by Jane Jamison
Would they really kill a man? Granted, if he was the one who’d taken Marrick’s sister’s life, then he deserved to die. But only after a trial. And not at the hands of the victim’s brother. Part of her admired his devotion to his sister, his resolute determination to make her killer pay. Yet another part of her was afraid.
His anger was primal, almost animal-like, at once sexy and chilling. Would he ever turn his anger on her? Or would he give her his devotion instead? Why did she think he’d do either one?
“Lisa, we were going to ask you in the morning, but since you’re up, we’ll ask you now.”
She let out a slow breath, relieved at the change of topic. “What’s that, Craig?”
“Donna’s memorial service is tomorrow. Could you stay on and help us with the kids?”
“Already?” She winced, thinking she sounded harsh. “I mean, doesn’t it take a few days to make arrangements?”
“Not around here,” muttered Marrick.
“It’s easier in Twisted and with our people.” Craig pushed his fingers into his front pockets. “We don’t have to go through all the red tape like they do in the cities. It’s better for everyone if the service is as fast as possible.”
What about gathering evidence to convict John Bask? What about going through the proper channels? Didn’t the coroner have to do an autopsy whenever foul play was suspected? Yet she didn’t want to argue with them. At least not about that.
“I really need to get back home. Couldn’t Lena watch them?” Lena knew the children, she didn’t. And yet, for some odd reason, she felt like she cared for them more than the older woman. How had she become so close to the twins in such a short time?
Craig and Marrick looked at her, pleading in their eyes.
“They have a connection with you. Maybe it’s because of their mother or maybe it’s just because they like you.” Craig eased closer. “Whatever the reason, it’ll make it easier for them if you stayed.”
She couldn’t say no. Not when she saw their heartache written across their faces. And not with the insane craving for them building stronger and stronger. “Okay. But for tomorrow only. I’ll give—” She slammed her mouth closed. No way in hell would she call Richard or Cassie. “I’ll give one of my friends a call and let them know.” At least they had cell phone reception at the house.
“Great. We really appreciate it.” Craig took her arms, gave her a searching look, and then pulled her against him.
To feel the way she felt was wrong and all kinds of inappropriate. And yet, she couldn’t help it. From the moment she’d first met them, she’d yearned to touch and caress them. She wanted to open herself up to them, to give them whatever they wanted, including her body, her mind and—
Her heart.
As surprise registered, so did the truth of how she felt.
It’s crazy. I met them yesterday. I can’t possibly feel anything except sympathy for them.
Was that it? Was what she felt a result of feeling sorry for them? Was the attraction simply her responding to their sorrow?
She didn’t care. Whatever the reason, what she felt for them was more intense, more real than anything she’d ever experienced with Richard. With anyone.
Instead of pulling back, she leaned against Craig. He was so solid. More of a man in both body and actions than Richard had ever been or ever would be.
Craig’s arms wrapped around her and, at first, she was afraid he was only trying to comfort her. Did he think she was trying to comfort him?
She lifted her head, determined to show him what she felt. As soon a she did, he gave her a soul-searching look then bent his head. His mouth pressed against hers, at first gentle, then demanding. She answered back, sliding her tongue into his mouth.
He moaned and held her tighter. Hands skimmed over her rounded butt and gripped her cheek hard. Her own moan escaped as she copied his move and took his firm butt in hand. A chuckle swept from his mouth into hers.
As hard as she pushed her breasts against him, he matched her force with his crotch pushing against her stomach. The bulge against her was unmistakable and sent a flurry of butterflies fluttering around inside her stomach.
Their kiss continued, their yearning burning her lips as he nibbled then sucked on her lower lip. She clung to him as though turning him loose would mean she’d fall.
“I’m in this, too.”
Marrick’s growl warmed her ear as he moved behind her. His fingers slipped underneath the oversized shorts she wore, but that didn’t hinder him from traveling them around her thigh to find her pussy lips.
She mewled, sinful thoughts invading her. Thoughts of fucking them right there, out in the open. Tugging, she had Craig’s shirt out of his waistband. At last, she pushed away, but only to breathe, only to beg.
“Please. I need you. Both of you. Now.”
Was it wrong? They were in mourning and vulnerable. Would she regret it in the morning?
“Uncle?”
The world split apart at the sound of Kitty’s voice. She shoved away from the men and turned her back to the door.
Damn it. Please tell me she didn’t see us.
Marrick and Craig went in two directions. Craig stepped toward the bench and sat down, crossing his legs to hide the bulge in his jeans while Marrick stepped into the deeper shadows of the porch before facing the child.
“Hey, kiddo, what are you doing up?”
“I couldn’t sleep. I want my mommy.”
Shame bludgeoned Lisa. Instead of making moves on Kitty’s uncle and his friend, she should’ve been upstairs checking on the kids. The poor children had lost both of their parents.
She plastered on a smile and swiveled around to face the little girl.
“Hey, Kitty. Tell you what. Let’s grab a juice box from the fridge and head back to your bed. I’ll read you a story until you fall asleep. Does that sound good?”
“Uh-huh.”
She took the girl by the hand. “You lead the way, okay?”
“Lisa?”
Pausing at the door, she waited for Marrick to continue.
He gave her a smile that sent another rush of wetness to her pussy. “I meant to tell you. You clean up real good.”
“Damn good,” added Craig with his own sexy smile.
She felt the blush warm her cheeks. “Thanks.” Turning back to the door, she led the way back inside the kitchen.
Chapter Four
Lisa sat in the front row with the Teag and Kitty on either side of her. Craig and Marrick sat closer to the aisle. At first, she hadn’t felt as though she belonged in the small nondescript building that served as their meeting place. After all, she’d never met Donna Bask. Still, the rest of the mourners had welcomed her warmly, accepting her as though she were an old friend. By the time she’d taken a seat, she did feel right at home. Almost as though she’d found her place within their ranks.
She glanced around at the crowd. Aside from having benches lined up in front of a stage, however, it didn’t look like a place of worship. Then again, as far as she was concerned, prayer didn’t have to happen inside a “real” church.
The dress she’d gotten from Lena stretched tightly around her. If she took too big a breath, the seams were liable to burst wide open. She tugged on the material, trying to hide more of her legs, and caught Craig watching her.
“You look great,” he mouthed.
She wiped away the smile that followed, but she couldn’t wipe away the sizzle of sensation that had stayed with her since the previous night. If Kitty hadn’t interrupted them, she would’ve ended up in her first threesome. She gripped the piece of paper listing the events of the memorial service and fanned herself. Either she was getting hot flashes before her time or the nearness of Marrick and Craig were heating her up from the inside out.
Damn. Stop thinking about sex. You’re in the middle of a funeral, for pity’s sake.
She squirmed in her seat, her bottom already hurting from sitting on the hard bench. One afte
r another, those in attendance had gotten onto the stage and spoken about the deceased woman. By the time the service ended, she’d learned a lot about Donna.
The older man called Dr. Effers who’d been in charge thanked the woman who’d just finished telling a funny story about Marrick’s sister. “Thank you, Kylie, for sharing.”
He cleared his throat and continued speaking. “Donna was a wonderful woman, a terrific mother and wife, and a sweetheart who was always there to help others. I know everyone will miss her. Although she was never one of us, never a shape—” He stopped, his gaze falling on Lisa. “I’m sure everyone prays that she’s found peace. May she run wild and free.”
“May she run wild and free.” The crowd echoed his last words as though they were the end of a prayer.
Run wild and free? Like an animal?
Lisa remained in her place, hugging the children to her. Marrick and Craig stood up and walked over to shake Dr. Effers’s hand as the others started filing out of the building.
Handing Kitty another tissue, she got the children to their feet and herded them toward the exit. She’d miss them more than she would’ve ever thought she could, but time was running out if she hoped to make it home before dark. As soon as they returned to the ranch, she’d change clothes and say her good-byes. She should’ve been elated, ready to get back to being a single woman without many responsibilities, but she grew sad whenever she thought about going back to her old life.
Her old life. As though she now had a new one.
She waited with the kids at the door until Marrick and Craig joined them. “Are we going to the graveside?”
“Craig and I are going,” answered Marrick. “I don’t think the kids should.”
She half expected his next words. Half expected them and, although she wouldn’t have admitted it, she looked forward to them.
“Lisa, I know we’re asking a lot from you. I mean, you’ve been great.”
Marrick’s dark gaze lifted to hers. Although she saw sorrow there, she also saw more. He had the same heat searing through him that she’d seen in Craig’s eyes.
“I, we, want you to stay.”
There it was. Because she’d expected him to ask her to stay on, she had her response all worked out. “I can’t. I called my boss and got the time off because of the unusual circumstances, but I can’t stay any longer. I have a life and friends to get back to.”
“Noooo. You have to stay Lee-Lee.”
If anything could break her heart, it was hearing Teag call her by the new nickname he’d given her. His big wide eyes gazed adoringly at her.
If I stay any longer, I’ll never want to leave.
Hell, I already don’t want to leave.
“Yeah, please, Lee-Lee. Stay.” Craig widened his eyes, mimicking Teag’s.
“You guys aren’t playing fair.”
“We don’t care.” Marrick cupped her cheek. “We’ll fight as dirty as we have to if it means keeping you here. There’s so much we haven’t had time to say.”
What more was there to say? Was it what she secretly longed to hear?
She clamped down on her thoughts. Ideas like the ones running through her mind wouldn’t do her any good. “I don’t have any vacation time left. If I stay, my boss will dock my pay. Or worse.”
“You haven’t told us what you do.”
She had the impression that Craig was stalling, buying time for them to win her over. As if they needed more time.
“I’m a bartender. I make lousy pay, but the tips are good. So you see, if I don’t work, I don’t make money.”
“How about this? We’ll pay you to take care of the kids. You can be our nanny.” Marrick gave her a hopeful look. “At least for a short time until we can get everything handled.”
“Handled as in finding…” She let the rest of her sentence fade away, knowing they’d fill in the missing words.
Craig and Marrick grew more serious. Deadly serious.
“Will that keep you here?” asked Craig.
She had no right to get angry and yet she was. Did they really think it was all about money? Did they believe that if they threw enough cash her way, she’d care more? She tugged the already clinging Teag and Kitty closer.
“I’ll stay, but not because you’re paying me. I’ll stay because I care about these two. Got it?”
Both men leaned back with Marrick lifting his hands in defense. “Sure. We got it. So just to confirm, you’re staying?”
“Yes. I’ll stay. But only for a day or so longer.”
* * * *
“Oh, hell. I’m never doing that again.” Lisa was sure her rump would never be the same. How could she be sore and numb at the same time? Yet when Craig held up his arms to help her dismount, she was sure all the pain in her ass was worth it.
She slid off Charleston, her horse, and into his arms. The familiar tingle that hadn’t stopped since she’d arrive on the ranch zipped to a higher level. No one could’ve blamed her for flattening her hands against his oh-so-broad chest, or for snaking them up and over his shoulders.
“Was it really that bad?” His gray eyes darkened with lust.
“I guess it has its up and downs.” She batted her eyes—when had she become one of those kinds of girls?—and put on a saucy grin. “I did like seeing the ranch even if it was on the back of a horse. And I liked finding out why you call your ranch Twisted Oaks. Who knew there’d actually be twisted oak trees?”
“It’s not all that unusual, so the name fits. Better get used riding, though, if you’re going to stick around.”
Maybe if she hadn’t been caught off guard by what he’d said, she might’ve said something about leaving tomorrow. Then again, maybe she wouldn’t have. She’d already changed her mind a dozen times.
She felt safe at the ranch. Safe with them. Safer than she’d ever felt.
The men would come and go at all hours, but even with a killer and a white tiger running loose, she knew they’d protect her. Besides, she hadn’t seen any sign of the animal or the man. Were they right? Could she have mistaken a large wolf for a tiger? Was John Bask long gone?
The kids were waiting at the house with Lena. Lisa could already smell the wonderful dinner the older woman had cooked. Plus, she enjoyed Lena’s company. Yet when she headed toward the steps with Marrick and Craig beside her, Lena was hurrying down the steps toward her car.
“Aren’t you staying to eat the dinner you made?” She’d looked forward to hearing more of Lena’s stories.
“Nope. I’ve got a date. Don’t worry, though. The kids have been fed and bathed.”
“Wait. You have a date?” Craig acted as though it was a miracle.
“Yes, I have a date. Don’t act so damned surprised.” Lena playfully slapped him on the arm then gave Marrick a peck on the cheek. “There’s some action left in this old woman, you know.”
“Hey, I didn’t mean it like that.”
“The hell you didn’t,” whispered Marrick.
Lisa held back a giggle and waved good-bye. “Thanks again, Lena.”
By the time they’d stepped into the house all hell had already broken loose. Kitty let out a wail that could’ve split eardrums wide open then chased after Teag. Her brother laughed and shot another spit wad that landed in Kitty’s hair.
“He bit me, Lee-Lee!” shouted Kitty.
What was it with the boy? Lisa knew some kids liked to bite, but it seemed like Teag was especially fond of sinking his teeth into things, especially into people. Even after she’d warn him not to bite, he’d do so anyway, as though she’d issued a challenge he couldn’t ignore.
Kitty let out a screech and threw her body at her brother. They crashed together then rolled in a tumble across the floor.
“Hey! Knock it off!” shouted Lisa. They were only five years old, but they were rough and tumble with each other. Kitty could give as much torment as her brother could.
Most of the time Lisa could handle them. Most of the time they listened to her.
But not now. They raced around the living room, ignoring her orders to calm down. She couldn’t catch them, either. How did they get so fast?
A whistle blasted the air.
Just like the twins, she and Craig clapped their hands over their ears and turned to Marrick. He stood in the center of the room, hands fisted on his hips, sporting a glare that could’ve melted steel.
“Both of you, upstairs and into your beds. I don’t care if you go to sleep, but you’d better not get out of bed unless you need to pee. Lisa will be up after we’ve had our supper. Do you understand me?”
The twins stood stock-still, their eyes round, their mouths parted. They answered together. “Yes, Uncle Marrick.”
“Good. Now get.”
Lisa smothered a smile. Marrick would make a great father and no doubt Craig would as well.
Craig took her hand as the twins scrambled up the stairs. “Let’s eat before the meal gets cold.”
She allowed him to lead her into the kitchen where they found a chicken casserole, rolls, and vegetables steaming on the table. A bottle of wine was opened to breathe and a wine glass sat next to each plate.
“Too bad she didn’t give the kids a glass.” At Craig’s open mouth, she hurried to add, “I’m kidding. You know I wouldn’t give little kids alcohol.”
“Actually, I was thinking it wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
She slapped him playfully as Lena had done then took a seat when he pulled out a chair. Marrick sat across the table from her while Craig sat to her left. Craig did the honors of filling their glasses.
He offered a toast. “First, let’s say thanks to you, Lisa, for helping us out. You are beyond amazing.”
“Here, here,” said Marrick.
“You’ve got to stop thanking me. I’m happy I could help.” They put their glasses together with a sweet tinkle.
“Still, we can’t thank you enough. And we’re sorry we haven’t been around much.” Marrick’s face darkened. “We’ve been…busy.”
“Busy trying to hunt down Donna’s husband?” She hated to bring the subject up, but she needed to know what was happening. “Has there been any progress?”
