Ciarán left the women to watch the phones while he drove the ranch roads and then the peripheral routes. Another wave of nausea rode past Katie's stomach when she thought of Jocelyn being hurt somewhere. They traced every family associated with Jocelyn with no results. Eleven o'clock slid by carrying with it no news. The emotions were rising and there was no outlet for them. Ciarán decided to wait until midnight to call Liam and as eleven-thirty approached, miraculously, Liam walked in the door.
"Liam, thank God you are home. I don't even want to know why you are here a day early."
Liam ignored Ciarán. "Hello, Katie." Liam turned to Ciarán with a half laugh. "It's nice to see you too, brother. Where is my lovely lady?"
Katherine wondered what Ciarán would say to that and she moved closer to Ciarán in a silent show of support. The movement was not lost on Liam. Ciarán put his arm around Katie and he rubbed her upper arm to give her comfort and support. When it came out that Jocelyn was missing, Katie realized there was going to be a response and she let out a strangled sound in anticipation of the explosion. Both men looked at her.
"Ciarán what is wrong? Where is Jocelyn?"
Chapter Four
The Slow Breaking
The change in tone in Liam's voice echoed in the room. Katie shuffled ever so slightly closer to Ciarán even though there was little free space within which to crowd. She took a quick breath.
Ciarán looked at his brother. "She isn't here and we aren't sure where she is."
Ciarán went on to tell Liam about how long she had been gone. Then what they thought she had done. There was no way to tell for sure. They actually expected she probably didn't go to Sheridan. Ciarán explained all they did and that they didn't know what else to do. Liam made all the same calls Ciarán had already made. Katie was going to inform Liam of that fact but Ciarán gave a slight shake of the head.
"It is better to let Liam do all the steps again himself so he doesn't keep asking for verification," he told her quietly. "And because in a case like this, you need to be doing something that helps keep you busy and lets him know he assisted in the efforts and done all he could."
Katie hurt for Liam. She could feel the warm trickle of tears as they slid down her cheeks. She tried to hide the wiping of them, but Ciarán noticed and wiped them away. Katie knew Ciarán was not a man who consumed a girl's time, mostly because he had plenty to do himself. It was summer and summer meant more business at the hospital, clinic, and the ranch so neither of them had much extra time to spare, but he always seemed to give his free time to her. She never doubted that he watched her—not to control her, but because he cared.
She wondered if that was what being part of this family would be like. Is this what Jocelyn had meant when she said that there was no better feeling than being the wife of a man who truly loved you? More tears flowed. Please be all right, Jocelyn.
Ciarán had stood up but when he saw more tears, he went back, kissed her, whispering calming words, and led Katie over to the armchair to cuddle into, as he made sure she was all right. She offered to get Liam something to eat. He requested a sandwich and some coffee, which she jumped up to get. She knew as soon as his calls were returned, he would be out the door. She thought again of what Jocelyn had said, "It is just who they are."
After she had left the room, Liam spoke again. "Nice one, that Katie. I still think she might be a keeper, Ciarán." Liam paced as he talked, running his hands through his hair in the characteristically O'Connor way.
"Yeah, I'm thinking that she just might be the one for me. In fact, if things keep going the way they are, we could be building a house after Christmas."
The men fell silent as Katie brought in Liam's refreshments. "Thanks for the sandwich and coffee, beag Leanaí."
"You know I am not a child. You and Ciarán calling me a 'little one' makes me feel you either believe I am young or immature."
Ciarán jumped in and said, "Remember that I said it was an endearment. It's meant in a good way, not in a derogatory manner. The O'Connor men use them a lot. We don't want our family ever to forget that they are precious to us. You will get used to it. Besides, you are young."
Katie smiled at his attempt to lighten her mood and then nodded. She sat down in the big, overstuffed armchair. Ciarán brought a throw to cover her legs and she smiled up at him, appreciative of his thoughtfulness. Ciarán received the smile warmly leaning down to place a gentle kiss on her lips.
Ciarán's words reminded both men that Jocelyn needed to experience that feeling again. Liam began to pace. The men decided it was time to go look for Jocelyn in earnest as all other avenues were exhausted.
"I can drive one of the pickups on the cutoff to Butte in case she drove that way," offered Katie.
"I don't think so, honey," said Ciarán.
"What? Why not? Do you have another route you'd rather I drive?" demanded Katie.
Liam jumped in. "Katherine, I appreciate your willingness to go out to help us find Jos, but I can't have you jeopardizing your life. I would not be able to forgive myself if something happened to you. And Ciarán would never be the same."
"No problem, I'll do it because I choose what I do, you won't be allowing me."
Liam looked over at Ciarán and gave him a wry smile. He told him he was going to leave, clapped his hand on his shoulder, and grabbed his hat. He left out the front door with instructions to Mrs. O'Malley to call if they got any news.
Katie started to go and get the keys she knew were hung in the hallway, but Ciarán said, "Katherine, mo chroí, I can't let you go alone tonight. Don't ignore me, look at me." He reached for her and she stilled. "You are precious to me, lómhara, and one of our women unaccounted for is one too many. I cannot keep my head on straight if I am worried you might come to some harm. Please do not drive tonight."
"Or what? You'll spank me?" she challenged him.
He met her challenging stare and said, "Yes." His eyes never wavered from hers.
Katie looked at Ciarán and once again experienced that incredible feeling of being cared for and she could see his point although she did not want to see it. Katie finally nodded her head and Ciarán kissed her on the lips carefully, gently, running his tongue along them, giving her a chill of arousal. She had a better idea.
She would ride with Ciarán, which he also vetoed. Ciarán looked at her steadily and calmly for a moment, giving Katie the feeling he was giving her time to think before he responded.
"I can take you home on my way if you want me to do that, but if you would like to stay to see about Jos, then you will have to stay behind. I don't want to have you out on the road, even with me, this late at night in case it is a long night. If you fall asleep, I want you to have a bed to sleep in." His voice was calm but firm.
"Ciarán, I want to help. I promise to not bother you at all."
"I know you are having difficulty accepting what I am telling you. Please believe that I will take care of you no matter what, regardless of the fact that you want to argue about it and don't agree you need it."
He waited as he watched her silently fuming. He continued. "Before you begin to kick up the surrounding dirt trying to create a dust cloud of irritation, you need to remember that I always do as I say. I will take you with me, but will drop you off at home only. So think about what you actually want, beag Leanaí. We are wasting time I could be looking for Jocelyn."
She wanted to argue, but the way that Ciarán spoke and his manner gave her the impression that it was a test of some type but what type she didn't know. She stood for a moment, trying to figure out what she wanted to do with the situation. If Katie had learned anything from this man, it was that he did not make idle statements and he always put her welfare above his. Ciarán seemed to understand her dilemma and after a moment of watching the emotions war across her face, he put his arms out in invitation and drew her near when she walked into them. Looking down into her upturned face, Ciarán leaned down to share a slow kiss that laid claim to her.
/> Then he whispered close to her ear allowing his warm breath to wash over her.
"Please stay."
It was as though Katie had no will other than his and she realized it was not that she had no other will, but that her own desires were fulfilled in his. She wordlessly nodded her head and said in a raspy and aroused voice, "All right."
"That's my baby."
This time, when Ciarán used an endearment that would have annoyed her, it felt like she belonged to him and it was like wrapping a security blanket around her. This man would take care of her if she let him. For the first time since Stuart treated her so badly, she wanted to be cared for by someone else. She felt she could trust him, but not enough to tell him about Stuart. How would he react? No, it wasn't worth the risk.
"Go ahead and sleep in Kelli's room. She and Cián have gone to get her things in California. Mrs. O'Malley will show you where."
"No, that's fine, I want to know what is going on. I'll stay up and read something off the shelves over there or watch some television."
Ciarán was already bringing her face back up to his to kiss again, "Sleep, beag leanaí, and let me wake you when we find her."
"But what if someone calls?"
"They all have Liam and my cell numbers and there is an extension in the hallway upstairs, so it will be okay. Promise me you will try to sleep and I promise I will tell you when I am back. It will make me feel better that you are getting some rest. Deal?"
"I guess. But if you don't do as you promise, I will not trust you again."
"Understood." Another quick kiss and he was out the front door, grabbing his hat on the way.
"Well, Mrs. O'Malley, show me Kelli's room. Do I need sheets for the bed?"
"No, dear, when I heard that Ciarán was coming back from the party early, I knew he would bring you with him. You have become important to him and I knew he would need you near."
"Do you think so? I don't trust well and that is all it seems Ciarán runs on."
"Well, sometimes when we get hurt, it can be hard to lean on others again, but with this O'Connor clan, you won't find an undependable one in the bunch. What you will find are some ferocious men who will protect their own to the ends of the earth. It can be annoying at times, like when you want to do something, but your men don't agree. By the same token, it can be heaven when you don't wish to deal with something. You just say the word and they will step in and do it no questions asked."
"Sounds like a little of heaven and hell," pointed out Katie.
"It can be, but delicious on both sides," said Mrs. O'Malley with a wink and a smile.
They went upstairs to lie down before the men returned with Jocelyn, both praying for her safety. Sometime later, Liam came pulling into the driveway with Jocelyn in tow. Ciarán was about ten minutes behind them and as promised, he went up to get Katie. He met her coming down the stairs.
"Oh, Jocelyn, I am so happy to see you. Are you all right? Are you hurt? Here, sit down and let me look at you. Do you need a doctor?" Katie reached for her wrist, trying to get a pulse.
"Muirnín, sweetheart, give her a chance to settle a bit."
"Oh, Katie, I must have ruined your weekend," stated a weary Jocelyn as she submitted to the ministrations.
Katie stood back a bit in response to Ciarán. Liam said, "Let her have a look, Ciarán. I want to be sure she is all right before I make her give me the whole story."
Katie gave Jos the once over and declared her needing fluids, lots of them, nutrition, sleep and a long soak for her feet were worn out. Then she had Jocelyn put her feet up and told Liam to rub them and Katie got up to help Mrs. O'Malley with both food and drink. After supplying Jocelyn, it was offered to the men who were bone weary as well.
An exhausted but considerate Jocelyn offered to run Katie home and two equally tired men said, "No," simultaneously which caused both Jos and Katie to laugh but made Ciarán curse in English and Irish. That seemed to be Mrs. O'Malley's cue to go to bed. She kissed Jocelyn and went to her room.
"Ciarán, your cursing probably chased the poor woman off. Aren't you ashamed?" admonished Jocelyn.
His response was to run his hands through his hair and pace a bit. He was out of control and needed to get it back. He recognized it and so did Katie.
"Katie, would you like for me to get you settled into Kelli's room for tonight?" Jocelyn offered.
Ciarán said, "That's a good idea, but I can do it. Jos, you need to rest."
"What and miss the whole story? No, thanks, I'll hang out with all of you. I already have settled into Kelli's room."
"Look, hon, it's late and you can get the whole story tomorrow."
"Not going to happen."
Katie, already knowing that Ciarán was ready for a fight, thought she was probably the one in the firing range, but she was going to hold her ground. She was a full-grown woman and she should be able to say what she wanted. If they were going to try to make this work between his take control attitude and her independence, there were bound to be some facing off and sooner would be better than later.
Ciarán, not used to being challenged on anything often, looked over at Katie and said, "Really, hon, we should all be going to bed soon."
His words sounded dictatorial and condescending to Katie. Not a good choice for a man speaking to a woman and trying to get his side of the argument heard. She worked hard to stave the flow of irritation and discord.
"That's fine. I'll go when everyone else goes. I am not so tired I can't wait a bit." She sat down in the chair she was sitting in before, reaching for the throw that was still there.
"Katherine Franklin, go to bed. You need your sleep."
Ciarán had only used her full first name a couple of times before. It was when he was not going to let her do something else, like earlier tonight with the clothing change and that was when she knew he was getting angry. Her good sense told her to try to defuse him but when she sat to wait for common sense to drop into his lap, it didn't. Nor did tolerance fall into hers. She responded as any red-blooded American women would, she pulled out her sword and shield, otherwise known as her guilt and logic, ready to do battle.
"What and no one else does? You bring me here, say you care about me and then you treat me like a child who is overtired. You can treat me like a woman you respect or I am going home because I earned your respect. I refuse to let any man disrespect me again under the guise of caring for me." She turned to Jocelyn. "Will you take me home?" However, Liam immediately took some of the wind out of her sails by saying Jocelyn was going nowhere tonight.
"Right, that makes sense, so I'll go call my dad. On the other hand, I could call Aaron. He doesn't live too far, right?" As she finished speaking, she got up out of the armchair to grab her bag, beginning to rummage in it for her phone.
Ciarán reached over and placed his hand on hers to still her search.
"I'm sorry, you're right. I'm tired and I don't want you becoming overtired so I am overly protective. I'm sorry that I am beyond civility right now. Sit back down, muirnín, please."
She looked into his eyes and could see the truth of it. Ciarán seemed so tired that she reached up and ran her hand over his cheek, saying, "I know you are tired. Just let me listen to Jocelyn's story and then we can both go to bed."
Ciarán reached up and brought the palm of her hand to his lips and he led her back to her chair, sitting down first, bringing her down on his lap to listen to the tale. Katie curled up in his lap as though she was created for that spot. He tucked the throw around her.
Jocelyn explained that the boyfriend belonging to one of the at-risk families she worked with shot her tire. He had shown signs of being volatile before but she never thought it would come to this. Then while she probably could have gone back to change the tire after he left, she was afraid he would come back. It would have left her vulnerable and so with no cell service that far out, she walked the majority of the twenty miles back, with the last few covered in Liam's truck. She had turned
off the phone to save battery. She was about to try the phone again when Liam found her.
After the men had asked questions, Katie asked a question. "Why didn't you just go back to the house when he was gone and use their house phone?"
"They don't have one. And my cell is one of those emergency ones that have no range."
"So why live so far or have a phone you can't use in an emergency?" asked a frustrated Liam.
Jocelyn turned to Liam, ignoring his first question, and pleaded her case. "I just wanted to spend the three days after you came home with you. I didn't intend to have this happen." He leaned down and kissed his apologetic wife.
"Mo ghrá, it isn't your fault. I am so thankful you are safe." Liam's face and voice crumbled. He kissed her again.
After a few minutes, Liam was fully recovered and geared up to get the car, but Jocelyn would not tell him how to get there. Liam stormed out of the room after trying to no avail to get the whereabouts of Jocelyn's car. Jocelyn did not seem concerned as if she knew she was right. As soon as his brother angrily and noisily left the room, Ciarán was quick to add to the options about how they could retrieve the car without killing anyone. He was sure that he could do it without causing any trouble.
Katie was quick to say that this was not something that she wanted him to do. She reasoned if she cared about him as she professed, then allowing him to do something she knew could be dangerous was out of the question. Katie racked her brain to figure out how she could use her own power to control Ciarán's safety. He simply said 'no' but it would not work for her. But her logic should. She knew him well enough now to know that he led by example and she would use those examples if she needed to.
When Ciarán got up and placed her back into the chair so he could walk the room, she knew it was time to use his words against him. "Ciarán, it sounds like too much of a safety risk and it would be better if you let the authorities handle it. I know you are in control now, but you might not be later." Katie stood, reaching over to stop Ciarán from pacing. "Please, honey, let the sheriff handle this. I am afraid this guy is dangerous and I don't want anything to happen to you or for you to go to jail because you took him out back."
Ciaron O'Connor 01 - His Gentle Persuasion Page 5
