by Becca Van
She made her way around the sales counter and sat down on the stool. She watched as Daniel placed the sack before her and then pushed it toward her.
“Why don’t you eat while you have your coffee? I’ll keep you company,” Daniel stated and gave her a wink.
“What do you want, Daniel? I don’t have time to waste. I’m too busy.”
“You work too hard. Will it really hurt you to take a few minutes to eat and relax? You have no customers at the moment. Eat. You look tired. When are you going to hire in for some help?”
“I placed an ad in the paper this morning. Thank you for lunch,” Debbie added and reached for the bag. The scent of the veggie sandwich caused her mouth to salivate and her stomach to growl again.
“It looks like I was just in time.” He smiled at her and watched her take her first bite. Even though Debbie felt nervous and self-conscious in his presence, she was too hungry to argue with him. She hadn’t even realized she had been hungry until he had walked through the door. She sipped her coffee when the sandwich was gone and realized she was being rude.
“Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Yes, that would be nice.”
Debbie was about to rise to get it when the door opened, admitting a customer.
“You attend to your customer. I can get myself a coffee,” Daniel said and then walked across the room and disappeared into her small kitchen.
Debbie pushed him from her mind and got to work. By the time the customer left with two bags full of underwear and happy smile, Debbie had forgotten Daniel was in the back. She was too busy to even think. She worked diligently for the next two hours and then sighed as she turned the closed sign on the shop door. She bolted the dead bolt and sighed as she went back to the counter to slump over it. Her feet, legs, and back were killing her.
Large hands settled at her waist. Debbie jumped and squeaked with surprise. She looked over her shoulder and straightened up when she saw Daniel looming over her.
“Sorry, honey, I didn’t mean to scare you,” Daniel said as he stepped back.
“What are you still doing here? I thought you had already left.”
“I don’t know whether to be insulted or not,” Daniel said and gave her a smirk. “I have been looking over your security system and locks. They’re not good enough, honey. You need to get a better system, and the lock on your apartment door would be child’s play to get through.”
“Excuse me? What gives you the right to go snooping around my store and apartment? I can’t believe you did that. And stop calling me ‘honey.’ I have a name, use it,” Deb said through clenched teeth. How dare he do this to her? Who did he think he was?
“I didn’t go into your apartment, Deb. I was just making sure you have the right security. You never know when you will need it. I don’t like the fact that you are living alone and could be vulnerable to criminals. I was just trying to help. I know what I’m talking about. I have spent years fighting scumbags and criminals. I just want to know you’re safe.”
“Then I suggest you take it up with the security company. I got what I could afford at the time, Daniel. I don’t care what you think or say. I have security and I won’t be forking out any more money for more. Nearly every penny I earn goes back into this business and now I am going to hire some help I will also be paying a wage. So just back off.”
“Hey, don’t go getting touchy. I was only concerned for your welfare,” Daniel replied calmly.
“Please, leave. I have too much to do to waste time talking to you.”
“Ouch. Okay, but don’t think you’ve seen the last of us, Deb. We like you a lot and we mean to have you in our bed,” Daniel stated.
Debbie watched until he walked over to the door, unlocked it, and exited. He turned back to her and pinned her with his heated stare. “Lock up after me,” he said, and then he was gone.
“In your dreams, pal,” Debbie muttered under her breath. She locked up, glanced out onto the street through the glass, and watched Daniel until he disappeared around the corner. God, woman, you are so pathetic. You can’t even take your eyes off him when he’s walking away.
Debbie spent a couple of hours doing her sales report, and then she headed upstairs to her apartment. She cleaned her one bedroom from top to bottom, and by the time she had finished she was so tired she was hardly able to stay on her feet. She stripped off her clothes, showered, and fell into bed. Her last thought as she drifted off was of Britt and Daniel.
* * * *
Debbie came awake fully alert. She glanced at her glowing alarm clock and saw it was just after midnight. She listened intently, wondering what had awakened her from such a deep sleep. She didn’t hear anything other than the normal creaks and groans as the timber frame of her building cooled and contracted. Something crashed downstairs, and she bolted upright. Her heart began pounding rapidly in her chest, her palms became sweaty, and her breathing escalated. The sound had come from her store.
She got out of bed and pulled on jeans and a sweater. She didn’t stop to think about what she was doing. She crept out of her apartment and down the stairs. The back door to her shop was open. Slipping back upstairs, she grabbed the softball bat she kept on hand for safety and her cell phone.
It was too dark to see. Controlling the trembling in her fingers, she punched in 9-1-1 but hesitated before pressing the call button. She wanted to see what was happening first. With the bat secure in her hands and her phone in her pocket, she went back downstairs.
The next thump convinced her that someone was definitely in the store. Probably a thief, she thought. The idea that someone was stealing her merchandise set off her temper. Emboldened by her outrage, she moved silently to the doorway between the kitchen and the shop. She peered around the corner and held her breath. She saw the shadow of a large man at her cash register. It looked like he was trying to pry the cash drawer open. She was thankful she took most of her cash from her register every night, but there was still some left in the drawer. She moved quietly and was nearly on the intruder when he looked up.
Debbie let out an almighty yell and swung her bat with everything she had. The bastard let out a yelp of pain as it connected with his arm. He had blocked her blow, and she knew she had to get out of there before he could harm her. She pulled the aluminum bat back to take another swing and then she planned to run, but he pulled the bat from her hands. The blow that struck her cheek sent her flying back and into a rack of bras. She landed with a thud, and pain throbbed at her side as her ribs connected with the metal rack. She pulled her phone from her pocket and hit call.
“Don’t think this is over, bitch. I’ll be back for you,” the intruder snarled in a low voice, and then he disappeared.
Debbie tried to get up, but her limbs began to shake. The sound of a voice calling from her phone sent relief coursing through her. She placed the phone to her ear and spoke.
Minutes later there were flashing lights outside her shop window. Debbie was still shaking and too weak to stand. She crawled to the shop door and unlocked it. The sight of the two sheriffs striding into her store made her feel safe for the first time since she’d heard the noise in her shop. She had met the two sheriffs when she had first come to town and was now very thankful she had. Sheriff Luke Sun-Walker helped her to her feet and then picked her up into his arms. He strode over to her counter and placed her on the stool. Sheriff Damon Osborne found the light switches and turned them on.
“Damon, get some ice from the kitchen,” Luke ordered after checking to see if Debbie was all right. “He hit you, didn’t he? You have a red cheek and your face is already swelling,” Luke stated.
Debbie thanked Damon for the ice wrapped in a towel and winced as she placed it to her face. Luke began to ask questions. She was in the midst of giving Luke her statement when the squeal of tires screeching to a stop outside drew her attention. The sight of Daniel and Britt striding through her shop door made her pussy leak her juices. They pinned her with their eyes as they
walked toward her.
“Are you all right, baby? Are you hurt? Let me see,” Britt said and pulled the towel from her face. He winced when he saw her cheek, and she flinched back as his eyes filled with fury. “Easy, Deb. I’m not going to hurt you. Daniel, go help Damon and see how the bastard got in. Are you hurt anywhere else?”
“No. I’m fine. Stop fussing,” Debbie replied in a wobbly voice. She sucked in a breath and tried to get her emotions under control. She turned to Luke and finished giving her statement. This time when she looked at Britt and saw his anger, she knew it was directed at her.
“Why the hell didn’t you just call 9-1-1? Why did you come down here at all? You could have been killed. Your shop is not as important as your life, Debbie. You are not to ever risk yourself like that again.”
“I beg your pardon? How dare you speak to me like that! I can’t believe you. Please, just leave.”
“I’m not going anywhere, baby. You belong to me and Daniel. If you won’t take care of yourself then we’ll have to do it for you. You go on upstairs and pack a bag. You’re not staying here by yourself. You’re coming home with us.”
Debbie was glad that Luke had moved away and was now conversing with Damon and Daniel. She would have felt humiliated if they had heard what Britt was saying to her.
“No. I don’t belong to anyone and I’m not going with you.”
“Okay, I’ll stay here with you. I’m not leaving you alone. I heard what you told Luke. Do you honestly think I am going to leave you unprotected when that bastard said he was going to come back for you?”
“You can’t stay here. There’s no room,” Debbie said through clenched teeth. She was desperate to get rid of him. She was only holding on to the control of her emotions by a thread. She shivered again and couldn’t seem to stop. She had never felt so cold in her life.
“You have two options, baby. Either you come home with us or we stay here,” Britt stated in a steely voice.
There was no way she was letting one of them stay with her, let alone both, but she really didn’t want to be alone. She felt violated and didn’t think she would never feel secure in her apartment and shop again. She gave a sigh of resignation and stood up on wobbly legs. She felt a slight burn in her side and placed her hands over her ribs. She would have been all right if Britt hadn’t reached out to steady her. His touch was enough to break through the tight control she had placed on her emotions. The first sob to erupt from her throat surprised even her. She buried her head against Britt’s muscular chest and cried.
He picked her up in his arms, and then he was moving. He carried her up to her apartment and sank down onto the small sofa in her living room. He cradled her against him and rocked her comfortingly until the storm had passed.
Debbie felt like a fool for falling apart in front of him. She tried to push up and get off his lap, but he only tightened his hold. “Please, let me up.” She was surprised when he complied, and she scrambled to her feet.
“Let me see your side,” Britt demanded as he rose to his feet.
“That’s not necessary. I’m fine.”
“That wasn’t a question,” Britt replied gently as he took her chin in his hand. “I saw you holding your side and grimace in pain. Let me see.”
“I don’t think—”
“Debbie, I’m not letting you go anywhere until you show me.”
Debbie sighed with resignation and pulled her sweater up at the side, being careful not to expose her braless breast.
“Son of a bitch. You already have a bruise and your skin is scraped. How did this happen?”
“When he hit me I fell into a rack.”
“Have you got a first-aid kit?”
“Yes, but it’s not necessary. It’s only a scrape.”
“It is necessary. You were scraped by metal. When was your last tetanus shot?”
“A couple of years ago. I’m fine, Britt.”
“So you keep saying. Where is the kit?”
“In the bathroom.”
Debbie wasn’t prepared to be swept off her feet again. She shrieked and then clung to Britt’s shoulders as he carried her into the bathroom. She cringed a little when Britt began to clean the scrape because it stung, but she kept quiet. She turned her head toward the footsteps she heard, and then Daniel stood in the doorway.
“Is she okay? I heard her cry out.”
“She’s fine,” Britt replied as he finished tending her.
“She is right here, thank you very much,” Debbie snapped.
“I know that, honey,” Daniel said with a smirk in her direction.
“Come on. I’ll help you pack a bag,” Britt stated.
“I haven’t said I’m coming with you,” Debbie spat out.
“Okay. It looks like we’re staying here. It might be a little cramped with all of us in your bed, but hey, I can handle it.”
“What? No. You are not staying here or getting in my bed.”
“I’ve already told you your choices, baby. If you won’t come home with us then we’re staying here. I’m not leaving you in harm’s way. So you’d better make up your mind. What’s it going to be?” Britt asked.
Debbie didn’t answer. She stormed out of the bathroom, pushing her way past Daniel, and pulled her bag from her closet. She was too mad to take any notice of what she threw into the bag. The sight of a smiling Daniel lounging against the wall didn’t improve her mood. She scowled at him and ignored him as she pulled out some underwear and hurled it toward her bag. She stormed past him and collected her toiletries and shoved them in her bag, too. As soon as the bag was zipped up, he took it from her. She flinched when Daniel’s hand brushed hers.
“Do you have everything you want?” Daniel asked.
Debbie had no idea, but she wasn’t about to tell him. So she just gave a nod.
“Okay, come on, honey. Let’s get you home and settled in,” Daniel stated.
Debbie didn’t like the way those words sounded. They sounded too intimate to her, and she felt as if her life would never be the same again from that moment on. She pushed her thoughts aside and berated herself for being fanciful. She was only staying in their house one night, and first thing Monday morning she was going to the local security company and buying the best security system and locks money could buy. She knew she should have done that from the first, but lack of money hadn’t allowed for such a luxury. She didn’t care what it cost her now. She just wanted to feel safe in her own shop and apartment again.
Chapter Five
Debbie sighed as Britt slowed his truck and turned onto a drive. She looked around at the landscaped gardens as the headlights swept over them. From what she could see, someone had paid a lot of attention to the garden. The house was illuminated in the light, and she gasped as she got the first look of their home. It was breathtaking. It reminded her of a Victorian cottage she had once seen in a magazine, but on a much larger scale. The house had white boards with blue trim and lace ironwork bordering a wraparound veranda. Britt brought the truck to a stop and pushed a button on his dashboard. The doors to the four-car garage slid open automatically and silently. While Britt unlocked the door into the house, Daniel came around to Debbie’s side of the car.
“Are you all right, honey?” Daniel asked when he opened her door for her.
“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you,” Debbie said when he took her hand to help her from the truck.
“Let’s get you inside and settled,” Daniel said and took her bag from her, guiding her with a hand to her lower back.
Debbie couldn’t contain her shiver at the contact. Even though she had a sweater separating their skin, she could feel the heat of him through the material.
She looked around curiously as he directed her down the hallway. He reached around her and opened the door to a bedroom. The room was bigger than her whole apartment. The ceiling was white, and three walls were painted a light-cream color. The wall behind the massive bed was a light mauve and set the room off perfectly.
“Oh my. This room is gorgeous. That bed is big enough for four people,” Debbie stated.
“There’s a bathroom through that door and a robe is over there. Why don’t you get settled? Do you want a drink?” Daniel asked.
“Yes, please. A cup of tea would be nice if you have it.”
“Sure. It’ll be ready when you come out,” Daniel said. He surprised her by pulling her into his arms and giving her a hug, and he kissed her on her temple. “Take your time, honey.”
Debbie watched him disappear out the door. She sank down onto the side of the bed and wondered what the hell she had gotten herself into. She had tried to refuse their attentions, but she knew she was in trouble. Daniel and Britt wanted to get her into bed, and she was going to let them. She was tired of trying to keep them at arm’s length. She wanted to feel their hands and mouths on her body. She wanted to have the freedom to kiss and touch them whenever she liked.
So she would have a fling with them. She would keep her heart locked away tight. The last thing she wanted to do was fall in love with them and then have them hurt her. She’d been there and done that, and she wasn’t about to do it again. She knew eventually things would go sour. They always did when she was involved in a relationship.
But the thought of giving her body to them and then having them leave her pierced her heart with pain. She already had feelings for the two Delaney brothers. She wondered if she was getting in over her head. Could she really give them her body and not involve her heart? When all was said and done, she just wasn’t strong enough to resist them.
Debbie followed the sound of their deep, rumbling voices and found the kitchen. It was a chef’s dream. All the appliances were state-of-the-art stainless steel. The counters were a black-flecked stone, and the cupboards were a high-gloss white. The backsplash was also all stainless steel. There were black-leather stools near the bench, and the dining room was attached but even bigger than the kitchen. She could just imagine cooking up a storm in this kitchen and serving guests dinner around the long table.
