by Morgan Fox
Chapter Nine
Delilah quietly sat in the backseat of the police car and stared out the window as James drove her to Clay’s house. Her mind had been doing somersaults all day since leaving Hunter at Paradise Ranch and then coming face to face with her vengeful stepbrother at the diner. At this point, she was sure her day could only get better. Warren was behind bars, for how long she had no idea, but she was confident that, if he was released, Clay would notify her immediately.
Clay and Hunter had become a secure foundation she’d never had in her life. She trusted them, believed they would protect her, no matter what. Unfortunately, her father had always been so busy with business affairs that she never had that same level of security with him that she now found herself experiencing with her two Texas cowboys. Why that was, she had no idea. All she knew was it felt right.
Her heart fluttered with warmth as she remembered Hunter mounting his horse at Paradise Ranch, riding the property with intriguing confidence. Watching him command the movements of the massive horse had been thrilling and sexually arousing. Then her mind darted back to when Clay had stalked into her hospital room. His mouthwatering, powerful presence had enticed her more than she cared to admit at the time. When Clay had offered to be her private escort and show her Temptation, she’d been stunned but secretly overcome by the gesture.
She should have known she’d find trouble with her heart and body the moment she’d come face to face with both men, sharing similar reactions to them. They had a way of making her feel special, desired and cared for.
The thought of leaving Temptation suddenly sat heavy in her belly. She truly wished she had another option, but she didn’t. Warren knew where she was, and he would never stop trying to hurt her. He would hunt her down until the day she died. An overpowering dread sank deep into her soul as she pondered the thought that her death might possibly be at his slimy, malicious hands.
“So how long do you intend to stay in Temptation?” James asked her, yanking her from her terrorizing thoughts.
“I’m…honestly, I’m not sure. I was planning to leave as soon as possible, but…”
“But…you’re having second thoughts?”
If only I could stay, I would. “I just want to make sure everything is taken care of where Warren is concerned.”
“Right,” James said, sounding as if he didn’t believe her.
Were her emotions that transparent that he could see the war raging inside her? Am I to stay or go, to fight or to run for the hills? She didn’t know what she was supposed to do. Her heart raced like a galloping horse as she wondered if she really had any other options.
“The reason I asked is that it looks like you’ve become close with Clay and Hunter. I just assumed you were friends and maybe considered settling down in our small town.” He glanced up at her in the rearview mirror. “Have you ever thought about buying a ranch out here?”
It is so strange that he would ask that since I’ve thought about buying a ranch every day since I arrived. “Actually, I have, I just don’t know if it’s a good idea or not.”
James’s brow furrowed. “Why wouldn’t it be a good idea?”
“My stepbrother…he knows where I’m at. I could basically be putting myself and those in this town in danger.”
James chuckled. “Don’t worry about the people of this town, Ms. Devero. There are some tough people that live in Temptation. Once word gets out that this man is harassing one of its own, everyone will be eager to see justice prevail. That’s how it is in our town. Everyone fights for each other, everyone knows each other, and no one is ever truly alone.”
“Small-town gossip does seem to flourish here,” she teased, having learned firsthand how fast word spread.
“I’m not referring to small-town gossip. I’m referring to becoming part of the Temptation family.” Again he studied her in the reflection of the mirror. His deep blue gaze was magnified by the sun filtering through the windows of the car. “We take care of our own, Ms. Devero, and if you settled down here, you’d be just that…family.”
The sound of that tugged at her heart and had a smile curving her lips. Family was something she didn’t really feel she had anymore. Her father was her only family, but he was absent so much she felt mostly alone. The idea of being surrounded by people who cared about her tickled her senses.
Was this town really like that? Could she find herself lost in Temptation, unwilling to leave because it was the home she’d always been searching for? Would Clay and Hunter share the same affections with her, or would she have to choose between them? She didn’t want to choose. It was hard enough to figure out what she should do about her brother, but the idea of leaving her two cowboys sank low in her heart.
She didn’t want to leave, she wanted to stay. Stunned by her realization, she stared back out the window. Even though her heart wanted one thing, her brain told her it was only a dream. She had to leave. It was her only choice to keep those she cared about safe. No matter what James told her about becoming part of the town family, she knew she’d never survive the pain in her heart if she caused anyone harm because of her stepbrother.
“As wonderful as that sounds, James, I just don’t want to risk hurting anyone. I don’t see how staying is even remotely possible.”
He gave a stiff nod. “I understand, Ms. Devero. Your stepbrother is a real piece…of work. I’m sure a man like him is really intimidating to a woman.”
Delilah narrowed her gaze. She didn’t like the way his words sounded. She hated that he would use a word like intimidate with her. She didn’t want to be seen as a woman who was intimidated easily, but he was speaking the truth. She did feel vulnerable and hated that she’d been turned into a victim. She knew she had to regain control over the situation before it robbed her of everything she held dear.
“I don’t normally intimidate easily,” she told him, but she wasn’t sure if it was for his benefit or her own.
Honestly, she wasn’t so much intimidated as she was lost. Not having her mother in her life had left her hollow. The absence of her father had only added to that emptiness. Finding Clay and Hunter had been a blessing. If she could find the courage and strength to fight against Warren, then maybe she wouldn’t have to be so void of the things she truly desired.
I want to love and to feel loved. I don’t want to be so afraid to live that I never have that experience.
Her heart ached with desperation and longing. Since she was a little girl, true love was all she dreamed about. It wasn’t the shiny new cars and mansions that compelled her and filled her with passion. Love and soul-deep affection were what she yearned for.
“I didn’t mean any offense, Ms. Devero. I simply meant that maybe you shouldn’t allow a man like your stepbrother to affect you so much. You only manage to give him power each time you flee an area to avoid him.”
She studied James’s expression in the rearview mirror and wondered how someone who barely knew her could have such insight into her life. Did her emotional issues and confusion read like a book to even the untrained eye? It sure did seem that way where James Ryan was concerned. As frustrating as it was, everything he said made perfect sense.
She knew that running away each time Warren tracked her down wasn’t the answer and could be seen as the easy way out, but it was the only way she knew to keep everyone safe. Her father included. The sick, twisted freak that Warren was had threatened to harm her father, and she couldn’t risk that. The thought of losing her father was a fate worse than her own death.
“I realize that, James, but I don’t see how I have any other choice if I don’t want him to hurt others.”
He inclined his head over his shoulder to glance at her for a brief moment as he said, “Clay would never allow anything to happen to you or anyone else. You’ve got him and the Boyd family already in your corner. I’d consider you ahead of the game.”
As much as she would like to believe that, she didn’t know where to start. “I don’t really know
the Boyd family well enough to consider them in my corner.”
He chuckled. “Ms. Devero, you don’t have to know all of them well, but you do know Hunter. The Boyd family would do anything to keep each other safe. If you are as close to Hunter as I think you are, then you are already considered part of the Boyd family.”
She pinched her brows tight at the bridge of her nose, scowling at his words. Was it true? Did they really feel that way about her? Why would they? She’d barely been around the Boyd family.
Besides, I destroyed their fence, stalked off after spending an afternoon with Hunter, demanding anyone but him take me into town, and then I ended up being assaulted by my stepbrother at the diner where Mrs. Boyd works. Surely they think I’m some crazy woman with way too much baggage.
“Stop letting those thoughts confuse you and just trust me when I tell you that you already have more friends in Temptation than you could possibly imagine.”
She huffed out a breath. “I didn’t say anything.”
Smiling back at her, he said, “You don’t have to say anything, Ms. Devero. Your eyes speak volumes.”
That wasn’t the first time she’d heard that. Her big blue eyes had been the window into her soul since she’d been born. She’d been unable to lie or hide emotions. Her eyes had always given her away.
Pulling into Clay’s driveway, James muttered, “Before you make any hasty decision, think about what I’m telling you. I know for a fact that both Clay and Hunter would hate to see you leave. Both of those men would do anything to help you adjust to life here in Temptation.”
The idea left her breathless. She’d longed to feel safe and secure, living at a ranch of her own and loving the land as she’d always dreamed she would.
The car came to a complete stop. “Thank you for the ride, James.”
“No problem. I’ll be out here should you need anything,” he reminded her.
Exiting the vehicle, she made her way into Clay’s home, and the strange feeling she expected as she crossed the threshold into a home that didn’t belong to her never appeared. Instead, a calming euphoria eclipsed her mind. The sharp scent of leather filled her senses. For the first time, she noticed all the rustic furniture that filled his home. A well stuffed, dark-brown leather sofa and love seat ate up the space within the living room, with natural wood end tables. Honey-colored hardwood floors complimented the entire home, and only a white throw rug covered the floor in front of the door. The first night she’d arrived, she’d been so irritated she wanted nothing but to find solitude. Never once did she notice how beautiful his home truly was.
As she made her way down the narrow hallway, she bypassed the door that lead to her belongings and found her feet stopping directly in front of Clay’s bedroom. Opening the door, she stared at the bed they’d made love on. Sucking in a sharp breath, she remembered the gentle caresses Clay had used as he glided his fingers sensually over her flesh, teasing her breasts and slowly exploring her pussy, appearing to be almost afraid he’d hurt her.
She smiled, knowing that he had taken his time with her, loving her body with the care of a man who cherished his woman. She wondered if they’d ever have a time to explore deeper, darker passions, discovering pleasures that would have her toes curling and her eyes rolling back into her head. A man like Clay Garrett had to have a sexually aggressive side, and she had to admit that she was eager to ignite those burning needs with him.
As she drifted into the depths of her memory, it wasn’t only Clay’s hands that explored her body but Hunter’s as well. Together, the three burned hotter than anything she’d ever imagined, touching, kissing, and loving each other. Harder and faster, her chest rose as the image of both men pleasuring her overpowered her mind, showing her exactly what two men could do to fire passions she’d long to experience.
A single tear fell from the corner of her eye. At that moment, she knew exactly what she had to do, and tonight at dinner she’d tell Clay and Hunter. She prayed they’d understand.
Never in her life had so many emotions churned deep in her soul. Without them, she feared her life would be over. She feared they would be risking everything, including their lives. The risk seemed too great. Soon, she would find out.
* * * *
Clay stalked into his home, and the moment his eyes found Delilah’s, he couldn’t help but smile. She looked radiant standing beside his sofa wearing a pale-pink spaghetti-strapped sundress. His eyes scanned over her lean, sculpted body. Her loosely flowing blonde hair surrounded her porcelain face, and the sundress clung to all the right curves of her body. White heels elongated her legs, giving more shape to her already sexy calves.
His mouth watered as he envisioned kissing from her delicate toes, up her shapely legs, spreading her divine thighs, and finally dining on the sweetness of her pussy. Damn, he wanted her, but any second Hunter would be stepping in behind him. Strangely, he almost didn’t care.
Within the depths of his mind, he was already making love to her, holding her close, and kissing her face and breasts as he explored her body more thoroughly than he had the night before. He was desperate to entice her with passions he’d been unable to share with her. Now, he wished he had. He prayed it wasn’t too late.
He approached her, cupping her face in his hands, and slowly stroked the soft skin of her cheeks with his thumbs. “You look absolutely beautiful, Delilah,” he said, in a tone so low and sensual he almost didn’t recognize his own voice.
Smiling softly, she whispered, “Thank you.”
Hunter entered behind him, blowing out a whistle as he glanced over at Delilah. “Wow,” he murmured. “Please tell me you dressed like that especially for me.” He nudged Clay in the ribs with his elbow. Immediately, he stepped away from her, allowing Hunter to stand beside him.
Her smile widened as her gaze fell over them. With an arched brow, she muttered, “I dressed like this for both of you.”
Clay swallowed the tightness in his throat, and his pulse pounded wildly in his veins. For a long, heated moment, all he could do was gaze at the woman who stirred so many appetizing thoughts within him.
Suddenly, his body felt too large and imposing. His clothing restricted his frame and practically suffocated him. His cock jumped, springing to life. If he wasn’t careful, he’d reveal his alarming affections by being unable to walk without a limp.
“I’ll be right back,” Clay announced. “I’m going to change out of my uniform.”
Departing from them in a few long strides, Clay closed the door to his bedroom and pressed his back against the cold wood. He rested his head against the door as he blew out a ragged breath. Staring at her gorgeous face and body had nearly caused him to self-combust. Surely, God had not placed this angel in his life for her to be ripped away the moment he realized he didn’t want to be without her.
His heart squeezed in his chest as sorrow and fear filled his belly. If she didn’t agree to stay with him, he didn’t think he’d have the will to love again. It had been so long since he’d allowed anyone to share a piece of his heart, and now that he had, he hoped it wasn’t for nothing.
Stalking into his closet, he decided on something comfortable for the evening. The night he had planned required something he wouldn’t mind getting dirty. He also didn’t want something that was too restrictive.
Slipping out of his uniform, he put on a pair of dark-blue jeans, sandy-brown boots, and a white collared shirt. Without hesitation, he moved into his bathroom, brushed his hair and teeth, and then took a long, intense look at himself. The confident man he knew himself to be stared back at him, and even though inside he had that same level of security, he couldn’t help but feel the flutter of nerves ravaging his belly. With so much at stake, he didn’t want to fuck this up.
As he returned to the living room, Hunter and Delilah sat huddled on the sofa together. Their voices were soft, but he could still hear their giggles and laughter. No matter how much he hated to admit it, Hunter was a charming man, and as much as he want
ed Delilah all to himself, he knew she’d never be able to resist Hunter’s alluring presence. He wouldn’t beg her to choose him, but he would make every effort to show her that he was worthy of her love and trust.
Clearing his throat, Clay moved up to stand behind them and rested his hands on the backrest of the sofa. “I hope I’m not interrupting,” he teased with a warm smile.
Delilah inclined her head to look up at him, her eyes dancing from his freshly clothed body up to his heavy-lidded gaze. His eyes always felt heavy as he stared at her. The pull of passions that drenched his mind was never far when he looked at her.
“We’re just waiting on you,” she said, returning the warm smile.
Clay grabbed his keys off the table and said, “Well, then I suggest you two get up off the sofa and join me, so we can go and enjoy our evening.”
Turning for the door, he heard them both rise from the sofa and quickly follow after him. His chest filled with a deep inhale of air as the warmth of delight had him smiling. The proper arrangements had already been made for the night events, and he couldn’t wait another second to share all that he and Hunter had secured.
Tonight was the night that he would reveal everything to Delilah, and he prayed that she would be as receptive as Hunter had assured him she would be.
* * * *
Forty-five minutes later, ivory stone arches greeted them as they drove onto the long dirt road leading to the main house at Turtledove Ranch. Once the two-story ranch house was in sight, the driveway transitioned into solid, pristine white pavement. The lavish, rustic ranch was everything Delilah ever could have imagined and more.
As the three of them exited Clay’s truck, a rush of blood pounded in her ears as wild, thriving excitement washed over her. “Wow,” was all she could think to say.
The freshly white-painted house had a porch that started at the front door and seemed to circle all the way around to the back of the house. Trees with wide canopies lined the circle driveway, and in the center of the paved area sat a large white fountain, bubbling with vibrant blue water. Crisp green grass surrounded the house. The sight was simply breathtaking.
