Seductive Surrender [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance)

by Paige Cameron

  “I gather you got home all right.”

  “Yes. No problems. Thank you for helping me tonight.”

  “Who was that guy?”

  “His name is Ralph Winscott. He owns a brokering business in the building where I work. He’s asked me out several times. I made a mistake by saying yes this once.”

  “Let me know if he bothers you again. Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night? I’m leaving for home the next morning.”

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

  “Why not?”

  Britt took a deep breath. She couldn’t tell him she was afraid she already cared too much for him and his brother. “I’ve interrupted your date tonight. Won’t your lady friend mind you taking someone else to dinner?”

  “Why should she? We’re dating casually, that’s all.”

  “In that case, I guess there isn’t any reason why we can’t enjoy a friendly dinner.”

  “Good. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  “My address is…”

  “I have it. See you then.” He hung up.

  She glanced at the time. He must have called during the ball. It wasn’t late enough for him to have left yet. His date probably wasn’t happy. That thought cheered her up. She didn’t totally believe him about them dating causally. And she’d bet his date thought differently.

  Shame on me. I don’t want to get involved with him so it shouldn’t bother me if he’s dating others. At least I’m trying to convince myself he and Jared don’t matter.

  After getting ready for bed, she put out the lights. The curtains were drawn, but something drew her to them. She moved them just a slit. Across the street, right under the light, a man in a dark coat stood looking at her building. A shiver ran down her spine. She let the drape fall back into place. She never looked out this late. It was probably a coincidence. But long after she lay down, she was still awake wondering who he was and what he wanted.

  Chapter Two

  Ward Jarvis set out early to visit a friend who happened to work for the FBI. He’d called Chad Stedman and they were meeting at a coffee shop near the FBI office.

  Chad waved at Ward when he walked in. He was seated back in a corner facing the door. Ward walked in his direction.

  “Good morning,” Chad said, as Ward pulled out the chair next to him. “I haven’t heard from you in about six months. It’s good to see you.”

  “You haven’t been home in over a year.”

  “No, after Mom died and with Dad being gone, too, it’s been hard to face going back to the ranch without them. My foreman sends me monthly reports.”

  “Jared and I have ridden over several times. He appears to be doing a good job.”

  “I appreciate you and Jared keeping an eye on the ranch for me. But I’m sure it isn’t why you called and set up this meeting.”

  “You are a suspicious FBI man.”

  Chad grinned. “I think it’s required in our makeup.”

  The waiter stopped by and Ward ordered coffee and toast. “I didn’t get breakfast.”

  “Late night, last night?”

  “I went to the charity ball in midtown. A friend of mine collided with me in the process of running from her date.”

  “Sounds interesting.”

  “Her date’s name is Ralph Winscott. Have you ever heard of him?”

  “We’ve been keeping our eyes on him for quite a while. We suspect he’s laundering money through his brokering business. Our men still haven’t gotten enough evidence to bring him in. Why was your friend running away from him?”

  “I’m not sure, but I didn’t like the way he looked at her. He was mad and looked like he wanted to hurt her. When he saw me staring, he changed his expression. I got her in a taxi and sent her home.”

  “Will you be talking with her to find out what happened last night?” Chad asked.

  “We’re having dinner tonight. I’m returning to South Dakota in the morning.”

  They stopped talking while the waiter put Ward’s coffee and toast in front of him. Then Chad spoke up.

  “Call me after your date. I may put a man on her after I see what she tells you. She may inadvertently be able to help us find out who’s in charge of the money we believe Winscott is laundering. We have our suspicions.”

  “I don’t want her to get hurt.”

  “Understood, I don’t either. Is she special to you?”

  “I’m not sure yet. She is to Jared.”

  “Not to change the subject, but I am planning a vacation at my ranch in September, around the middle of the month. An old friend, Torrad Davidssons, is coming with me. He ran into Kel Reardon recently. We were all overseas together. Kel invited Torrad, and Torrad called me.”

  “That’s good news. We’ll plan on having a big party at our place for all three of you.”

  “Maybe I’ll get to meet your friend while I’m home.”

  “You might. We’ll see how things go.” Ward took the last sip of his coffee and bite of toast. “I’ve got a meeting in a half hour. I’ll call you later tonight.”

  “You still have my unlisted number?”

  “I do.” He waved and strolled out to the street. He’d finish his business early and do some searching on the computer about this guy Ralph.

  * * * *

  Britt wished she didn’t have to go to work today. But it was Friday so she only had the one day to get through. By Monday hopefully Ralph would be over his snit and ignore her. Today, he might confront her. She put on what she called her power suit. It was a deep red and fit just right to show all her curves. She added black heels and purse, and then she put her hair up in a twist and left a few wisps to curl around her face and neck.

  When facing the enemy, appear strong. Where did that thought come from? Was Ralph an enemy? Maybe, after what she’d overheard.

  She was relieved when the morning went by with no sign of him. But on her return from lunch with several friends, he stood in his doorway and asked for a minute to speak with her. To refuse would bring questions from her working buddies that she didn’t want to answer. She waved them on and stopped.

  “I don’t think we have anything to discuss.”

  “You are very wrong. I believe you listened to a conversation that you should not have heard.”

  “I have no idea what you are talking about. Leave me alone, and I’ll ignore you.”

  “I don’t believe you, and if I tell my friend my suspicions, your life will be in danger.”

  “I can go to the police with your threats.” Britt put her face close to his and frowned.

  He grabbed her shoulders, jerked her into his office, and locked the door behind him. “Let’s get this straight. You give me fifty thousand dollars by this Sunday or I tell what I suspect about you.”

  She pulled herself out of his grip. “And I can say you brought me along to be a witness to whatever you were talking about. I don’t have fifty thousand. If I did, I wouldn’t give it to you.”

  “I checked up on your friend last night after you ran off. I pointed him out and asked a few people at the ball about him. It seems he’s well-known and was a benefactor for the charity ball. The Jarvis brothers are filthy rich. He can afford to give you the money.”

  “Why would he? We’re friends, nothing else.”

  “Not my problem. Get the money or your life is on the line.”

  “They won’t believe you. They’ll think you’re just trying to save yourself. Maybe they’ll shoot you, and you’ll never have the chance to tell them anything.”

  He unlocked the door and opened it. “Until Sunday, my lady.” Ralph mocked her as she walked out on shaky legs.

  What was she going to do? In one day her life had become like a bad gangster movie. Whatever she decided, she wouldn’t ask Ward for the money.

  She couldn’t concentrate on her work and asked to leave early. At home, she lay down and tried to take a nap to get rid of the headache beginning at the base of her skull, where all her stre
ss hit her. She hadn’t expected to sleep, but the ringing phone woke her.

  Outside the windows it was dark. She looked at the clock as she answered. It was already seven o’clock.

  “Hello.”

  “Britt, I’m downstairs. Your doorman won’t let me in.”

  “I’m sorry. I came home early from work and fell asleep. I just woke up.”

  “No problem. I’ll call and change our reservations for an hour later. Tell the guard to let me in.”

  She heard voices as the phone changed hands. “You can let Mr. Jarvis in. He’s a friend. Thank you.” She hung up and sat on the side of the bed. At least the headache was gone.

  The doorbell rang much too soon. “Just a minute.” Britt grabbed her green robe. She’d undressed to her underwear before lying down.

  First she checked the peephole in her door, and then she opened it.

  Ward walked in, and his very presence filled the room. His dark-blue suit emphasized his light-blue eyes and his broad shoulders. She wanted to reach up and touch his silky black hair shining in the overhead light.

  Ward touched her face with his hand. “You look pale. Are you sick?”

  “No. I didn’t sleep well last night. I lay down because I had a headache, but I’m much better now.”

  “I’m glad. I’d hate for us to miss our dinner. There’s a good steak house about five miles from here. I changed our reservations to eight thirty.”

  “I’ll go get dressed.” She’d started to turn when he took hold of her arm. Slowly, he pulled her back and against his hard body.

  He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I’ve missed you.” His teeth rubbed across her earlobe. Then he kissed her cheek and bit the edge of her lower lip.

  Heat sizzled from her core outward. Her pussy wept with the joy of his touch and the desire to feel him closer. His cock was hard against her abdomen.

  When she opened her mouth, his tongue ravished the interior. From a distance she heard a moan and realized it was her. She pushed against his shoulders and he released her.

  “We’re moving a little fast for me.”

  His eyes had darkened, but his face showed no expression. He stepped back. “You’re right.”

  “I’ll get you a glass of wine to drink while I shower and dress.” Britt hurried to the kitchen and poured out a glass of merlot from a bottle she’d opened yesterday.

  “Here you are.” She handed him the drink before rushing into her room. She shut the door and leaned against it. Her heart pounded. She wanted him with all her being. But not now while her life was in chaos. Maybe after it was over she’d have an affair with him. But he’d want Jared involved and she did to. My head is too confused to think straight. I’ll worry about all of this later.

  * * * *

  Ward wandered around the room. The apartment was small. He’d get claustrophobia living in this place. He sipped on his wine. His cock still ached to be inside her soft body. He’d come to instant arousal when he saw her in the thin, green robe that made her eyes look like emeralds.

  He had no doubt he wanted her, but as a wife? He wasn’t sure. Ward loved his brother Jared even though they weren’t much alike. They’d hoped to find a woman they both wanted for their wife.

  But my mind has dark areas, memories of before my adoption. I’m much slower to make important decisions than Jared. And I don’t trust easily.

  He knew he wanted Brittany to be safe. She was frightened. He’d seen it in her eyes. Getting her to tell him why was not going to be easy. He’d succeed. Something told him that whatever happened the other night, he needed to know.

  Ward pulled out his phone and called Jared. “How are things at the ranch?”

  “Fine, as usual. What’s up? Are you still coming home tomorrow?”

  “Maybe.” He told Jared about Brittany.

  “You think she’s in danger?”

  “Possibly. I’ll know more if I can get her to talk to me. If not, I may kidnap her and bring her home with me.”

  “Good thing you pilot your own private jet.”

  “If I do bring her, I’ll call and have you meet us at the airport.”

  “I hope you do.”

  “I hear her bedroom door opening. Got to go.” He turned his phone off.

  She’d dressed in a light green dress that floated around her when she walked. Her silver heels made her legs look long and sexy.

  “Wow.” He smiled at her.

  “Who were you talking to?” She gave him a suspicious look.

  “Jared, reminding him to pick me up at the airport in the morning.”

  He put his hand at the small of her back and escorted her out of the apartment building. Her fragrance, a hint of vanilla and jasmine, swirled around him and made it difficult not to swing her over his shoulder and return to her apartment. He chuckled to himself, thinking, just like a caveman.

  The Ferrari he kept at his condo in town was parked right outside. He opened the door for her and enjoyed the view of her long legs as she tried to gracefully get in the car.

  “Sports cars do tend to be lower to the ground,” he said when he got in the driver’s seat.

  “Did you rent this for the time you’re here?”

  “No, I have a condo across from Central Park. I keep my car in the underground private parking area. I’ll drive you by on our way back to your place. I’ve got an incredible view of the city.”

  “I’ve never known anyone who could afford one of those places or a great car like this one. What did you do, rob a bank?”

  “We’ve done well with the ranch. Jared is a born rancher, and I’m very good at investing our money.”

  Her head jerked around toward him. “You don’t launder money, do you?”

  “What? Why would you ask such a question?” Ward asked and glanced in her direction. Her face had gone pale “Your friend Ralph must be involved in some shady business. We’ve made our money the honest way. Dad started us saving, and then investing when we were barely old enough to understand. He did well. So have we.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you.”

  “Maybe you’d better tell me why you thought I might be involved.”

  “It was a stupid question. Please forget it.”

  He let the subject drop. Her hands were clenched tight, and her body had tensed. Nevertheless, he planned to bring it up again.

  “We’ll enjoy our meal and talk about more pleasant topics.” She gave an audible sigh of relief. Something was very wrong. He intended to find out what before he went back to the ranch.

  The restaurant was crowded, but they were immediately escorted to a side table. Candlelight lit the room, and soft music played in the background.

  Ward ordered wine. He noted Brittany’s hesitation before she took her first swallow. During their conversation about growing up and the funny escapades they both got into, Brittany continued to drink her wine and he kept topping it up. She didn’t seem to notice. Hopefully with a little alcohol in her she’d loosen up and tell him what frightened her.

  “Tell me more about yourself. When you were visiting your sister you mentioned that you’d been divorced.”

  “Yes. He’s remarried. I took back my maiden name and concentrated on my career.”

  “Do you mind me asking what happened?”

  “Yes. I prefer to not talk about it. This steak is delicious,” Britt said, changing the subject.

  “They’re always good and tender. I like the twice-baked potatoes, too.”

  She kept the topics casual after he mentioned her divorce. He found himself liking her more and more as she told funny stories about her family and her job in between eating her meal. He shared a few short stories regarding Jared and his childhood.

  “Everything is wonderful. I’ve never been here before or to a restaurant that didn’t have the prices on the menu.” She quirked an eyebrow at him. “Are we going to have to wash the dishes?”

  He laughed out loud, which was unusual for him
. He preferred to be more self-contained. He liked the funny side of her, and it wasn’t just the wine. After eating, the wine she’d drank earlier didn’t show at all.

  “Shall we have dessert?” he asked.

  “I love chocolate. I saw a chocolate cake with ice cream on the menu.”

  “I’ll order it.”

  “But you have to help me eat it.” She put her hand on his arm. His body stiffened from the rush of desire shooting up his spine. Misunderstanding, she quickly removed her hand. Her eyes were green pools of confusion.

  Ward ordered the cake and coffee. He’d loosen her up with champagne back at his place. If it was necessary.

  Finally the meal was over. He was impatient to have her alone, preferably in his bed. If not, then at least in his condo.

  “You drive fast.”

  Ward glanced at her. “Do I scare you?”

  “No. You’re a good driver. No texting or phone at your ear. I’ve had dates that were texting, talking to me, and smoking a cigarette. Needless to say, I never rode with them again.”

  He swung into an underground garage and parked next to an elevator. He turned to face her. “I have no patience with idiots like you just described. They’ll kill themselves or some innocent bystander one of these days. I wouldn’t risk your life so foolishly.” He touched the side of her face. Her soft skin made his cock go even harder. He had to admit this woman got to him as none of the others ever had. He nodded to the elevator.

  “That one goes straight to my penthouse. Do you want to see it?”

  “Will I be safe?”

  “I respect the word no.”

  “All right, I’d love to see your view.”

  Chapter Three

  Britt got out of the car. Ward opened the elevator door with a special code and waited for her to enter. Then they whooshed up to his penthouse. The doors opened to a small foyer. There was a lovely cream-colored carpet and a small antique table set against the wall. An ivory vase with white roses had been placed on the top and above a picture of a field of white flowers. The wall behind was a dark wood.