Aimee smiled. A faint blush tinged her cheeks. “He’s been amazing through this. He’s shown the patience of a saint with my mother’s incessant calling to see how I’m doing, or if there’s been any change.” Her eyes welled with her wobbly smile.
“Oh, no, don’t start with the waterworks, girlfriend.” Liberty blinked and sucked in a deep breath. The thought flashed in her mind, of how Eloise would’ve taken the news of becoming a grandmother. Not nearly as graciously as Aimee’s folks, she guessed.
“I’m very fortunate he’ll have aunts and uncles and grandparents to be close to. I think that’s the best present this little guy is going to get.” She patted her ever-growing tummy. She tipped her head, regarding Liberty. “I’ve been meaning to ask, have you had a chance to talk to your brothers about the letter that your mom wrote to them, but never sent?”
She shrugged. “There hasn’t really been a good time. I’m not sure it’s as important to them as I thought it once might be. Jed did an amazing job all on his own it seems. I think mom knew all along that he would. She had been searching for her piece of the pie and thought my father could give it to her. He can be very convincing when he wants to be.” She shook her head, dispelling the image of her last conversation with her father. “At any rate, I’ve never met men like Wyatt, Dalton, and Rein. There like these guys you read about in books—self-made, loyal, hard-working, gentlemen with a soft spot for babies and animals.” She chuckled. “Modern day cowboys in the flesh.”
Aimee listened, her eyes studying Liberty. She hooked the little blue sleeper over her arm and thumbed through the others hanging nearby. “I’m glad that Rein came to his senses about asking you to work with him on the cabins. I can’t believe how fast things have progressed.”
Liberty averted her eyes from Aimee’s studious gaze. “Amazing, isn’t it, that we’ve managed to get so much accomplished and not kill each other in the process.”
She smiled. “It seems to me he’s not nearly as edgy around you as he used to be. And you don’t appear quite as frustrated with him, either.”
Liberty sensed where the conversation was leading. She wasn’t prepared, however to get into it with Aimee or anyone, just yet. “Yeah, I guess we both accepted each other for the way we are.” She didn’t miss the curious glint in Aimee’s eye and wondered if Dalton, perhaps, had expressed his thoughts to Wyatt and Aimee. Why otherwise would Dalton left her drawings where Rein would find them? Then again, the plan could have been purely platonic, intended to entice Rein to see and use her skills and accept her help on the cabins. Simple. Her concern about how her brothers would view the steamy little affair had been burning in her gut since Wyatt surprised her and Rein yesterday. “I’m just glad that he finally got it through that stubborn head of his that I’m good for something.”
The comment, meant to be flippant, conjured instead times when she and Rein were alone. He was a man of strength, raw, rugged and yet, he gave her freedom in bed, sharing equally the pleasuring. Nothing brought her undone faster than seeing his face upturned, his eyes closed, lost in a guttural moan of pure pleasure and know that she’d played a role in that. The mere thought made her wet, increasing her frustration.
She hadn’t seen or spoken to him since Wyatt’s visit and it tore her up inside wanting to know what transpired between them. “You go ahead and finish here. I’ll wait by the truck. There’s a cute little café across the street that has great salads.”
Aimee shot her a look. “Have you been to Billings for lunch without me?” Having the summer off as a teacher and being pregnant had made Aimee restless. She’d read every book on raising children, watched tons of sappy romance movies, and tried to learn to knit, something she’d started to teach herself last winter. But given the chance to get out, she jumped all over that. Thus far, none of it had quenched her restlessness like shopping.
“It must have been one of those times I came into Billings on a buying trip with Rein. We grabbed a bite to eat, I guess.”
“You guess.” She smiled, with an unmistakable twinkle in her eye. “Okay, go on, I’ll be out in a minute.”
Relieved to escape Aimee’s thinly veiled and estrogen-charged scrutiny, Liberty walked out of the store and took a deep breath. They’d been lucky enough to find metered parking in the middle of the block, allowing easy access to the stores Aimee had wanted to visit.
Liberty slipped the bags in the backseat of the cab and fished in her pocketbook for more change. She loved this weather. The sky stretched blue and cloudless overhead. Sunny and warm for late summer, a nip of fall hung the air. She glanced down the street as she deposited money enough for another two hours, noting the brightly colored pink and purple petunias hanging on every lamppost. She enjoyed the small-town atmosphere, compared to the twenty-four hustle and bustle of Vegas. People here said “hello”, they seemed friendlier, happier, it seemed. More content. She tried to imagine herself in such a place, settling down, taking some classes and perhaps starting her own interior design business.
Her gaze drifted across the street hoping to find room yet at one of the quaint little outside tables of the café, especially during the business lunch hour. She straightened, her eyes narrowing on a man seated at one of the tables. The sun overhead and the newspaper he perused shielded the details of his face. Liberty found herself staring and when he turned the page, a gasp tore from her throat. She recognized one of Angelo’s men, reading a newspaper and having coffee as though he belonged there. What was Franco doing in Billings?
“Ready?”
Startled, she whirled to face Aimee and dropped the coins, sending them all over the sidewalk.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Are you all right?”
Liberty bent down and quickly scooped up the change. When she straightened again, she darted a look across the street, finding the table where he’d been empty. She quickly scanned the area and immediately thought of Elaina, realizing how long it’d been since she spoke to her last. Then again, she’d been far too preoccupied to notice until now. She slapped herself mentally for thinking Angelo would let her walk away with repercussion. As soon as she got home, she needed to contact her friend.
“Liberty?”
She met Aimee’s questioning look. “Yeah?”
“Are you okay? All the color has drained from your face.”
She blinked and attempted a smile to dismiss her uneasy feelings. “Sure, just a bit light-headed. Let’s get some lunch.”
***
Rein was in town discussing plumbing issues with Tyler when she and Aimee returned late afternoon. Relieved when Aimee said she wanted to sneak in a nap before dinner, it gave Liberty a good excuse to deposit her at the main house and hurry down to her cabin where she could contact Elaina.
Safely tucked inside, she couldn’t shake the odd feeling of being watched. Only Angelo could have sent Franco, but for what purpose? Why wouldn’t he simply confront her? Angelo certainly had reason to be angry with her, but why now, after all this time?
She picked up her new cellphone and saw a number of texts from her friend, all in the last twenty-four hours. Liberty kicked herself for not checking her phone earlier and her concerns were no less relieved as she scanned through the messages.
Angelo found out about the ranch. He spoke to your dad, who told him you might have gone to see your half-brothers place in Montana. Thought you should know.
She read the next message:
Angelo called me tonight. He said if I didn’t verify where you were, he’d make sure I never danced again. I’m scared, Libby. What do I tell him?
Liberty’s stomach roiled with fear. Angelo had a bad temper, but when high, out of his mind, he was capable of anything. He’d gone straight to her father—that made matters worse. Her father had a number of unsavory connections. The two working together, could mean that if she stuck around, her family might be in danger. Even now they could be. They’d all accepted her, despite her strange past, yet what would any of them
think to know that her father was abetting her ex-boyfriend, an addict and probable drug dealer, to locate her.
She walked to the back door, and searched the twilight purple sky she’d come to love for an answer. But tonight, the dusky shadows were not as serene. She felt alone, isolated. The thick pine forest a few yards from her back door appeared ominous…unfriendly. She checked the lock on the patio door and closed the curtains to block the view.
A knock startled her and she had to stop a moment to remember that Franco wouldn’t likely waltz up to her front door. She peeked out the front window and to her relief saw Dalton. He waved as she dropped the curtain. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and forced a smile. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself. I see you survived shopping with our sister-in-law.” He glanced at her. She saw a puzzled glint flicker through his dark eyes. “I had to get something out of the one of the cabins, so I thought I’d stop by and tell you that supper is almost ready.” She knew he was stalling, watching her. “You feel okay? You look kinda pasty.”
She waved off his comment. “Aw, just a little tired. Rein has been getting me up early these days.”
“The boy does like his sunrises.” He smiled. “Come on, dinner will make you feel better.” He put his hand on the doorknob.
“Is Rein home yet?”
Her brother stopped, thinking a moment before he spoke. “No, he’s not back yet. That’s weird. He knew Wyatt planned on fixing one of his steak dinners tonight. He never misses those. Guess his mind is on other things these days. But I don’t need to tell you that, do I?” He chuckled.
Liberty’s eyes grew wide. Did he know about them, then?
“Because, like you said, he’s getting up earlier?” He peered at her. “You sure you feel okay?”
She couldn’t explain anything until she’d spoken to Rein. If the time had come to reveal their relationship to the family, then they should do so together. Right now, of greater concern were Rein’s safety and whereabouts, as well as her family’s safety. Her phone vibrated, indicating another text. Dalton glanced at the phone. “Maybe that’s Rein?”
Not likely. She hadn’t seen or heard anything from Rein in over twenty-four hours. She checked the message. “Nah, it’s just a friend back home.” She met Dalton’s eyes. “Uh, back in Vegas.”
He smiled and his eyes sparkled with an acceptance that made Liberty happy and sad at the same time. She liked Dalton. She’d discovered that they were in some ways alike, enjoying many of the same things. Their common rebellious attitude for instance made her realize that Vegas was no longer her home. This was home. These people were her family. She had to do what she could to protect them.
“Well, when you’re done, come on up and get some dinner. We’ll keep it warm.”
She nodded as he left, then she tapped to check the new text on her phone.
Call me as soon as you can. Urgent.
In haste, Liberty called, her stomach clenched as she waited through more than three rings. Where was Rein? Why isn’t Elaina answering her phone?
“Libby?” Her friend finally answered, but she sounded frightened.
“What’s the matter, Elaina? Are you all right?”
A brief moment of silence ticked by and then a male came on the line. “Hello, my darling. You left without saying goodbye.”
She froze at the sound of Angelo’s voice.
“I’d ask if you missed me, but I’m told that it appears you’ve settled right in with your new family. Your mother would be pleased. I can’t say as much for your father.”
“What do you want?” A cold dread settled in her stomach. She held the edge of the table, easing slow onto the dining room chair.
“For starters, I’d like my star dancer back, of course. You’re costing me, love. Our regulars want to see Liberty Belle. Poor Elaina. She’s tried, but she’s not you.”
“You leave her alone and you leave me alone. I don’t owe you anything.” She leveled a warning slow and easy. He was with Elaina and if anything happened to her, Liberty would never forgive herself.
“Oh, now see that’s where your memory seems a little shaky. As I remember it, I took you from a dead-end waitress job, set you up in one of my penthouse suites and damn near gave you everything you ever owned.”
She couldn’t deny it. But she’d been sucked in by him, charmed by his confidence and veiled promises—much like her mother had been. But, she wasn’t her mother and she had a choice. She appealed to his wallet. “I can send you the money for the cut I didn’t pay you on my last check. I can send you installments for the back rent I owe you for the apartment.”
His low chuckle, infused with evil, made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. “Tell you what. Why don’t you come on back home and we’ll sit down and talk this out.”
It wasn’t an option and they both knew it “Did you send Franco here to bring me back?” she challenged. “Franco? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The innocent tone in his voice made her want to throw up. He knew damn well that she understood he’d sent Franco as a guarantee he meant business. He held all the cards. She had no choice but to comply until she could figure out what to do.
“If I come back, will you swear to leave Elaina alone?” The very idea turned her stomach, but she’d do it if he agreed to leave her family and friends alone.
“You’re in no position to bargain here, Liberty. I’m being a nice guy. Don’t make me change my mind about that.”
She hesitated, wanting to unleash the anger building inside of her. Why hadn’t she seen his controlling ways, so like her father? “Okay.” She kept her voice steady to appease him. “You win. I’ll head back tonight.”
“Good. I’m giving you two hours to let me know when to send a car to pick you up at the airport. Don’t be late.”
“Fine.”
“Liberty?”
“What.” She stood and walked to the bedroom where began tossing her things on the bed.
“If I don’t hear from you in a couple of hours with your flight information, I’m afraid things are going to get much worse, not only for Elaina, but for the rest of your family as well. Do we have an understanding?”
He made it clear she shouldn’t try to run and disappear. “Yes, I understand perfectly.”
“Good.” He paused. “I’ve missed you, my love.”
The line went dead not allowing her the chance to respond. She stared at the phone, her head swirling with the number of ways she’d like to rid the world of this slime-bag. She’d always thought of herself as a survivor, unafraid, perhaps too trusting of a warm smile and handsome face. She knew now that a man’s charm lasted only long enough to get what they wanted.
Maybe that’s why Rein was being so evasive. Whatever the brothers had discussed had apparently made quite the impression. But she couldn’t speculate about what happened between them just now. She had to take her life back. She wouldn’t run away this time, wouldn’t spend her days looking over her shoulder. If he wanted a fight, she’d give him one to remember and bring the police along for the ride. She’d be only too happy to share with them some of the shady dealings she’d seen while working at the club.
As for Rein, he’d made it clear that what they had was purely physical. She’d wanted him as much as he wanted her. It was her fault that she allowed her heart to get in the way, to believe that this cowboy would ride her off into the sunset and a happily ever after. Reality was a bitch, but she’d make it, she’d survived plenty of heartache in her life, and she would again. But, first, she needed to make sure that Angelo would never bother her family and friends again.
Chapter Nine
Rein hesitated, his fist poised to knock on Liberty’s door. Deep down, he’d known that they’d have to have this conversation, even though part of him had hoped they wouldn’t need to. Wyatt was right. He knew it The charade they’d been playing couldn’t go on forever and if pretending that it could deceived Liberty into thinking there was more be
tween them, then it had to end. She was an amazing, exceptional woman and he couldn’t deny together in bed, it was off the charts. But neither of them had held any expectations that it would last. On the upside, and hopefully it would make things easier, they’d never made any declarations to one another. No promises, even in the height of passion. And that was a good thing, wasn’t it?
Rein learned long ago to reserve his heart for things he could count on—family, nature, building things with his hands. He’d also learned that a woman’s word was only as good as the next offer that might come along. With her talent and her beauty, it wouldn’t be long before Liberty had a hundred guys vying for her attention, offering her a life, more exciting, more fulfilling than what he could give her on the ranch.
He wanted that—wanted the very best for her. He didn’t want to hold her back from growing, finding her potential. Though eight years difference in age didn’t seem like much now, would it down the road? Would she come to resent him? He couldn’t do that to her. However much it pained him to let her go now, it was better than experiencing heartbreak down the road.
He paused, hearing her raised voice. Her tone sounded urgent. With a frown, he knocked on the door and a few moments went by before she finally opened it.
“Oh, it’s you.” She swung open the door, holding the phone to her ear, clearly preoccupied. He glanced at the phone.
“Is this a bad time?”
She blinked, her face dissolving into a smile as though she’d just realized his presence.
“May I come in?”
No kiss hello. No warm hugs. But her smile stay plastered on her face as she nodded and walked into the living room, leaving him to enter on his own. “Is everything okay?” She seemed lost in her thoughts. Maybe Wyatt had already spoken to her.
“Uh, yeah.” She straightened her shoulders and faced him. “Everything’s fine now that you’re here.” She walked over, dropping her phone on the coffee table. And just like that, she seemed back to her old self. She ran her palms over his chest. “Seems you’ve been a busy boy. I missed you last night. Look what I ordered online.” She picked up and shook a small brown box, then pulled out a pair of fur-lined cuffs from inside. “Thought we might play a little cops and robbers.” She twirled them on her finger. “Internet shopping is so easy.”
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