Cowboy Boots and Inexpressible Longing [Cowboy Boots 5] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Natalie Acres

  About that time, Manny’s cell rang. “Talk to me.”

  Drew stood back and observed as Manny listened to the person on the other end. After a few seconds, he asked, “Where? How many?” He paced, massaged his forehead, and released an outright, “Ah no, man.”

  “What’s happened?” Drew asked, wondering why he was forced to conduct business when the woman he’d craved, the woman he’d desperately missed, now waited for him on the other side of that blasted bedroom door.

  “We’ll be right there.” Ending the call, Manny said, “We know where Esparza’s guys found their weapons.”

  “How many?”

  “Two dead—both club employees. And Scott Zelmore is being transported to the hospital now. Looks like the place will be swarming with cops in a few minutes.” He thumbed the air behind him. “Want me to watch her while you take care of this?”

  “Not really, but I don’t have a choice in the matter.” He grabbed his leather jacket and swung it over his shoulder. “Don’t let her out of your sight.”

  He had almost made it to the hallway when Manny asked, “Have you made up your mind what you’re going to do with her?”

  “Yeah,” Drew replied, glancing over his shoulder. “I’m keeping her safe and you’re helping me.”

  Chapter Five

  Drew entered the heart of the club and discovered his patrons were being questioned. To his surprise, Colt, Crue, and Kelly Candy were among the customers being interrogated. Barely giving them a glance, he strolled over to the lead detective.

  “Drew, I told you something like this would eventually happen.”

  Conrad Shelton had been a big supporter of the club. He and his wife were regular customers but Conrad had cautioned Drew several times.

  “We heeded the warning, Detective,” Drew assured him, always formal with Conrad when other listeners were around. “These guys were our guys. We suffered a major blow here and we’ll get to the bottom of it.”

  “No. We’ll investigate, Drew.” Conrad was putting on fronts for his men. He stormed away with notepad and pen in hand.

  Colt joined him then. “Any idea what happened here?”

  “Nice to see you, too, Colt.”

  “Cut the shit, Drew. You know who’s behind this. We have an operative fighting for his life right now and you’re playing this off like it’s no big deal.”

  Crue and Kelly hung back, but they were close enough in proximity to overhear the conversation. After they answered a few questions, they inched even closer, acting as if they were casually reuniting with a member of their party.

  “How long have you been here?” Drew asked, his gaze hopping between the three operatives.

  “Nice to see you, too, Drew,” Crue said, his lips twitching as he borrowed Drew’s earlier greeting to Colt.

  “We were here about an hour when we heard the commotion,” Colt replied.

  “And you didn’t see anything?”

  “We had a room reserved,” Kelly volunteered.

  “So you were otherwise engaged?” Drew realized his question sounded like a condescending accusation. He couldn’t help it. He didn’t want Colt Candy and company interfering.

  “We know about Esparza.” Crue dropped the damning tidbit of information.

  “So the man’s name is on the lips of every operative, huh?”

  “He killed two of our own.”

  “He killed three of my own,” Drew reminded him. “If he hadn’t killed Benson, my wife might still be alive today.”

  Crue and Colt swapped a knowing glance. They didn’t argue with him even though they had to have known that blaming Kelsie’s death on Esparza was just his way of making his vendetta all the more personal.

  “We’re here to help, Drew,” Colt said. “Don’t shut us out.”

  “If I need ya, I’ll holler for you.”

  Crue narrowed his gaze. His upper cheek twitched and he acted as if he wanted to say something. Defined as a shadow, Crue and his best friend, Gabe, had kept watch over the US-West Underground Unit. When they were behind guns, they were the best snipers in the business. When they were behind the keyboard, they could crack any code.

  They were good at their jobs. Damn good. And that was all the more reason why Drew wanted them to stay away.

  His father and brother had died in front of him. They had been killed in cold blood. It was up to Drew to make sure their deaths hadn’t been in vain. It was time to bring down Esparza and his cartel. And he wanted to start at the top. More than anything else, he needed Gomez Gustavo Esparza’s blood on his hands.

  * * * *

  “You look disappointed,” Manny told her when he unlocked the bedroom door.

  “You’re lucky you didn’t find me sprawled out on the bed stark naked.”

  Manny’s lips twitched. “I know what to do with a naked woman.”

  Her gaze ran over him like a runaway train. She wasn’t the least bit interested. Stomping by him, she asked, “Where’s Drew?”

  “There was a problem downstairs. I’m supposed to wait here with you.”

  “Were you the one employed to bring home my things?”

  “Are you always this arrogant?”

  She started to reply but instead, she burst out laughing. “God, no.”

  “Whew,” he muttered. “That’s a relief.”

  Thrusting her hand forward, she said, “Sorry about that. I’m rude.”

  “Nice to meet you, Rude. I’m a real prick, or so I’ve been told.”

  She laughed. “Suzy Matthews. We’ve never been formally introduced, but I know who you are.”

  “Manny.”

  He didn’t offer her a last name and she didn’t press. She’d been around the Underground Unit operatives on and off for several years and most of the guys were very guarded.

  “So where did he go?”

  “Are you hungry?” Manny asked, dodging the question. “We have excellent food service here at the club and there’s a diner across the street that grills some to-die-for burgers.”

  “Are you asking me out on a date, Manny?”

  He laughed. “No. I value my life too much, but I can order out and send someone to pick it up.”

  “Burger with the works, no onions, and fries would be great.”

  “Gotcha covered,” he said, digging in his pocket for his phone.

  As Manny ordered dinner, she studied the elaborate appointments in the living room. She couldn’t help but wonder then. Had Drew changed since the last time she’d seen him? Had there been a special lady in his life, a woman who had been able to convince him to open up his home to her?

  The place definitely had a designer’s touch. Matching tan sofas, draperies, and large brass and glass end tables with fancy lamps and shades made the open space look as if it had been transferred from a furniture showroom straight to Drew’s living room.

  “They’re backed up,” Manny announced a few minutes later. “They’ll deliver for us in about an hour.”

  “Thanks.” She sat on the couch and curled her feet underneath her. “So how long have you known Drew?”

  “Too long,” he replied.

  “Why is it that every operative says the same thing when asked about shared history?”

  “Are you writing a book?”

  “No.”

  “Then you don’t need specifics,” he told her.

  “Where did you say Drew went?”

  “Downstairs. He shouldn’t be much longer. Can I get you anything?”

  “Other than my belongings? No.” A beat later, she added, “I have an idea. We could run over to my hotel while we’re waiting.”

  “Lady, you’re not in Columbia anymore. You can’t make a quick trip on a Friday night anywhere in Vegas, particularly if you have a room at the MGM.”

  “You know the MGM has security. I would be perfectly safe there.”

  “Drew wants you here.”

  “Why?” she asked, assuming he wouldn’t answer.

  �
��Well if you believe in love, then I would say it’s because Drew views you as his second chance at happiness.” He grinned. “But you didn’t hear that from me.”

  Chapter Six

  “Oh my, that was better than a thrashing fuck in the middle of the pouring rain.”

  “Then you’ve been forced to weather too many undesirable storms.” Drew entered the room like a man on a mission.

  She’d seen the expression before, that hard look of determination. Drew Remington was a stellar symbol of strength, a man who knew what he wanted and didn’t just go after it. He chased desires down and left brutal ramifications in his wake. He’d done that very thing with her heart. Somehow, he stole away with her love before she knew what hit her.

  “There’s enough sexual tension in here to make a man twitch in his slacks,” Manny said, standing.

  “Thanks for dinner, Manny.”

  “Don’t mention it.”

  “Did you make a move on my woman, Manny?”

  Suzy’s heart skipped a dozen beats right then and there. In the few months they spent as “not-a-couple,” never once had Drew referred to her as his woman.

  “As slow as you’ve been to make your claim, I really ought to put the moves on your girl,” Manny said, shooting her a wink.

  Drew avoided eye contact with her, but she saw a flash of pure male ownership then. He cleared his throat and slapped an envelope against Manny’s chest in passing. “Let me know when you have her belongings downstairs.”

  “I’ll be happy to deliver them,” he said, shooting her yet another wink.

  “Got something in your eye, friend?” Drew didn’t crack a smile.

  “Nothing but appreciation, man,” Manny replied, exiting at once.

  Drew slumped to the chair opposite her. He splayed his legs and dragged his palm down his face.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Starving.” He gripped the armrests as he watched her, those damning dark eyes seeing through her, analyzing her like only he could.

  “I could make you something to eat,” she offered, even though she already knew he only had a loaf of bread in his pantry. He probably had a pack of bologna and mayonnaise in his refrigerator. Other than bottled water and a few jugs of fruit juice, the kitchen wouldn’t house much more in the way of food and drink.

  “Come here, sub,” he said, his voice gruff.

  “Drew, I—”

  “I didn’t ask.” His brows furrowed. His jaw contracted. “Now.”

  Swallowing once, she rose to her feet. Walking those few steps took all the will she could muster. She wanted to rush into his arms, fling her body against his and ask him a million questions about his life, about the days he’d lived since they’d been apart. Above all else, she longed to question him about something that had weighed heavily on her mind.

  “Why did you push me away?” she asked when she finally stood in front of him.

  He took a deep breath. Looping his arm around her hips, he brought her to him. Resting his cheek against her belly, he sighed again. “I wanted you. I won’t deny that, but I was still one messed-up motherfucker. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

  “Hurt me?” She was aware of the tears welling in her eyes, the tears that had spilled one too many times. “You destroyed me.”

  As if her words were his undoing, he took her hand in his and pulled her to his lap. Drawing her against him, he bracketed his arm around her shoulder and whispered against her ear. “You’re still breathing, baby. And if I hadn’t walked away two years ago, I’m not so sure you would’ve been.”

  “You’re alive, aren’t you?”

  “Not by choice,” he said softly. “I was no good for you, baby. I’m still no good for you.”

  “You’re the only one who will ever make sense to me. Don’t you understand? Drew, I love you.”

  He flinched but she didn’t care. She had never told him how she felt before and she’d sworn to herself that if they were ever together again, she wouldn’t waste precious time. She would show him her heart.

  Brushing her lips past his, she kissed his cheek and left a trail of soft pecks across his face. “I love you, Master Drew.”

  One chosen word, carefully released at just the right time reignited the passion they’d once shared, bringing with it a slew of delicious memories, visions embedded deep inside his head.

  He swiftly cradled her body against his and rose to his feet. Taking long strides, he carried her to the bedroom.

  Together, they fell against the mattress. Their hot and wet kisses were succulent and passionate. The chemistry between them was all too consuming as he claimed her mouth with a branding kiss, a kiss that was devastating on so many levels. If he didn’t return her love now, he would in fact demolish any hope she had for a happy future. Without Drew Remington to love, Suzy was certain to miss out on the greatest joys in life.

  * * * *

  “Son, have you secured the bait?” Gustavo Esparza stepped away from the craps table long enough to answer his cell phone.

  “We can’t get to her, Father,” Marco informed him.

  “What do you mean you can’t get to her?” He smiled at a cocktail waitress and went as far as bending over so he could look at her cute little ass as she rounded the bank of slot machines.

  “The club was swarming with cops.”

  “I thought you were certain Miss Matthews would be returning to her hotel.” He knew good and well Miss Matthews wouldn’t be at her hotel later that evening or at any other point during her Las Vegas stay.

  The Remington men protected their women. Their father, Wilson Remington, had taught them to cherish the females in their lives. As much as Gustavo still hated the dead bastard, he had to admit that Wilson Remington had given his sons quite an informal education on many important life lessons.

  “She’s still at the club.”

  “We should be able to place someone inside without a problem. When the club is open for business, it shouldn’t be that hard to lure Miss Matthews away from Mr. Remington.”

  “It is, actually,” his son said. “They’ve retired for the night and there are guards on every floor between Remington’s penthouse and the club.”

  Gustavo bit back his rage. His mood suddenly soured. He flung his arm at his waitress when she approached and handed off another scotch on the rocks, a drink he’d ordered a few minutes before taking his son’s call.

  “You listen to me, son,” he said evenly, turning his back to the waitress. “I do not want Mr. Remington and Miss Matthews to have one night alone together. Are we clear?”

  “Yes, Father.”

  “You do what you have to do, but you interrupt them before they reunite in the physical sense. Do you understand me?”

  Gustavo had every intention of taking Suzy Matthews to his bed once she was abducted. He couldn’t very well enjoy her if he was forced to endure sloppy seconds.

  “I’ll see you soon, Father.”

  “Don’t come home without the girl.” He disconnected the call and rejoined the game progressing nicely.

  A lot of black and purple chips were in the rail and by all accounts the dice were hot. When it was his roll, he selected two cubes and shot them down the center of the table. “Come to Papa.”

  He knew one Midwestern gal who would make him come all night long if his son didn’t fuck up his plans. Oh yes, he was feeling mighty damn lucky tonight.

  Chapter Seven

  Drew stood at the end of the bed staring at those glistening pussy lips flexing around the head of the vibrator. His focus returned to her pretty pierced nipples. They’d held him captive for a reason. His cock stretched forward as he remembered the night he’d taken Suzy to the tattoo and piercing parlor.

  They’d been in Myrtle Beach for a biker rally and she’d wanted to do something wild and crazy so he’d made the suggestion. He’d wanted her clit pierced as well, but the bastard who owned the shop had made such a big deal about how much he’d enjoy “clipping” her “d
own there” that Drew had ultimately decided there were some things another man had no right to see, let alone touch.

  Pumping his cock, Drew moistened his lips. Her areolas were slightly large and that was one reason he’d wanted her pierced. They provided a dark backdrop to the gold jewelry she wore.

  “So sexy,” he crooned, settling between her legs. He kissed his way up and down her thigh and grew harder and thicker with every succulent peck. “Say my name, sub.”

  “Master Drew.” Her body tremors were incredible. Everywhere he touched, he left a series of quakes behind his simple caresses.

  Tapping the end of the dildo, he rose over her then. Leaning in for a kiss, he fucked her with the toy, jiggling the shaft in and out of her pussy as his tongue fluttered between her lips.

  “Why’d you come back here?” he asked, pulling the toy away from her cunt and pausing long enough to wait for some remnants of a reply.

  “I…”

  “Tell me.” He shoved the vibrator back inside her and marveled in her vocal expression of pleasure. The oohs and ahs were incredibly feminine, so much like the woman behind them.

  Her mouth fell open and she turned her head. She closed her eyes and moaned again.

  “Don’t come.”

  “No,” she whispered, her breathing ragged. “I’ll wait, Master.”

  He grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. “And you’ll answer me, sub. Why did you find me? Why did you come here, sub?”

  “I told you,” she replied softly. “I love you.”

  “So you love me?” he asked, winding that dildo tighter than coiled wire. “Is that what you think?”

  “I do, Master Drew. Oh yes, I love you.” Her back bowed then and he buried his head in her chest, teasing and taunting those perfect gems locked under thin gold bars with tiny hearts on each end. He remembered buying the jewelry and making some wisecrack about how those hearts were forever linked together by one common thread.

  His balls throbbed as he played with her nipples. Damn if he couldn’t do this all day.