His to Claim

by Opal Carew

  He just shook his head and stared out the window, watching the scenery pass by.

  She placed her hand on his arm. “Is something wrong?”

  At the concern in his voice, he forced a smile. “No, of course not. Everything’s fine.”

  He just wished he could believe it himself.

  * * *

  After the show, Storm felt drained. Usually he was energized and ready to go. Unwinding was usually difficult because adrenaline still pumped through him, but tonight he knew when his head hit the pillow, he’d fall headlong into sleep.

  As soon as they got back to the room, he stripped off his clothes, just dropping them on the floor beside the bed and climbed under the sheets. Melanie headed into the bathroom.

  But as soon as his head hit the pillow, thoughts of Melanie lying naked beside him sent his cock swelling. Like pinning her hands over her head and driving his hard cock deep into her, while she gasped his name. Or her refusing, then him dragging her over his knee and smacking her ass until it was red with his handprints.

  He rolled onto his side and threw his arm over his face. Fuck, he didn’t want to want these things. The door closed and he felt her pull back the covers and slide into bed beside him. Her warm hand stroked over his naked back, then her delicate lips played along his spine, sending more blood pumping to his already aching erection.

  He wanted to roll over and hold her down, overpowering her until she submitted to him completely, then drive into her like a piston, deep and hard again and again.

  “Storm, are you asleep?”

  Her words had to be meant as an icebreaker because she had to feel the tension in his body.

  “No,” he said, his voice slurred by his tiredness, “but soon.”

  He did not want to have sex with her in the strange mood he was in. With the primal cravings gripping him right now.

  Damn, if he fucked her now, he might give in to those desires.

  He might hurt her.

  “Oh, I … thought maybe we should talk,” she said.

  Fuck, he didn’t want to chance fucking her right now, and he sure as hell didn’t want to talk about last night, which was triggering these disturbing desires.

  “Pretty tired,” he muttered.

  * * *

  Melanie stared at Storm’s big, naked back, feeling very rejected. He’d barely talked to her in the limo this morning, but then on the bus he’d been so sweet, taking an interest in her art. When he’d fallen asleep on the bus, he’d clearly been dreaming about her, or at least about sex, muttering indistinguishable words in his sleep. But when he’d woken up, he’d seemed distant and cold. Then after they’d checked into the room, he’d muttered something about having to prepare for the show, even though there’d been plenty of time. He’d disappeared from the room, leaving her alone and needy.

  Now he’d turned his back on her. As if he couldn’t bear to touch her.

  As if she disgusted him.

  The next morning, when she woke up, Storm was gone. When she went down to breakfast, no one had seen him. She kept glancing at her watch as she ate breakfast with the others, then when she went up to pack, his bag wasn’t in the room. Maybe he’d taken it to reception when he’d left the room earlier.

  She dropped her bag with the others by the bus and glanced around, but there was still no sign of him, and they were scheduled to leave in ten minutes.

  “Hey, Melanie, where’s Storm?”

  She turned at the sound of Travis’ voice. “I don’t know. I still haven’t seen him.”

  Travis frowned. “His bike is gone.”

  Storm had arranged to bring his bike on the trip. He hardly used it—there was rarely enough time—but it usually remained locked in the rack on the back of the bus. She glanced back and it was gone.

  “Have you tried him on his cell?” she asked.

  “Sure, but if he’s on the road, he won’t hear it.” Travis glanced at his watch. “Shit, we can’t afford to hang around waiting. We’ve got a tight schedule today.” He sighed. “Let’s get on board so we’re ready to go when he shows up.”

  Twenty minutes later, he still hadn’t appeared.

  “Okay, well, that’s it. We’ve got to get moving,” Travis declared. He signaled to the bus driver and he started up the vehicle and pulled away from the curb.

  Melanie’s heart clenched. When she’d worked for him, as Rafe Ranier, he’d prided himself on never being late, and that was one of the characteristics he’d kept as Storm.

  There was only one explanation. He’d decided to walk away.

  Even so, she couldn’t believe he wouldn’t have told Travis he was leaving the band. He might be angry and disgusted with her, but she was surprised he’d leave the guys hanging.

  As they traveled, she stared out the window, confusion swirling through her. She knew she was just feeling insecure. Even if Storm had been angry or upset after their foursome, deep in her heart she felt he would talk to her about it, not just walk away without a word. That’s not the type of man he was.

  After about a half hour, Diego stopped by to see her.

  “Mind if I join you?” he asked.

  “No, I’d like that.” She did not want to be left alone with her thoughts.

  “How are you doing?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t understand why he didn’t show up.”

  “It’s not like him, but maybe he needed to blow off some steam,” Diego said. “Go for a long ride on his bike to clear his head, then lost track of the time.”

  She gazed at him, searching his warm, brown eyes. “He’s been acting so strange.” Her fingers twined together as she stared at him. “I think he’s upset after our … uh … special night together.”

  He smiled. “It was special, belleza. Don’t let anyone else’s attitude make you feel bad about that. We all agreed to the experience and everyone, including Storm, enjoyed it.” He smiled and stroked her cheek. “It was sensational. You did nothing wrong.”

  “So you think that’s why he left, too.”

  He shrugged again. “I really don’t know. He’s been struggling with some shit for a long time now. Who knows what set him off?” He shook his head. “Just don’t take the blame on yourself. Okay?”

  She sucked in a deep breath as he sent her a reassuring smile. “Okay.”

  But it was an empty word. She couldn’t help feeling that she’d driven him away.

  “Yeah. I understand,” Travis said into his cell as he walked along the aisle of the bus toward her and Diego. “Thanks for letting us know.” He shoved his phone into his pocket, then stared at her with a grim expression.

  “Melanie, that was about Storm.”

  Her stomach dropped like a rock. She stared at him, barely able to breathe.

  “What is it?” she finally managed to utter.

  “That was Storm’s brother. Storm’s been in an accident.”

  Perfect Rhythm

  Melanie’s chest tightened.

  Storm was in an accident?

  She sucked in a deep breath. “What happened?”

  “His brother doesn’t know anything yet, except that he had an accident on the bike,” Travis said. “The hospital in Madison, a small town north of here, called him and he called us because we’re nearby. Jess and Dane are on the way to the hospital now.”

  Images of Storm, broken and bleeding, flashed through her mind. A wrenching pain started in the pit of her stomach. She glanced around, feeling powerless.

  “I need to go to the hospital, too.”

  “I know. I’m going to have the driver take a detour to Madison, which is about forty-five minutes from here, and drop you and me off.”

  She gazed into his blue-green eyes. “Do you think he’ll be okay?”

  “He better be. He’s my future brother-in-law.”

  She just nodded. Diego returned with a bottle of water and handed it to her. She tried to twist off the lid, but couldn’t seem to get a grip on it. Travis took the bottle from h
er and took off the cap, then handed it to her. She took a sip, her hand trembling.

  She stared out the window, barely seeing the landscape flashing by as the bus drove onward. Worry gnawed at her. Travis squeezed her shoulder briefly, then left her to her thoughts, though he was a comforting presence beside her.

  What would she find at the hospital? Would she get there and find out Storm was …

  A lump formed in her throat. Oh, God, don’t let him die.

  As soon as the bus pulled up to the hospital, Melanie shot to her feet. Travis stood up and stepped into the aisle to let her pass. She reached for the overhead compartment to grab her pack, but he waved her away.

  “I’ll get it,” he said.

  She nodded her thanks and hurried to the front of the bus, Travis on her heels. When she stepped from the air-conditioned bus to the hot air outside, she drew in a deep breath, then strode to the hospital entrance. Travis opened the glass door for her and she stepped inside the cool building. It was a small hospital, with no one in sight.

  “This way.” Travis led her down a hallway with arrows indicating Emergency ahead.

  Anxiety swelled in her as they followed the appropriate arrows, turning several times along the way, and soon arrived at the reception for Emergency.

  Travis talked to the man at the desk, asking about Storm. When the man said no one had been admitted with that name, he asked about Rafe Ranier. A moment later, Travis joined her again.

  “He said that Storm was admitted about a half hour ago, but they have no information on his status yet. They’re taking X-rays. He said the waiting room is this way.” He took her arm and led her through a door.

  They stepped into a large area with stiff-looking vinyl upholstered chairs of metal tubing. The place was crowded, but Travis guided her to a couple of empty chairs and went and got her a coffee. He sat down beside her and she drank the hot liquid without tasting it, watching the other listless people in the waiting room, her own nerves fraying.

  They had rushed here, her heart pounding the whole way, but hoping they would soon know how bad Storm was. But to have to sit here now, with no idea if he was horribly injured, or even dying, was tearing her apart.

  Travis took her hand in his and squeezed it, offering some small level of comfort. She gazed at him, trying to stop tears from welling in her eyes. He just gazed back at her, both of them knowing there was nothing to say. Thankfully, he didn’t try to make small talk. He was just a comforting presence by her side. Hours passed, her stomach churning and her nerves shot. Melanie didn’t know how much more she could take.

  “Melanie.”

  Melanie glanced up and saw Jessica hurrying toward her.

  Melanie stood and stepped forward to meet her with open arms.

  “Oh, Melanie. I’m glad you’re here.” Jessica wrapped her arms around Melanie and hugged her tightly.

  Instead of a quick hug, she hung on. Melanie patted her back. Jessica and Storm might not be a couple any longer, but they had been in love once and Melanie knew Jessica still cared deeply about him. Finally, Jessica released her, then she glanced at Travis and hugged him.

  “Hey, sis.” He didn’t ask any questions, just held her tight.

  Dane stepped toward Melanie.

  “Mr. Ranier, I’m so sorry—”

  “I’m Dane,” he said and to her total surprise, he took her in his arms and hugged her tight. He was so big and warm and comforting she could have broken down into tears right then and there.

  One of his hands rested flat on the middle of her back, and it had a calming effect on her.

  “I know you must be worried, Melanie. We all are. But I know he’ll be all right.”

  “How do you…?” Her throat was so tight, her voice turned to a croak and she started again. “How do you know?”

  He drew back and gazed at her with confidence. “Because I’m not willing to lose him again.”

  She stared into his confident blue eyes and couldn’t help but believe him. The man always got what he wanted, so even though it defied logic, she believed that he would not be denied this.

  “The man at reception told us they couldn’t give us any information about Storm’s condition until his family arrived,” Travis said. “All we know is that they were taking X-rays. Do you know any more than that?”

  “I’m afraid not,” Dane answered.

  “Can you go in and see him?” Melanie asked. “You’re family so they’ll let you, right?”

  “No, they won’t. I already asked,” Dane answered.

  Oh, God, was Storm so bad that … She choked up, not willing to continue that line of thinking.

  “Do you know anything about the accident?” Travis asked.

  “I did talk to the police.” Dane glanced at Melanie.

  At his hesitation, her heart froze.

  “What is it?” Melanie glanced from Dane to Jessica, pleading in her eyes.

  Jessica took her hand. “Look, we don’t really know.”

  “But … it’s bad, isn’t it?”

  Their silence confirmed it.

  Melanie wrung her hands together and Travis guided her to a chair. She sank into it and Jessica sat beside her.

  “Would you like some coffee?” Dane asked.

  Melanie shook her head. “I’ve had enough coffee.”

  “Some water then?”

  She nodded.

  “Jess?” he asked.

  “Water, too.”

  He glanced toward Travis.

  “I’ll come with you,” Travis said, and the two of them headed for the door.

  Melanie bit her lip and gazed at Jessica.

  “I know what’s on your mind,” Jessica said. “The same thing as me. Is he okay? He’s alive, but … is he paralyzed? Is he still in one piece? Is he…” Her voice broke and she wiped at her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Melanie. I shouldn’t say those things. But it’s what we’re both afraid of.” She squeezed Melanie’s hand. “I should be strong for you. I shouldn’t say things that will upset you.”

  “It’s okay. I know what you mean and maybe it’s better that we express our fears.”

  Travis reappeared with three water bottles and handed one to each of them, then sat on the other chair beside Jessica.

  “Where’s Dane?” Jessica asked.

  “A nurse spotted us and told Dane that he could go in to see Storm.”

  Jessica’s face lit up. “Oh, that’s wonderful. That’s a good sign, right?”

  A wave of relief washed through Melanie, until she noticed Travis’s grim expression, then her gut tightened.

  “She said they’re worried about his spine and the X-rays were inconclusive, so they’re sending him for a CT scan.”

  “What does that mean? What else did she say?” Melanie asked.

  He shook his head. “Nothing else. We’ll have to wait for Dane to get back. Once he sees him, and talks to him, we’ll know more.”

  Melanie just nodded like a bobblehead doll.

  “I’m afraid it might be a while, though,” Travis continued.

  Melanie suddenly found the room stifling. She pushed herself to her feet. “I need to get some air.”

  “I’ll come with you.” Travis stood up, but she shook her head.

  “You stay with your sister. I’ll be okay.” Melanie hurried to the door and stepped into the hallway. She turned left and walked, no idea where she was going.

  “Melanie, wait.”

  At Travis’s voice, she turned around.

  He caught up with her. “I don’t want to leave you alone just wandering around the hospital. I’ll walk with you.”

  “Really, I’m okay, I—”

  A man in green scrubs passed them pushing a patient on a gurney. The man was flat on his back and was strapped down, totally immobilized. It was a distressing sight and …

  Her eyes widened. “Oh, God. That’s Storm.”

  His eyes were closed and he looked shockingly pale.

  She started
forward, to follow the gurney that was already several yards away, but Travis grasped her arm.

  “No, Melanie. Come back with me.”

  She gazed at him, pleadingly. “But I have to—”

  “No,” he said in a no-nonsense tone, then his voice softened. “Let’s go back to the waiting room. Maybe Dane is there with more information.”

  She watched Storm and the orderly disappear through a door at the end of the hall, and she bit her lip, then finally nodded and allowed Travis to guide her back.

  Dane was sitting with Jessica and they glanced up when Melanie and Travis returned.

  “I’m just heading over to sit with Rafe while he waits for the CT scan,” Dane said, “but I came out to update you before I go. He’s regained consciousness and appears to be in one piece. He is in some pain, so they’re checking for internal injuries.”

  “Why do they have him strapped down like that?” Melanie asked.

  Dane’s gaze darted to her face.

  “We saw him being wheeled down the hallway,” Travis explained.

  Dane nodded. “They told me that’s because they don’t know if he’s suffered a spinal injury so they want to keep him immobile until they find out.”

  Melanie sank into the chair, wishing this nightmare was over. After a few minutes, Dane left to be with Storm and the three of them sat in silence. It seemed hours before Dane finally returned.

  “What’s happened?” Jessica asked as he sat down.

  “I still don’t know, but they said they’ll call me soon to go over the results. In the meantime, Rafe sent me back out here. He knew you’d all be worried.”

  Dane took Melanie’s hand and gazed at her. “He said to tell you he’ll be fine.”

  She nodded. Storm’s comforting words didn’t mean anything—the test results would tell them if he really was fine or not—but she liked that he knew she was here for him.

  “Mr. Ranier?”

  Melanie and the others glanced toward the tall man in scrubs across the room who had called Dane’s name.

  Dane stood up and followed the doctor from the waiting room.

  Travis leaned forward, intertwining his fingers. “I guess we’ll know soon.”

  Soon turned out to be about a half hour.

  “Rafe!” Jessica surged to her feet and Melanie glanced after her to see Dane pushing a wheelchair.