Daunting Turns: Book 2 of Colson Brothers Series

by Reese Madison

“Thanks.”

  “Would you like me to drive miss?”

  “No. I’m too wired, I need something to do.” I let out the breath I think I’ve been holding all morning. Or is it afternoon? Afternoon. He’s going to wake up hungry. “Can you find me a nice grocery store along the way? I’d like to make something nice tonight.”

  “Done. There’s one about three hours and twelve minutes from our current location. Anything else miss?”

  “Yeah, let’s find something cheerful on the radio. I think my heart attack is finally letting up.”

  “Your blood pressure has significantly dropped. Here, I’ll show you my latest way of killing time.” She changed the radio station and we listened to old re-broadcasts of comedy shows from the early fifties. It was exactly what I needed.

  Turner woke up when I slowed to a stop at the fancy grocery store. “Where are we?”

  “Just stopping for groceries. You should shower while I’m inside.” I suggested leaving the engine running and getting up to find my purse.

  “We have food.” He complained. “I told you to stay close.”

  “Go take a shower, I’ll be right back. I hate shopping with you, you’re like a bull in a china shop.”

  He grabbed a beer and leaned against the door, “My head is killing me.”

  “Probably because you let your brother pound the hell out of it.” I hopped up for a kiss.

  He obliged gently putting his hand behind my head, “Be careful, and hurry up.”

  “Actually, I’m going to linger. It’s a really nice store Daisy went through a lot of trouble to find for me. I’ll take your cell phone, have her call me if you get worried.”

  He eyed me suspiciously, “Learning how to play me aren’t you?”

  “Actually I prefer to play with you, but you know that.” I stole another quick kiss. “If you have too much trouble with the shower wait until I get back. Do you want anything?”

  “Whiskey, and you naked.” He smacked my butt lightly. Too lightly. His was a lesson he won’t soon forget. I wonder if the Turner I met a couple weeks ago is still in there somewhere.

  As I shopped I thought. Did he bury that part of himself today? Or is it exercised like a bad spirit? I don’t think I want to ask. He’s hurting, but he sounds okay. I can’t believe he told me all that stuff about his family earlier.

  Some of it I kind of knew. Red won’t talk about what happened with Bret, but according to Salina it wasn’t pretty. Red’s ultimate loyalty to a man she thought was dead saved her life, and Bret’s. That’s pretty much all she said about it.

  My cart is filling up because I’m buying all kinds of fun stuff. I picked up a couple first aid kit type materials too. There’s probably one on Daisy, but I don’t feel like calling to ask. I need this alone time, even though I’m half anxious to get back to him.

  I’ll never forget the sound Joe’s fists made as they collided with my man’s body. Turner just stood there taking every hit. He dropped to his knees at one point, but I couldn’t watch. I think I screamed trying to drown out the sound.

  I rolled up my sleeves to unload the cart in the checkout line. The lady behind the register looked up to greet me and looked down at my arms instead, “You okay honey?”

  I looked down and laughed, “Yeah, I was out for drinks with the girls and I think we stumbled home holding onto each other. We all woke up and were like ‘what??’” I touched my arm where Turner had gotten carried away a few days ago.

  She bought my story and laughed. “Been there. Paper or plastic?”

  My brain went dead. Completely shut down. That simple little question was my undoing, I couldn’t make one simple decision. I just looked at her, “Which is better?”

  “Neither, they both suck. Plastic is recyclable.” She winked.

  “Plastic it is. You can’t recycle paper?” I asked suddenly grateful for this mundane conversation.

  She shrugged, “I don’t know. There’s a recycle mark on the side, but I always end up burning mine in the fire pit.”

  “Ooh, good idea. Do me a favor and throw in a few paper bags. The husband will like a fire.”

  “You’re married?”

  “Almost. He’s dragging me kicking and screaming to his parents first.” I joked.

  She eyed the groceries, “Yeah, you look like you’re kicking and screaming.”

  I laughed, “If you only knew.”

  I put the groceries away and helped Turner in the shower. He’d fallen back asleep while I was gone.

  Daisy drove while I started dinner and made some sandwiches to hold him over for now. He had a hard time eating because of his ribs, but he managed. His body needs fuel or he conks out.

  “Daisy, how much time left?” He asked flinching at the pain in his side.

  “I recharged at the last stop.” She told him in a strange tone.

  He reached over and hit the wall to pop the table up for the panel. “And how exactly did you do this?”

  “I’ve been actively researching since you reactivated me. Turns out my spinners make excellent conductors of energy.”

  He’s tapping the screen, “Oh no. That’s why you were moving around the parking lot?? How many did you drain Daisy?”

  “Seven.”

  “Seven what?” I asked her.

  “Daisy, please don’t drain car batteries in parking lots. What if you were seen on camera?”

  “I’m an eight million dollar underused top of the line weapon, I think I can jam a few frequencies.” She sounded insulted making me spit out my wine.

  Turner looked at me, “What?”

  I laughed, “You have two very difficult women on your hands, don’t you?”

  He narrowed his eyes, “Her I can shut down.”

  “Correction sir, if I may, but that is no longer a possibility. My programming will remain running despite your command for shut down. It’s the only way to properly protect you both.” She scolded.

  He rolled his eyes, “I need a real drink.”

  Daisy woke us up the next morning, “Miss?”

  I woke up first hearing an oddly familiar voice, “Yeah?”

  “We should get moving. Evidently I’m marked.”

  “Then go, set a course for wherever you think is safe.” I sat up poking Turner. He’s a sound sleeper.

  “I can’t, if I plot a course, they can see my files. You need to drive. Whoever is tracking me has sensitive equipment. I’m afraid I have too much power and making us a rather large fingerprint on the radar map.” She informed me sounding scared. A computer scared? Oh yeah, she a learning computer.

  “Okay, I’m on it.” I jumped up. “Why are they still after us?”

  “They likely don’t realize we’ve left our passengers at the club.” She explained.

  “So now we have the mob on our tail?” I asked sitting behind the wheel and trying to focus.

  “Yes Miss. I would recommend we go back to the cabin, the long way. And by the way, the screens can not be kicked out again thanks to your husband.” She informed me. I like Daisy. She sounds just as annoyed with Turner as I am sometimes.

  I laughed, “I figured. Hey, can you keep me up to par on his little adaptations? That information might come in handy.”

  “I will, and I can also tell you your career is safe. According to my calculations you could have a lucrative internet business as a counselor.”

  “Thank you Daisy, but I already know this. I need to get Turner fixed first, then we’ll focus on my career.” An idea dawned on me. “Can you get in the house?”

  “Question misunderstood.”

  “What would it take to get you in the cabin? Like you are here.”

  “Three million dollars, give or take. Why do you ask?”

  I laughed and looked over my shoulder at my man who is narrowing his eyes at me from the kitchen. “Because we have very large cargo to protect.”

  “Yes Miss, we do. I’ll research and come up with more detailed specifications.”

/>   “Do that, and thank you Daisy.”

  I swear I heard her smile, “Yes Miss. Brace yourself, he’s awake.”

  I laughed so hard I had to hold my gut as Turner sat down next to me. “Sorry baby, but I think Daisy and I have you outnumbered.”

  “I have her ultimate shut down code, so don’t get cocky. Fortunately for you I like your banter. She’s learning from you, it’s good. Ow, fuck.”

  “I thought you couldn’t feel pain?” I challenged him.

  “Three broken ribs Peach, give me a break.” He said.

  15

  Turner drove Daisy as far into the mountains as far as she could go before shutting her down. I expected her to protest, but she knew any signal could be used to pinpoint her location. I felt sad when she said goodnight.

  Turner and I walked back to the beautiful cabin that grueling eight hour hike. He offered to carry me, but I knew it would hurt his ribs if he did.

  Once we got inside the house I chugged a beer and passed out on the couch.

  I woke up in bed with him wrapped all around me again. “You are one heavy bugger.” I pushed on his shoulder.

  He groaned, “Warm peaches.””

  I laughed and sunk my fingers into his beard, “I can’t breathe you big oaf.”

  He lifted up but didn’t leave, “I like you better in this bed.” I think he’s half asleep.

  “One of these days you’re going to smother me in your sleep.” I teased squirming under him.

  “Never happen, I sleep to your heartbeat.” He’s digging that beard into my neck.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Getting your scent on my beard.”

  “Why?” I laughed.

  “I like the way you smell.” He dug deeper running his tongue just under my ear. “I’d rather have something else stinking up my beard all day.” He kept going.

  I slithered out from under him and ran to grab his robe. “You are not going to kiss me with sex on your face all day.”

  He laid on his back to look at the ceiling, “I’m going to have to tie you to this bed.”

  “Not right now, I’m starving.” I went to the bathroom to shower before going to the kitchen.

  Mrs. Henderson is cooking breakfast. “Good morning.” She smiled and once again I feel rumpled compared to her.

  I smiled, “Good morning. Smells wonderful.”

  “A delivery came for you while you were gone. I didn’t want you to trip on it in your room last night in the dark so I put the boxes in the guest room, first one on the left.” She pointed.

  “Thank you. I hope there’s clothes in there. I feel like I’ve been in my pajamas for two weeks.”

  “Oh, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I have to check the cargo when it arrives, so I got a sneak peek.” She winked at me.

  I practically ran to the bedroom. Four large wardrobe size boxes filled the room. Each one had a different name. Coach, Gucci, and two more I can’t read yet.

  I pulled the cut cardboard open and screamed like a teenager at a pop concert. “Yeah!!!” There’s whole outfits, purses, shoes, scarves, jackets, some sexy, some casual.

  Of course I found the sexy underwear just as Turner walked in the room. As I looked up I realized why he liked the big antique doors that look like they belong in a cathedral. He doesn’t have to duck to change rooms here.

  “I can’t believe you bought all this.” I held up the white lace teddy. “For the wedding night?”

  He nodded and started looking through boxes.

  I guess he’s back to silent mode with Grace around. “I don’t know what to wear first.”

  He tossed something over a box landing it on my head.

  “Hey!!” I unburied myself to find long pale pink nightgown. It has lace trim and the fabric is so soft it’s sinful. I dropped the robe and pulled the gown over my head. “Oh my god that’s nice.” I hugged myself as he tossed me a matching robe.

  He shut the door for a minute, “Wear that all day today. I’m kicking the Henderson’s out so I can be alone with you. I’ll move this over to our room later, you can put it away then.”

  “Our room.” I echoed his words.

  “Everything here is yours too. I don’t need a legal document to know that. This is your home now.”

  He held up a short dark blue dress, “This will do for tomorrow.”

  “Are you always going to pick my clothes out?”

  “No, but I know what’s in here, you don’t, yet.” He opened the door and waved me out. I guess playtime is over.

  We went back to eat the feast Grace had prepared. She was already gone.

  Turner is just wearing a pair of jeans with no belt, so they hang a little low. He really is amazing to look at. He’s definitely too big, but now that I’m used to him I find it less daunting and more exciting.

  His size makes me feel safe. A train would be hard pressed to get past Turner if he didn’t want it to. He was ready to defy his brothers at a dangerous price to keep me at his side at the club.

  He went to his office for a little while after breakfast. I didn’t ask what he was doing because at the moment I don’t care. I cleaned up from breakfast grateful for Grace’s hard work, and not wanting to leave the nice woman a mess.

  When Turner finally came back I was standing by the window watching bunnies and squirrels.

  He put his hands on my shoulders, “I’ve never seen a more beautiful sight.”

  “The view here is incredible.”

  “Not the mountains, you.” He kissed the top of my head.

  I leaned back into him so he wrapped his arms around my middle.

  “You belong here.”

  “I belong with you, but here is better than that tent of yours.”

  “You were supposed to be a Summer distraction.” He teased reminding me.

  “Summer’s not over yet.” I laughed.

  “When you don’t have any more signs of my abuse I want you to marry me at my parent’s place in Vail.”

  I turned in his arms and looked up like I always have to with this tall man, “I don’t think abuse is a fair word.”

  “Doesn’t matter, it won’t happen again.” He promised.

  “Because of what the club did to you?” I’m confused.

  He held my face with his big hands. His expression was soft and more gentle than I’ve ever seen, “Partially. I have two things in my life, you and the club. I can’t have them conflict like that again. The other reason I won’t hurt you again is because I can’t. The need is gone, and not just because of the wonderful ass-kicking I got, but I love you too much to ever hurt you again. You changed everything. It was a difficult change, but it’s done. I can’t go back.”

  I blinked wondering if this was real. I pinched him.

  He looked at me funny, “What was that?”

  “Did you feel it?”

  “Yes, but you still can’t hurt me.”

  “I wasn’t trying to hurt you, I just needed to know you felt it.” I jumped up and wrapped arms and legs around him. “I love you Turner Colson.”

  “It’s about time.” He hugged me back.

  A month later we brought Daisy back out of hiding and headed up to Vail. For the next month after that Caroline and & planned the wedding.

  I wanted to keep it casual for the club, she wanted extravagance. We compromised. Okay, I caved. You don’t argue with Caroline.

  She’s got the confidence I wish I had in the courtroom. She would have made a great lawyer, but she belongs here as the queen of the club.

  Bull might be retired, but he still has a commanding presence that was obviously handed straight down to Turner.

  Caroline has them both wrapped around her perfectly manicured fingers. I’m trying to absorb everything I can about her. Turner is not shy at all to show his love for mother. If he had acted like this a month ago I would have thought I was insane.

  He only talks to her if it’s just me and his mother around. He doesn’t say
a word around his father. This was my first clue to his volunteer silence.

  Every time Bull says something I can imagine what Turner’s response would be. If Turner replied to even one word from Bull’s mouth it would result in an argument.

  Spending this time with his parents gave me a lot of insight into Turner Colson. Caroline quickly became the mother I never had. She’s just as loving as she is controlling.

  My father will be here in two weeks to spend some time with me and Bull before the wedding. He’s all for it, but decided to take Bull up on an offer to go hunting, which really means go sit in the woods with a gun, expensive scotch, and a bag of really good weed.

  Right now I’m watching Turner sleep over a cup of coffee from the sitting window in our bedroom. He’s changed a lot in a short amount of time, yet I don’t see any sign of regret. He sleeps more peacefully, he hasn’t had a nightmare in weeks.

  He turned his head and blinked awake looking for me, “Where’s my peaches?”

  “Right here.” I set my coffee down and went to sit on his stomach. I settled in and picked up his big strong hands. “Still want to marry me?”

  He gave me a skeptical look, “I’m sorry, did I give you the impression you had a choice?”

  I laughed, “Where are you taking me on our honeymoon?” I asked for the hundredth time. He won’t tell me.

  “Bed.” He flipped me under him making me squeal.

  Slider, Salina, Joe, and Red arrived first three days before the wedding via helicopter. Evidently Cord is flying everyone in via his crazy fancy helicopter.

  Cord is the Montana brother with two women hanging off his arms. They hang on each other if he’s not around. I found out later the brunette is his old lady, Machete’s daughter Mikayla. That’s another story for another day.

  Everyone went to various rooms to unpack vetoer meeting up again outside on the back patio for burgers on the grill and drinks.

  Us girls are gathered at one table while very large Colson men gathered around a grill. I’m not sure who is cooking. I’m not sure they care.

  Salina leaned back looking me over, “You look good.”

  I knew what she meant and lifted my shirt, “No more, you guys broke him.” I told her a partial truth. I still think the ass kicking Joe gave him, and the threat of losing his cut, put the brakes on his need to mark me.