by Sam Crescent
Without waiting for instructions from Caleb, he dialed the camping trip organizer, and didn’t give a fuck that it was nearly eleven at night. The moment Rich answered, Damon quizzed him.
“Do you have any fucking idea that you left a woman up in the forest? She’s fallen, you asshole, and was so far off the trail she could have died if it wasn’t for my dog!” His anger began to build as he thought about this poor woman out there all alone. They didn’t live in the suburbs. Their cabin was nestled in the most rugged wilderness one could find, thousands of acres of old-growth forest.
He held her hand tightly, knowing he wouldn’t let anything or anyone hurt her. As he did this, he also wondered where his possessive feelings had come from.
Chapter Two
Caleb strained out the tea leaves from the pot and filled a mug with the homemade concoction. He couldn’t help but remember when their father used to make tea for their mother every evening. He’d never seen a couple more in love, even after decades of marriage. He aspired to have that kind of love. Something he’d lost hope of achieving once he celebrated his fortieth birthday earlier in the year.
At least he had enough good memories to carry him through the rest of his life. He was big on tradition and hoped his parents were proud when they looked down on their sons. They’d done everything right … except carry on the family blood line.
The doctor had arrived a few minutes earlier, busy examining their sleeping beauty. He didn’t dare voice his feelings because he could already see the glint in his brother’s eyes. Damon was so damn desperate for a woman, he couldn’t think straight.
As Caleb entered the room, the doctor was finishing up, adjusting his stethoscope around his neck. His patient attempted to peek open her eyes, then she’d drift away again.
“What’s the verdict?” he asked, setting Opal’s tea on the coffee table.
The doc tidied up his medical bag, the same old one he used when they were kids. “She’ll live,” he said. “Just a sprain and mild concussion. Nothing some rest won’t cure.”
“Thank you for coming so quickly,” said Damon, shaking his hand.
“You’re lucky. I was nearby checking on Blackwoods’s pregnant wife, otherwise it would have taken me hours to get way out here.”
“Everything okay with them?”
He nodded. “Nothing out of the ordinary.”
They walked the doctor out to his truck in front. The moon was just a sliver in the sky, the cloud cover nearly blocking it out completely. At least the rain had settled.
“Drive safely,” said Caleb.
The doctor put his black bag in the passenger seat, then turned and placed a hand on Caleb’s shoulder. “You want me to call the authorities, have someone come out and get the girl?”
He immediately shook his head. “No, we’ll handle everything. Like you said, she needs rest.”
“Just a few days and she should be good to walk on that ankle.”
“Yes, sir.”
They watched him drive off, the cones of light disappearing into the forest. The roads were only roughly carved out between the trees, barely wide enough for their truck. When they’d moved back home after decades away, it had taken weeks of brush removal and clean-up just to reach their cabin.
“Now what?” asked Damon, once they were alone on the front porch.
He shrugged. “It’s only a few days. We have enough supplies to feed another mouth.”
Damon exhaled, leaning against one of the support beams. “That’s not what I’m fucking talking about and you know it.”
“Don’t start,” he said.
“You telling me you’re not attracted to her? Because that’s bullshit, Caleb.”
It was true they both had the exact same taste in women. They preferred a woman with meat on her bones, curves that overflowed in a man’s hands. Opal had an innocent beauty, all fresh and natural. He could imagine her ripe with their child, but he immediately pushed those thoughts away. Obviously, Damon wasn’t doing the same.
“Even if I was, it doesn’t matter. We don’t even know a thing about her. She said a few words before passing out.”
“Well, I can feel something,” said Damon.
“It’s called blue balls. Get over it,” said Caleb. “Besides, a woman like that is likely married or at least taken. And don’t forget how women run the other way when they find out we live off the grid.”
“You’re so damn negative.” Damon wrenched open the door, the screen slapping back into place. Silence settled around him once alone. He didn’t want to grow old and bitter, but he didn’t want to delude himself either. Mostly, he didn’t want Damon to get hurt. His brother was ready to put his heart on the line for a complete stranger.
He took a few cleansing breaths, then returned inside, locking up behind him. Damon was sitting on the coffee table, ogling their guest.
“You’re up,” Caleb said. “How do you feel?”
“Like I rolled down a hill into a pile of rocks.” She chuckled and tenderly touched her head.
He passed her the mug of tea. “Drink this. It’ll make you feel better and warm you up.”
“Thank you.” She cupped the mug in both hands. “I didn’t think I’d make it.”
“You’re safe now. Why weren’t you on the plane with everyone else?”
She finished taking a sip of tea. “I couldn’t afford it. I spent most of my saving just to go on my little adventure.”
Caleb was well aware the nature trips were targeted for the rich, people with so much money they didn’t know what to do with it. Damon and Caleb had done well for themselves in the city, starting their own construction company. It only taught him that money couldn’t buy happiness.
“I hope this experience didn’t give you a sour taste for country living,” said Damon. “Once you’re feeling better, I’d be happy to show you just how beautiful the land really is.”
Caleb scowled at his brother, but Damon ignored him.
“I’m surprised your boyfriend didn’t come along with you on the trip. I know if I had a woman like you, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight.”
Fuck. Couldn’t Damon keep his big mouth shut for two minutes? He was putting their guest on the spot when she was most vulnerable. His manners were shot to shit.
Caleb wasn’t a monster, and he had dreams and desires like any other man. He just didn’t believe in forcing himself on a woman. A relationship had to be stoked slowly, brought naturally to a flame. Damon wanted to skip right to the damn baby-making.
Opal bit her bottom lip, likely feeling awkward. “I don’t have a boyfriend. I was doing this for me.”
Damon smiled, glancing over at him with an evil smirk. Just because she was single didn’t mean she was ready to hook up with two bushmen. But Caleb couldn’t help but feel a trickle of hope.
****
Opal had woken up to the warmth of blankets and the crackle of an open fire. She thought she was dreaming, her mind creating a merciful fantasy in her dying hour. When she opened her eyes, the kind face of an old man looked down on her. A stethoscope hung around his neck, and she immediately felt the burden of survival slipping away. She was out of the elements and in the hands of a doctor.
She was half in a daze, studying the wooden plank ceiling above her and the different shaped knots in the wood. As her faculties returned, she focused on the two men still in the room, and she remembered the sequence of events—well, bits and pieces. Those men had saved her, brought her to this place in the woods. She tucked her hair behind her ears, imagining she looked worse than shit. The last thing she should care about was her appearance, but those men… They were tall and built, all burly muscle, rough hands, and worn jeans. The one with the blue eyes sat on the table, his elbows resting on his knees. His shoulders were massive, the red flannel shirt hugging his muscles.
The one with the short beard had dark eyes, the eyes of a predator. He’d look at her, but instead of smiling, the corners of his eyes would crinkl
e. He acted like she was an unwanted house guest, and she supposed she’d already put these men through the ringer tonight.
When he offered her the tea, her nerves settled slightly. “I’m sorry for putting you both out.”
“Don’t worry about us,” said Blue Eyes. “You just worry about getting better.”
“I don’t know your names,” she said.
“My name’s Damon, and this is my brother Caleb.”
They both sat on the coffee table in front of her now, two perfectly rugged specimens of the male form. She didn’t want to stare, but they were very nice to look at. “Who lives here?”
“Just the two of us,” said Damon. He ran a hand through his mop of dark hair.
“And you said you’re brothers?”
He nodded. “Caleb’s two years older, but a lot of people mistake us for twins.”
She found it odd that two grown men lived alone together, no family, no wives, or children. Opal wanted to know so much more, but didn’t want to insult them or open up any old wounds. Maybe one of them was a widower.
“Who’s waiting for you back home?” asked Caleb. He didn’t talk as much, so he had her undivided attention.
“I live alone. I have a little studio apartment above a discount store.” After she spoke, she wondered if she should be telling these strangers that no one was waiting for her return. Maybe they lived alone because they were crazy axe murderers. She tensed up, countless horror flicks scrolling through her mind again.
“A city girl?” asked Caleb.
“I’ve lived in the city all my life. It’s where the jobs and public transit are. Only people with money get to live in the suburbs.”
“What do you call this?” asked Damon, waving an arm in the air.
“Well, it’s far from the suburbs.” She smiled. “I can’t even imagine living way out here. How do you two survive?”
Caleb didn’t look impressed with her question and kept quiet.
“I guess it’s something you get used to. Or addicted to. Once you get away from all the noise and bustle, you don’t want to go back,” said Damon.
“I’d never make it on my own.”
Damon wet his lips, distracting her. “You just need a man to take care of you,” he said. “Or two.”
Caleb stood up and stormed off to the kitchen. She heard cupboards banging, then the water running. His quick escape had stolen her focus for a minute, but had she heard correctly? Had Damon hinted at something kinky? She must have misunderstood.
The hot tea and roaring fire had warmed her, bringing back her sensibilities. She looked around the cabin. It must have been built by hand, with a lot of history. The log walls were well insulated, the interior cozy and rustic. Big colorful rugs adorned the floor and the stone fireplace flickered with red, orange, and yellow flames. It was the type of place perfect for a retreat, a getaway for the mind. Maybe a few days holed up with Caleb and Damon in this little piece of paradise wouldn’t be so bad after all.
She’d started this adventure to heal herself from the inside out, to give herself a chance at life after she’d almost taken her own. Her entire life had been a struggle. The bullying first happened in grade school and never let up. She’d always been teased for her weight, and she found out adults could be just as cruel as kids. Opal didn’t want to grow old alone, in fact, it terrified her. But so far, men kept their distance. And loneliness nipped at her heels.
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
Damon leaned closer, and she took a good look at him. His eyes were an unusual blue, and she imagined they’d be even more stunning in the sunlight. He had scruff on his face, a straight nose, and strong jaw. There was something about the brothers, something different than the men she’d seen in the city. Their untamed quality lured her in, made her conjure up impossible fantasies in her head. What she wouldn’t give to feel Damon’s strong arms around him, see lust in his eyes. This was every woman’s fantasy—trapped in the wilderness with two irresistible hunks. Too bad they were way out of her league.
Opal was used to being ignored or cast aside. It was just the way things were for her.
“Everything’s fine. If you’re worried about Caleb, don’t be. He’s old-fashioned and doesn’t believe in going after what he wants.”
“What does he want?”
He smirked, and it was the sexiest thing she’d ever seen. “You.”
****
Damon didn’t give a shit if Caleb wanted to live in self-denial. He planned to take what he wanted, and he wanted Opal—wanted her as his wife and to carry his child. He knew damn well Caleb felt the same way, but it would take some convincing before he agreed to take a chance on her.
She looked young, maybe too young for them, but he knew they’d be able to take care of her properly. Damon didn’t like the sadness in her eyes, or the fact she’d been barely living. They didn’t have much in way of material possessions, but that was by choice. They had money in the bank, but that was where it stayed. As long as they had an abundance of food, supplies, and firewood, they were happy.
“You’re wrong,” she said. “Men don’t like me in that way.”
“In what way?”
She bit her lower lip. “You know … as a girlfriend or wife.”
“I’m not following, sweetheart. Why on earth wouldn’t a man want you? I feel the same way as my brother. Finding you was a saving grace, like you’d been dropped out of the sky just for us.”
“Us?”
“We share everything.” He left it at that. Caleb had a point about scaring her off too soon. Describing all the delicious things they’d like to do with her in bed would be a bad start. They’d never found a woman special enough to be the mother of their children.
Opal was that woman.
She attempted to move her leg and winced. It was late, so it would be best to get her to bed. Rest was the answer to most things. He stood up and leaned over to scoop her up into his arms.
“Careful, you’ll hurt yourself,” she said, clutching his shirt.
“I’m a big boy.” He carried her to his bedroom. There were only two in the cabin. He set her down on his patchwork quilt as tenderly as possible. The doctor had already removed her boots and socks, and he noticed the injured ankle was dark and swollen.
“Where’re you going to sleep?” she asked.
“I’ll take the couch.”
“This is your bed? I can’t take your bed from you. You’ve already been too good to me.”
He sat down beside her, the mattress dipping slightly. “Did you know the townspeople are afraid of us? Apparently nobody wants to fuck with the White brothers. I can’t blame them, exactly. We don’t always tend to react with our heads, and one thing for certain, we’re very protective of what’s ours.”
She swallowed hard, looking at him with those big doe eyes. He wanted to make it clear that she wasn’t going anywhere. Damon planned on keeping her, fucking her, and filling her with his baby. His brother wanted the same thing, so he’d only fight him so long. And this little lamb might protest, but she’d soon learn how good life could be as their woman.
“You should get some sleep. It’s late and rest will help you heal faster. I’m only a shout away if you need anything,” said Damon. She looked perfect in his bed, and he had to pull himself away. Their home had lacked a female presence for too long, and until Opal showed up, he didn’t realize just how much he needed her. Before he closed the door behind him, he said, “You’re safe here. I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you.”
He closed the door and then crashed on the sofa, resting his forearm over his eyes. He felt exhausted and invigorated at once. They’d found the most beautiful treasure, the woman they’d both been praying for. It was too good to be true.
Caleb brushed his legs aside and sat next to him. “You’re fucking nuts,” he whispered harshly.
“What did I do?”
“It’s a small cabin. I could hear almost everything you said to t
hat girl. You’re trying to scare her into staying.”
He shook his head. “You’re crazy. I just want her to know how far I’d go to protect her, to keep her.”
“You’re going to push her away.”
“She’s not going anywhere,” said Damon. “She’s ours, you’ll see.”
“She’s not a toy, she’s a woman. You can’t make someone love you,” said Caleb.
Damon bolted to his feet, running his hands through his hair. He didn’t want to hear this. He needed love, deserved it. The only person he had in his life was his brother. Yes, Caleb meant the world to him, and the thought of losing him terrified Damon, but he needed more. He craved the love of one woman. Wanted a real life, a family, a home filled with laughter like when they were kids.
He didn’t want to hear Caleb’s negativity, even though his own doubts threatened to bring him down. They weren’t getting any younger, and when would the perfect woman fall in their laps again? He had to prove to Opal that they could give her everything she needed.
“Love takes time, and I have all the time in the world,” said Damon.
“And once her ankle heals, and she wants the hell out of the boondocks?”
He frowned. “She won’t want to leave. If you’d help me instead of trying to sabotage me, maybe we could actually make this work.”
“Don’t get your hopes up, that’s all I’m saying.” Caleb sat in the old rocker in front of the fire. Damon was tired of seeing his older brother slowly lose his zest for life. They were going through the motions, but needed so much more. Opal had to be the answer for both of them.
Chapter Three
Caleb knew more than his brother. He’d gotten his hopes up one too many times, and he refused to allow it to happen again. Damon always lived in a world where everything was possible. There were times Caleb was sure his brother believed in miracles, Santa Claus, and even the tooth fairy. No, he knew his brother didn’t believe in those things, but he always had so much hope.
Women didn’t want to live out in the middle of nowhere, and from what Opal told them, she had a life in the city. The horrible, smelly, polluting, city. There was no way a woman would want to give up the ease to living out in the wilderness. He loved it here. When his parents were taken from him, he’d hated the city. Hated the people. They were constantly asking questions as if they had a right to know the answer to them, and it pissed him off.
