn’t taken the prescribed meds past the first twenty-four hours and he’d caught several fleeting longing glances aimed his way from those blue eyes. It was time to push his sub back where she belonged, under his sexual control.
Pulling up on the reins, he slowed the stallion by degrees until he cantered into the stable yard with a toss of his head. “Yeah, that’s my boy.” Kurt patted his sleek neck before dismounting and looping the reins around the fence rail. Powerful ripples ran under the soft pale fur as he tugged the saddle off. He intended to escort Leslie to the stables soon and was looking forward to her face when he showed her the surprise he’d been holding for her, but today they would start target practice.
“I take it you located our lost mama and her baby,” Roy said, walking up to run a hand over Atlas’ flank.
“Took most of the morn
ing, but yes, we found the calf in a ravine and mama standing guard out past the north ridge. How they managed to get so far from the herd is beyond me, but Travis and Casey will bring them in with them later today and I’ll get the vet out here tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. I’ve been asked by several hands when they get to meet the pretty blonde.”
Kurt cut him a sharp glance, his brows furrowed. “How do they know she’s a blonde? Rumor?”
A smile creased his manager’s weathered, lean face. “Nope. She’s been on the porch with Leland for the last hour, playing chess. Relax, Kurt.” Roy rushed to assure him. “There’s been someone within feet of the porch at all times even though no one can get close enough to the house to get to her or take a shot without being detected first. That’s why you brought her here.”
“Yeah, I know.” The tenseness went out of his muscles. He’d spoken with Grayson every day this week, asking for news, but so far no leads had turned up. The sheriff’s frustration matched Kurt’s. “I planned on giving her a tour this afternoon on our way to the target area. I’ll make some introductions then.”
“I’ll let them know.” Roy started to turn away then paused to say, “I wouldn’t be too quick to turn this one loose like you have all the others.”
“If the authorities can’t free her of this threat I may not have a choice.” And that thought ripped at his insides with sharp talons every time the possibility snuck into his head.
“Then let’s hope they’re successful.”
As Kurt slapped Atlas’ rump, urging him into the paddock to romp with the mares waiting for him, he turned his mind to pulling more information from Leslie, teaching her to defend herself and reminding her of how he could distract her from her troubles. He spotted her still sitting on the porch next to Leland as soon as he came around the stables. Tipping his Stetson down, he stalked across the lawn wishing his father would look as pleased when they were together as he appeared with Leslie. Since his return, Leland had either been withdrawn or argumentative, but at least he hadn’t hurled blame for Brittany’s death at him again. That small boon gave Kurt hope they could eventually find their way back to a decent relationship. Right now he had another relationship that needed attention.
