by Chloe Lang
She kissed him. “Are you wanting another round, Tobias, this time solo?”
“Sounds like a plan to me, sweetheart.”
“Speaking of plans, I want to move on to the next part of Heath’s. I want to go see Seth today.”
“Honey, I don’t think you realize how that’s going to end.” He squeezed her tight. “I don’t want you to be hurt.”
“I know you’re trying to protect me.” She kissed him again. “But I believe Seth will come around. You have to give him a chance. I can see how you guys feel about each other. Behind all the distrust and anger, there is real love. Don’t you want it to be like it once was between all of you guys?”
Tobias nodded. “But I’m not sure the past can be overcome.”
“It can and will. If I’d let what happened to me with Darren continue to hold me back, I would’ve never become the woman I am now. Drake helped me see that my first night here.”
“Sweetheart, Seth has put a wall up around his heart that is so thick, I’m not sure even you can get through to him.”
“Don’t underestimate me, cowboy. I’ve got an arsenal of talents you haven’t seen yet.”
He grinned. “I’m sure you do.”
“I already care for Seth and I believe he cares for me, too.” She wasn’t about to tell Tobias that she wasn’t one hundred percent on how Seth really felt about her. Telling Tobias her worries wouldn’t support her claim that she could win his brother over. Best to keep that little tidbit to herself for the time being. “Trust me.”
“Okay, baby. I love you so much. You have to trust me, too. If I see he’s about to hurt you, I’m pulling the plug on this little plan. You will have to settle for the five of us, no matter how much you want Seth to be a part of our family. Understand?”
“I do.”
“Now, about your idea of a little one-on-one. I think I’ll take you up on that.”
“Yes, Sir.”
* * * *
From his hiding place, the man watched the driver of the truck and his passenger exit the vehicle.
The driver was Tobias Strong. The passenger was the person he’d come for.
The slut and the cowboy walked over to one of the other Strong brothers on horseback.
He grinned as his plan unfolded right in front of him. Clicking off the safety on the rifle, he aimed it at his target—Charlene Wynn.
* * * *
Charly walked over to the barn with Tobias plastered next to her. He’d agreed to let her meet with Seth, but with a ton of conditions. During the drive over, he’d listed them one by one.
She loved him for always being her protector.
Seth sat atop a horse near a watering trough. Tobias waved him over.
When the cowboy she’d come to talk to rode up next to them, all the words she’d practiced for this moment scattered to the back of her mind.
“How may I be of service, Ms. Wynn?” he asked, tipping his hat.
“I–I came to talk to you.”
“Then talk,” Seth stated flatly.
“Bro, you better cut the attitude with Charly.”
“Or what? I know why you are here. I’m the lone holdout to Heath’s crazy plan. I can understand the twins losing themselves to this, even Nate. But you jumping on board? That was a surprise.”
Charly felt her heart jump up in her throat. Was this whole thing a bad idea? Her bad idea?
Tobias moved protectively between her and Seth. “You’re a fucking idiot. Charly is the most amazing woman you will ever know. She’s ready to take the leap with you. Yes, you, Seth. And you’re too foolish to give her even a sliver of a chance. If you had half a brain, you’d see that what happened between you and Heath is ancient history.”
“That’s so easy to say, bro. Listen close. I will never forgive him for what he did to me, to the twins, and to Gabby.”
“Damn it, Seth. We have a chance at a fantastic future with Charly that none of us could’ve ever dreamed. Remember how it was before Gabby? No one came between the six Strong brothers. We were tight. We can be again.”
Was Tobias wasting his words? Did Seth even give a damn about her? Tears welled up in her eyes, but she wasn’t ready to give up. Not yet. Maybe not ever. His wounds were deep, but they could be healed if he would just give her a chance.
She looked at him directly, not lowering her gaze. “Seth, what are you afraid of? You’re a badass cowboy and I’m just a—”
She felt a sting in the middle of her chest and then heard a gunshot. Her head spun as the sting grew into an intense burning sensation.
Time slowed to a crawl, but her brain whirled inside her, muddled and fuzzy.
Tobias screamed something, but she couldn’t understand his words. Was something wrong with her hearing?
Seth dismounted and ran to her. For some reason, she couldn’t seem to focus on him. Even her vision was off. Why? What had happened to her?
She lifted her hands to her chest and felt moisture. Squinting, she tried to make her eyes adjust properly. No luck. Bringing her fingers up closer to her face didn’t help either. Her hands were soaked with something dark and warm. The fogginess of her brain kept her from being sure of what she was looking at dripping down her fingertips.
Blinking, she tried to make sense of everything, but then her legs buckled.
She fell to the ground. Just as Tobias and Seth reached her side, she surrendered to the blackness.
End of Book 5: Strong Craving
To be continued in
Book 6: Strong Temptation
WWW.CHLOELANG.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in Missouri, I am happy to call Dallas, Texas home, now. Who doesn’t love sunshine?
I began devouring romance novels during summers between college semesters as a respite to the rigors of my studies. Soon, my lifelong addiction was born, and to this day, I typically read three or four books every week.
For years, I tried my hand at writing romance stories, but shared them with no one. Understand, I’m really shy. After many months of prodding by friends, authors Sophie Oak and Kiera West, I finally relented and let them read one. As the prodding turned to gentle shoves, I ultimately did submit something to Siren-BookStrand. The thrill of a life happened for me when I got the word that my book would be published.
I do want to warn the reader that my books are not for the faint of heart, and are strictly for adults. That said, I love erotic romances. Blending the sexual chemistry with the emotional energy between the characters in my books is why I love being a writer.
Thank you for taking the time to share Wilde, Nevada with me.
For all other titles by Chloe Lang, please visit
http://www.bookstrand.com/chloe-lang
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
