He moved from his seat and sat beside Morgan. His fingers itched to touch her creamy skin. What was there about her that had hit him so hard?
Bill Sams had encouraged him to come to the party today and meet some of the other men in the group. He hadn’t been impressed, and he soon got the message that the women were there to be enjoyed.
Not being interested, he’d taken the opportunity to explore. He’d wandered down to the river and pretended to be admiring the houseboat when the guard had invited him on board. He took the opportunity to observe the fancy electronic setup on the bridge.
He’d thanked the guard and walked back down the pier to return to the party, when her sweet scent grabbed his attention. She had stumbled on her way to the bank and managed to sit, before she fell, onto the ground. Her glazed expression had told him she was definitely in trouble.
He wished Jack, one of the community doctors, was nearby. Morgan was still completely out, and her breathing had slowed. He touched her wrist to take her pulse. Her soft skin sent a jolt to his heart. Her pulse was steady, but slow. Her particular scent filled his nostrils, and his dick went instantly hard. He moved back to the seat across from her. What the hell?
She hadn’t moved. Her creamy skin glistened in the sunlight coming through the car windows. Shiny black curls clustered around a heart-shaped face. When she’d walked toward the water earlier today, the sunlight appeared to encircle her in a special glow. His cock got harder with his increased desire to taste her, touch her, sink into her sweet body. Down boy, she needs protection. That’s all.
The limo pulled into the underground garage and parked. Charles opened the door. “You need some help?”
“If I look that weak, just shoot me. Get the elevator.”
Charles laughed and strode across to put the key in the private elevator for the penthouse. Ethan lifted Morgan into his arms and carried her inside the lift. Soon they were speeding up toward the condominium he’d purchased as part of his cover.
When the doors opened to the foyer, Charles went ahead and unlocked the entrance. Ethan went straight through the living room, down the hall, and into a bedroom on the right. Gently, he laid her on the bed.
“Call Jack. Tell him to get here as soon as possible.”
“I already did. He’s on the way.”
Ethan raised his head. “Good work.”
“She didn’t look good when you put her in the car.”
“Still doesn’t. I’m going to sit here by the bed.”
“I’ll make coffee. I don’t expect Jack will be alone.” Charles moved closer to the bed. “What a shame if she’s part of the spy ring.”
“I know. For one, it would break Sara’s heart. I understand they’ve been close friends for years, and for another reason, I think…” He left the rest unsaid. He wasn’t ready to even complete that thought.
Chapter Two
Morgan’s body felt weighted down with blocks, and everything was black. She tried to open her eyes. Were they taped closed? Her heart raced. Where was she? What happened? In the distance she heard someone whimper.
“You’re going to be all right.” A deep, male voice echoed down a tunnel. “Damn, Charles, when is Jack due in?”
“They’re landing as we speak. Another twenty minutes or so.”
“She should have been more awake by now.”
Who is the sexy voice? Morgan tried to remember. It was just on the edge of her memory. She tried to lift an arm. Nothing moved. Her heart sped faster. She was paralyzed.
“It’s fine, baby. The doctor’s coming. He’ll bring you around.”
The questions and words buzzed in her head like an annoying bee. She willed herself to wake up, to move. Nothing. Fear crouched around her like a monster waiting in the blackness.
A tear seeped out of her eye. She felt it roll down her cheek.
“Damn, sweetheart.” The softness under her moved, and a warm body pulled her close. A thumping heart beat against her ear, and a feeling of safety held the monster back. Gradually, she fell back into the bottomless pit, but the warmth stayed wrapped around her.
* * * *
“About time you got here, Jack.”
“Thanks for the compliment. I’d have come sooner, but I had to finish my dinner.”
His sarcasm made Ethan smile. “Sorry, I’m just so damn worried about her.” He glanced past Jack and saw Justin. “I thought you might come along. You and I have some talking to do.”
“You two get out of here,” Jack said. “Sara’s right behind me. She’ll be here while I examine your lady.”
“Let me through,” Sara said as she pushed by Justin. “Oh, my.” Tears welled in her eyes. “What happened to her?”
“Her drink was spiked. With what, I’m not sure. Hopefully, Jack can help us with that.” Ethan reluctantly got off the bed and walked toward the door. As soon as he stepped outside the room, the door shut with a snap behind them. Ethan spun around, as anger and loss rushed through him.
Justin grabbed his arm. “Come on in the living room. Daren wants to talk with us.”
Taking a deep breath, Ethan nodded and followed Justin down the hallway. Daren, one of their leaders and one of Sara’s husbands, stood by the glass doors. He took a long look at Ethan and Justin.
“Sit. Coffee’s made. Charles took Jake downstairs to his condo.”
“Jake piloted the plane?”
“Yes. He wasn’t up for rotation, but said he wanted a chance to visit with Charles. And I thought if we needed any help regarding electronics, he’d be handy. I’m glad all our pilots have dual roles. But right now, we need to discuss what’s been going on here.” Daren poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Ethan. “You look like hell,” he said, a smile on his face.
“Thanks. I feel the same way.”
Justin and Ethan sank down on the long sofa, one sitting at each end. Daren slouched into a wide, soft chair across from them. His casual pose never fooled his men. They’d seen him move suddenly like a snake striking when he needed to. He looked from one to the other.
“It always amazed me how you two bonded. When your parents”—Daren nodded to Justin—“adopted Ethan after his parents died in that car accident, the elders feared you’d resent him. What with him being just six months younger, and he’d be taking away some of your parents’ undivided attention.” He smiled and shook his head. “Instead you two became inseparable, close, as if you’d been twins. And since Ethan took the Stanton name, using Wright as his middle name, people outside our group were often confused that you weren’t.” He stopped and stared at Justin, then turned to Ethan. “Did you know the woman you rescued and brought here is the same one who has shook up your brother’s comfortable life?”
“No,” Justin denied. “She’s everything I don’t want.”
“You’re so frightened of your feelings you turned down this job. Yet you demanded to join me today,” Daren stated bluntly.
Justin’s face reddened. Ethan stared at him. “You weren’t up-front with me,” he said to Justin.
“Damn it, Ethan. She’s like a doll. Every hair has to be in place at all times. She wore fancy new clothes every time we went out. But worse, she doesn’t like animals. I can’t love a woman like that.”
Before Ethan could respond Jack stepped into the room. Both brothers stood and turned to him.
“I’ve drawn blood. Sara has called her friend, Ellen. She works at a nearby lab. Charles will take the blood to her. I suspect Morgan has been given a date rape drug. But I’m concerned that she hasn’t begun to wake up.”
“She stirred earlier, and then sank back into unconsciousness again.”
“Sara”—Jack nodded toward the woman entering the living room—“says Morgan has always been very susceptible to medicine. My guess is it hit her much harder than a usual response. She should be awake by now.”
Sara walked across and slid into the chair beside Daren. “What can we do until we get the results from the tests?”
> “I’m going to give her a shot to try and counteract the drug. A small dose. It’s dangerous, but I don’t think we can wait any longer without doing something. Do you all agree?”
“I trust your decision, Jack,” Sara said. Daren nodded yes.
They all looked at Justin and Ethan. Ethan glanced at his brother. “Yes?” Justin nodded, agreeing.
Jack turned to go back to his patient. “Wait.” Both Justin and Ethan spoke at once. “We’re going to be there.”
“All right,” Jack said. “You want to come, too, Sara?”
Sara leaned into Daren. “I’ll wait here.”
Ethan followed Jack into the bedroom and went to one side of the bed. Justin stood awkwardly in front of the door Jack had just shut. Ethan frowned at his brother, but resisted making a comment. His attention was drawn to Jack. He watched Jack draw up a small amount of liquid into a syringe. Jack took hold of Morgan’s arm, and gave her the shot.
“How soon will it work?” Justin asked.
Jack shook his head. “I don’t know her medical history, or what’s been given to her for sure. I’m flying blind here. I have no idea.”
The three men stood, silently watching the unmoving woman lying on the bed. After several minutes, Jack took her pulse and blood pressure.
“At least her vitals are staying stable.”
As the time passed, Jack left the room to speak with Sara and Daren. Ethan sat down on the right side of the bed and took her hand into his.
“She’s the one for us, Justin. You knew it when you sent me here.”
Justin moved to the side of the bed. “I hoped I was wrong.”
“What happened between the two of you?”
“We dated. She started getting too close. I pulled back and left.”
“No sex?” Ethan raised an eyebrow.
“Hell, no.” The words came out loud in the quiet room. Then more softly, he added, “I don’t think I could have left her if I’d crossed that line.”
Ethan understood. His mixed feelings weren’t too much different from Justin’s. Neither one had thought of getting serious about anyone for a long time yet. But they’d known instinctively that they’d wanted to find a wife for both of them. If Justin felt this strongly against Morgan, Ethan needed to temper his responses to her. Take a step back. And yet he had this strong need to protect her.
“We don’t have to wed the same woman. I know it’s preferred for the officers, but not demanded as it was for Mitch and Daren. Feel free to follow your feelings in this regard.” Justin spoke slowly as he studied Morgan’s face.
“It wouldn’t interfere with our friendship or work?” Ethan questioned. He watched his brother’s reaction and saw the slight flinch that he tried to cover quickly.
“No. I’ll be fine.” Justin sat on the opposite side and took her hand in his. “When she’s awake she’s full of energy. Right now she’s so fragile.”
An ache eased inside Ethan. Justin was a sorry liar. He didn’t need to worry. When he wed Morgan, which he fully intended to do, Justin would be right there wedding her, too. It just might take time to bring these two together. He shook his head. His reaction to her and the certainty he felt about her surprised him, but he had no doubts they’d found their bride.
* * * *
Morgan heard two male voices. Their words were blurred, sounding far away. She tried to open her eyelids. Faint light hurt her head, and she closed them again.
“She’s waking up.”
That sexy voice that was becoming familiar to her spoke out. “Morgan, can you hear me?”
She licked her dry lips and tried to speak. She managed to form the word, “thirsty.” He must have heard her. Someone raised her head and put a straw between her lips.
“Just take a sip,” the man cautioned. “Come on, Morgan. Open your eyes. Wake up.”
Morgan tried again to see who was speaking. Someone had closed the drapes, and the subdued light didn’t hurt. At first, the face leaning close to her was blurry. She blinked several times, determined to clear her vision.
Light blue eyes swam in front of her. Looking upward, she noted long blond hair, a strong face, and firm mouth. She’d seen him before, but she couldn’t remember where.
“Do you hurt anywhere?” Another male voice spoke from her other side.
Carefully, she moved her head and found herself looking at Justin. She glanced down at their entwined hands.
“Where did you come from?”
“It’s a long story.”
“I bet.”
He smiled and her heart tripped faster. “You must be better. You’re getting your smart mouth back.”
“Have I been sick? I feel terrible.”
“I’ll get Jack, the doctor. He’ll explain.” Justin strode out.
“He doesn’t like me.”
“You’re wrong. But you didn’t answer his question. Are you hurting?”
“My brain’s foggy and my eyes don’t work so well. You look familiar. Oh my, did I throw up on you?”
“My best pair of shoes.” He spoke in a teasing tone.
“Was it the food?” Now she remembered being sick.
“I don’t think so.”
Jack hurried into the room. A tall, slim, brown-haired woman followed closely on his heels.
“Ellen.” Morgan opened her arms and Ellen gathered her close.
“Sara’s here, too.” Ellen motioned behind her.
“Was I dying?”
Her question lightened the mood. Ellen and Sara smiled. “Not if we could help it,” Sara said. Sara looked around. “There are too many people in here. Daren, can you clear the room?”
“Anything for you, darlin’.” He gave her a wink and motioned the men out of the room. Justin and the other man, who had the sexy voice, hesitated, but once Daren frowned and nodded again, they followed him out.
“What happened?” Morgan asked her friends.
Sara sat on the bed. “Do you remember anything?”
“It’s coming back. I was unhappy, mad at myself for going to Bill’s party. Ellen”—she frowned at her friend—“was too busy to go with me.”
“You know I had to work, Morgan.”
“I know. It’s my own fault. I was lonely, and I’d been staying home a lot lately. Anyway, I asked for a virgin daiquiri because I didn’t want my head fuzzy, and then I ate. Shortly afterwards I got sick. How did I get here?”
Jack stepped to the bedside. “Let me check her vitals, and then I’ll let you ladies talk.”
“Who are you?” Morgan asked.
“I’m a physician. David asked me to check on you.”
Morgan watched him closely as he took her blood pressure and listened to her heart. “Am I all right?”
“You’re going to be fine. I’ll leave and let you three visit.”
“Drink some water.” Ellen leaned across and put the straw in her mouth. “You’re dehydrated, and this will help flush out the drug they gave you.”
“Drug?” Morgan raised up in the bed.
Sara put her arms around Morgan and laid her back down. “Relax. All your questions will be answered eventually. You need to rest, eat, let us care for you.”
“Just one more question? Who’s the blond guy who just walked out of here?”
“You must mean David,” Sara said. “He, Daren, Jack, and Justin are friends.”
Ellen glanced across the bed and frowned. “That seems very strange. I guess he’s from Wyoming, too? There have been more men from Wyoming coming through our town lately.”
Sara shrugged. “I don’t know David that well. I have no idea what he’s doing in Rhodes Creek.”
“That’s where I saw him,” Morgan exclaimed. “One day a week or so ago, he came into Bill’s office.”
“Look, you need to rest,” Sara said. “Ellen will sit with you, and I’ll be right outside if you need me.” Sara looked across at Ellen. She nodded in agreement.
The room was quiet after Sara left. Ellen s
tarted to let go of Morgan’s hand. She stopped her.
“I’ve missed you and Sara.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you today.”
“You had to work. I understand.”
Ellen stared away from Morgan. “I didn’t really. I’ve been out of sorts, so I’ve volunteered to work more. I miss our threesome. Sara was the middle that held us together.”
“I know.”
“Rest. I’ll be right here in this chair.” She motioned toward a lounge chair by the window.
Morgan closed her eyes. Her head hurt, and she was confused in her mind and her heart. She let sleep pull her under.
* * * *
“All right, Ethan, tell us what’s been happening,” Daren said.
Justin, Sara, Jack, and Daren were seated around him. Ethan waited a moment, putting his thoughts together. “I infiltrated the group several weeks ago. It took some investment of money, as you know. Justin, you were right about Bill. I’m sorry to say he’s right in the middle of it all, but he’s not the head guy.”
Daren leaned forward. “You think he knows who is?”
“I’m not sure. I suspect the one we want is very clever, and few know his identity. Bill’s not that far up the chain. As far as I can see he got into this about eighteen months ago or thereabouts.”
“Is Morgan involved?” Justin asked.
“Until yesterday, I didn’t see how she couldn’t be. I think she handles the finances.” Ethan glanced at Sara. “But at the party there had been a definite agenda to knock her out and give her to a man who calls himself Mr. Brown.”
“Not very creative,” Justin mumbled. “Why would Bill allow that? From what she told me, she’s worked for him for years.”
“She has.” Sara spoke up. “About six years. Right after college we all decided to come here. I’d had an offer of a teaching job, and Ellen got one from the lab where she still works.”
“If she graduated college with you two why did she settle for working as a secretary for Bill?” Justin asked.
“I’m not sure. You’ll have to ask her yourself.”
Cameron, Paige - Commando Cowboys Rescue Their Bride [Wyoming Warriors 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 2
