Kiss Me Here (Working Men Love #2)

by Hayden Wolfe

  “Beat me. I’m okay now. You’re here.”

  He ran trembling hands over her sides. She bit the inside of her cheek to stop from crying out again. “I’m going to kill him.”

  She fisted the lapels of his jacket. “No. He’ll go to prison. That’s worse.” She wasn’t sure she believed her words, but she’d say anything to stop Wyn.

  Sounds carried from behind them. People yelling. The thump of pounding feet. The squeal of radios. She blocked it out and focused on Wyn’s face. “You saved me.”

  He offered her a small smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Worry lingered in them. “Well, I am your knight.”

  Their conversation the first day they’d met came back to her. She rubbed at the tiny lines by his eyes. “Yes, you are. And I love you.”

  His breath rushed out. “Me too, darling. Me too.”

  Chapter 21, plus next book preview

  A few days later, Iona knelt in front of the whelping box, where the puppy that had licked her hand a couple of weeks ago played with her siblings. The runt had gotten bigger, but she was still the smallest of the litter.

  One of the larger pups tumbled into the melee of furry bodies, but unlike the last time, the little female didn’t get bounced back. The puppy scrambled over her brothers and sisters to reach the side of the crate, then whined and scratched at the wall in an attempt to reach Iona. She lowered her hand and received another lick.

  Wyn danced his fingers down her spine to settle at her lower back. “She remembers you.”

  Iona petted the puppy’s head. “I’m surprised. It’s been over a week since we visited.”

  “She picked you. Of course she’s going to remember you.”

  “She might’ve picked me, but I thought you were keeping her.”

  “I am.” He cupped her face. “But like I said before, this little pup and I know a good thing when we see it.”

  “And what is that?” The look in his eyes told her she was what he was hinting at, but she needed him to lead her into the conversation she’d been fumbling to start.

  Ever since they returned from New York, she’d tried to broach the subject of them. Or more specifically, their future. She found it harder than she’d expected to put her feelings into words, but it was necessary. With Ronnie’s wedding two days away, she knew he’d been fielding questions from his friends and family about her plans. He’d expertly deflected their inquiries, but she’d caught him glancing at her every time. The same questions had hovered in his eyes.

  After all they’d shared, she didn’t want him to wonder about her intentions. She just couldn’t seem to voice them.

  “Not what.” He swept his heated gaze over her. “Who.”

  She glanced away but forced herself to meet his eyes. “Me?”

  “Yes, you.” He brushed the back of his hand over her cheek, a gentle caress that turned her heart over. “You’re important to me. I love you, darling.”

  Her pulse raced and breathing quickened in the face of the intense emotions displayed in his expression. “I love you too.”

  “That makes me a damn lucky man.”

  He gently held her, mindful of the injuries she was still recovering from, and everything fell into place. She was where she was always meant to be—in Wyn’s arms. “I don’t know. I think I’m the lucky one to have found you.”

  “Why don’t we agree that we’re both lucky?” He kissed the top of her head. “And we have the Axel curse to thank for bringing us together.”

  “The Axel curse?” She raised a brow. “You’re not serious, are you?”

  “Didn’t Ronnie ever tell you about it? Or how she broke it?”

  “I’ve heard about it, but it’s just a story. People also say the Russian Royal Family was cursed.”

  “Maybe it is. Ronnie doesn’t believe in the curse, either. Her dad did, though. Frank told me about it and how he blamed it for ruining his marriage to Ronnie’s mom.”

  Iona motioned for him to continue when he remained silent. “And? What did he have to say about the curse?”

  “According to the tale Frank told, the Axels were cursed back in the late 1800s, when Gabriella Axel turned her back on love in order to marry the son of some famous artist. Her already extensive portfolio tripled with the inheritance of his father’s artwork and gallery.”

  “Who cursed her? The man she left behind?”

  He shrugged. “Maybe. Ronnie’s grandfather mentioned the curse to Frank right before he died but didn’t give any details other than to say that true love would be the only thing that broke the curse. Except none of the Axel heirs had found it. Frank disagreed. He was convinced it wasn’t love that would save them, since him and Ronnie’s mom did love each other, but a willingness to choose love over the great Axel legacy.”

  “Like Ronnie did when she handed the gallery over to Abby to run.”

  “Yeah.”

  “And because Ronnie’s mom didn’t choose love over the family business, she fell victim to the curse and died from a gunshot wound.” Ronnie had described the break-in and how she’d watched her mom die. It had been heartbreaking to hear.

  So much violence had surrounded Ronnie and Iona the past few months. Luckily, all those who’d tried to hurt them were locked away, Dmitry included. He’d been denied bail and would face charges under the American judicial system, where his name didn’t carry the same weight as it did in Russia. She hoped that’d be enough to ensure justice was served.

  Wyn nodded. “And her death is what brought Kyle and Ronnie back together, giving them the chance to break the curse.” He flashed her another smile, a teasing one. “If you believe in that sort of thing.”

  “I do. Sort of.” She matched his grin, then wrapped her arms around his waist and settled against him. “I hate that a tragedy is what made Ronnie return to Sander’s Valley, but if it wasn’t for Ronnie and Kyle working out their issues, we wouldn’t have met.”

  “I’m grateful. I had started to wonder if I’d spend my life alone like my older brothers, but I just hadn’t met the girl I was meant to love yet.” He trailed his lips to her ear. “You’re the one I was waiting for.”

  She leaned back and caught his gaze. “And I was waiting for you. I do love you, Wyn. More than I ever thought I could, especially after Dmitry. I can’t help but wonder if I wasn’t waiting for you too and that being with Dmitry was just an experience I needed to have so I could be ready to love you.”

  He stared at her a long moment, then lifted the corner of his mouth in a lopsided smile. “Does that mean you’ll be getting my initials tattooed on your butterfly’s other wing?”

  She rubbed her fingers over her chest. Dmitry had told her not to get any tattoos when she’d mentioned wanting one. He’d thought them sleazy, something the lower class decorated their bodies with, but she’d viewed them as a way to express herself since she didn’t have any artistic ability.

  The butterfly design had been her way to appease him. She’d promised to have the love of her life’s initials inked over her heart. At the time, she’d assumed they would be his, but Blaine had convinced her to wait. Iona was glad she had. He hadn’t been her once-in-a-lifetime love.

  She hadn’t met Wyn yet.

  She slid her hands over his back and snuggled closer. “Maybe.”

  His air rushed out on a shaky exhale. “I’m good with maybe.”

  That was why she loved him. Wyn accepted and treasured her, flawed as she was. “Are you good with taking me home and making love to me?”

  “Do you need to ask? I’ll love you anywhere and any way I can get you.”

  “I mean our home. Our bed. I want to move in. Officially. Be your girlfriend.”

  He raised a brow. “Yeah?”

  She nodded. “No talk of marriage or anything yet; just pencil me into your schedule so you know to expect me in your life.”

  The grin that spread over his face turned her heart over. “You already are, darling. Have been since the day we met.”


  The series continues with Jack’s story, Play for Me.

  Read an Excerpt

  The richly accented voice carrying through Sullivan’s Pub tensed his shoulders. Crouched behind the bar, Jack Sander set the case of beer down and listened. He didn’t know what the words being spoken meant, but he recognized the rough, heavy cadence as Russian.

  Iona, his little brother’s lover, often slipped into her native tongue when she talked on her cell. This conversation wasn’t one-sided, however. The new woman speaking didn’t stir his protective instincts the way Iona did either. The same unexplained premonition that had saved Jack’s life numerous times during his Marine days gripped him.

  Eyes shut, Jack dipped his head and focused on his surroundings. Iona was speaking too. She was here, laughing with this other woman. There was no reason for the adrenaline revving his body. The only thing he’d be fighting tonight would be boredom. Mondays were notoriously slow in the summer.

  A slow exhale eased the tension in Jack’s muscles. He jerked the flap on the case of beer, opened the cooler under the bar, and refilled the empty shelf. Unlike some of the guys who’d discharged with him, Jack didn’t suffer from PTSD. Hell, had his mama not been making herself sick worrying about him, he’d likely still be deployed somewhere. That life was a hell of a lot more exciting than tending bar in this backwater Pennsylvania town.

  “I need a favor.”

  Jack glanced over his shoulder to look at the man who’d spoken. His little brother Wyn leaned over the counter. His presence didn’t surprise Jack. Where Iona went, Wyn followed. The two had been connected at the hip since she’d shown up a month ago. The anxiety in Wyn’s voice did set Jack on edge, though, guaranteeing Jack would offer any help he could. “Why?”

  “Iona’s pain meds are wearing off.”

  “And?” Jack had nothing to offer besides a stiff drink. That wouldn’t numb her pain completely. After the beating she’d gotten from her ex, Iona needed the relief drugs offered.

  “She won’t admit to hurting, but I know she is.”

  With two cracked ribs and deep muscle bruising, hurting wasn’t up for debate. “Then take her home and get her in bed.”

  “I suggested that. She won’t do it.”

  This new side to Wyn both fascinated Jack and left him shaking his head. His youngest brother was well and truly whipped, much like their other brother Kyle. At least the prospect of another wedding to plan for and a chance at more grandbabies had put a smile on their mama’s face. For that, Jack kept his mouth shut.

  He broke down the case and slid it behind the garbage can. “I’m not getting between you and your girlfriend. Fight your own battles, kid.”

  “I’m not asking you to. Besides, we’re not fighting. Iona said before we came out, she didn’t want to leave the house.”

  What did this have to do with him? Jack shook his head. Only one way to find out. He pushed to his feet. “Then what do you need from me?”

  “Babysit Iona’s friend Blaine tonight while we cut out early, then bring her back to my place.”

  Jack slid his gaze to Iona. A blonde woman sat opposite her. He’d never seen a woman with hair like hers. So light and pure she could’ve been an angel. “She looks old enough to function without a babysitter. If she gets bored, I can call a cab for her.”

  Wyn sighed. “Blaine’s staying with us for a few weeks, and Iona feels the need to entertain her. Blaine’s used to a faster-paced life than what we can offer. Iona doesn’t want her to get bored.”

  Jack laughed. Blaine chose that moment to look over her shoulder. Although he was too far away to pick out the color of her eyes, the force of her stare hit him. Jack turned his back on her and crossed his arms. “And you’re asking me to amuse her? I’m not exactly the most personable man in the world.”

  “You can manage. Sit and talk to her about the area or the weather or something. Doesn’t matter what.”

  “Can’t. I’m working.” Jack motioned toward the few customers lingering in the room. “Call someone else.”

  “It’s only for a few hours, Jack. Tomorrow, I’ll get ahold of Eric. Maybe Levi. Whoever’s free. I just need someone to keep Blaine occupied tonight. It’s her first night in town.”

  “I don’t need anyone to keep me occupied.” Blaine slid onto the barstool next to Wyn. “I told you to pretend like I’m not around.”

  “Shit.” Wyn ran a hand over his head. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “Of course not. You’re thinking about Iona. She’s tired. I can see that too.” Blaine laid her fingers on Wyn’s bicep and urged him to move. “Go on. I’ll get us a round of drinks, then we’ll leave. I’m still adjusting to this time zone anyway.”

  Wyn stood and took a couple of steps before facing Blaine. “You don’t mind?”

  Smiling, Blaine tilted her head so strands of her platinum hair partially obscured her dark blue eyes. “Not at all. I’m the one imposing on you and Iona. I shouldn’t even be here.”

  Wyn dipped his chin, then made his way to Iona.

  Jack studied the blonde Russian who spoke fluent but heavily accented English. Perfect skin, gorgeous blue eyes, and a smile that could strip a man of his common sense. She’d destroy his twin and his cousin. Levi would fall in love with this woman, and Eric would get hooked on the sex. She’d use them both, then walk.

  Blaine had predator written all over her.

  Jack dropped his elbows on the counter. “Why are you here, then?”

  “That’s a very personal question, Jack.”

  His name in her rough feminine voice tightened parts of his body that had no business reacting to this woman. Damn hard to keep his lust in check when the epitome of sin sat inches from him.

  “It is.” He leaned closer. “Considering you’re staying in my little brother’s house, I figure I deserve an answer. I look out for Wyn. Surely you understand?”

  Blaine’s smile morphed into an amused smirk. “Iona said her new boyfriend’s family was oddly close. I hadn’t quite believed her. I do now.”

  He matched her smirk. “Aren’t families in Russia protective of their loved ones?”

  “Much like America, I’d say. Some more than others.”

  “Great. Then you understand where I’m coming from.” Jack worked his jaw. “Now tell me why you’re crashing in my brother’s house.”

  Blaine’s blue-eyed gaze caressed him, leaving him feeling a hell of a lot more exposed than a simple perusal should. He shifted his stance. The corner of her mouth raised slightly. She dragged her gaze lower, lingering on his stomach. Thankfully, the edge of the counter kept his groin out of sight. His dick didn’t need her attention on it. Her voice was enough to stir him.

  Finally, she reversed her visual perusal and met his eyes. “My very protective brother insisted on it. So here I am.”

  “What? Do you have a crazy ex after you too?”

  “No.” Her smile brought out small laugh lines at the corners of her eyes and transformed her features, leaving her more beautiful than she had been moments before. “Boyfriends have no place in my life. I’m happily single.”

  “Smart answer. And here, people in the States say blondes are dumb.” His crassness surprised even him. This woman had him on edge, though. He wanted her away from him. Pissing her off would do that. Maybe she’d cut her visit early too.

  “And people in Russia say American men are assholes.” She leaned over the bar and lowered her voice. “I suppose if one of us has to be right, it might as well be me.”

  Jack snorted. “I guess I had that coming.”

  “I guess you did.” Blaine skimmed her fingers over his beard, from his ear to his chin, before swiping her fingertips over his lower lip. “But I won’t hold it against you. I understand what protectiveness can do to a man.”

  Jack curled his fingers around Blaine’s wrist and drew her hand away. Fire burned in the wake of her touch. He didn’t need to be sporting a hard-on. Eventually, he’d have to s
tep around the counter. “Yeah? What does it do?”

  “For one, it forces me to lay low in this quaint little town of yours.”

  The tension returned, tightening every muscle in his body. “Why did your brother insist on you coming here?”

  “Didn’t Wyn tell you about the breach in security at the gala event in New York?”

  He zeroed in on where his younger brother sat with Iona. Their heads were close. He toyed with her hair. Jack shook his head. “Wyn’s been preoccupied. I know Iona’s ex beat the shit out of her and Wyn saved her from Dmitri, but I don’t know the details.”

  “My brother was shot by one of his own men that night. Until he recovers and can act as my bodyguard again, I’m to remain here.” Blaine pursed her lips as if considering her next words. “But don’t worry. I won’t be running Iona ragged. I can amuse myself. Besides, I have a show to prep for.”

  “You’re the singer, right?” Iona had given the excuse of wanting to see her famous friend to justify her trip to New York this past weekend. Of course, Jack had never heard of Blaine Zima before Iona told him about her. Russian music never made it onto American radio stations.

  “Among other things.” Blaine focused on the counter. She traced the wood-grain pattern. “I act. I also play a few instruments. Mother insisted I be well-rounded, but my voice has built my career. Although I don’t assume you would ever have heard of me, which is why Sander’s Valley is the perfect place for me to be right now.”

  “It’s a great place to get lost, that’s for sure.”

  Silence stretched between them. Jack rolled his shoulders while Blaine continued to follow the pattern of knots in the wooden counter. He cleared his throat. “Well…I’m glad you’re not bringing trouble here. My brothers have had enough to deal with over the past few months.”

  “My troubles are much more boring, I assure you. And I promise you won’t even notice me. In fact…” Blaine focused on him.

  Each second of her intense study quickened his pulse. He couldn’t look away, though. She’d ensnared him with the force of her will. Her intelligence bled through it. She was judging him. Why, though? He’d given her a subtle fuck-off vibe. He was sure of it. She shouldn’t even be talking to him any longer. She was, though. The “why” bothered him. What was she planning?