by Chloe Lang
Charly saw how her cousin’s eyes glistened and her face brightened as she talked about them one by one. The woman was completely in love with all five of them, and she didn’t have an ounce of shame about it.
When Jessie finished with some tidbits about Austin, the eldest brother, Charly dared to press. “Tell me about their cousin, Drake Strong.”
“I really don’t know the guys’ cousins well. Their mother, Maude, I know and love. Did you know Drake has five brothers?”
“Wow. Six brothers. That’s a big family. Are Drake’s brothers cowboys, too?”
“Oh yes. Maude and her husbands own several ranches. All their boys work their land and livestock.”
“What are his brothers’ names?”
“Well, Drake has a twin named Dax. Then there’s Seth, and Nate. And there’s the two eldest, Heath and Tobias.”
“Are they all as handsome as their brother?”
“Better be careful, Charly, or Wilde will trap you just like it did me.” Jessie smiled. “Yes, the Strong brothers are all very handsome.”
Focus. I need to stop thinking about Drake. My only job right now is to talk some sense into Jessie. “I’m worried about you. This plural marriage thing is so…well, bizarre.”
“I know. It’s very weird. But around Wilde, it works.” Jessie looked so calm and happy. “And once you meet my guys, you’ll know it’s going to work for me. I’m totally in love with them.”
Charly just couldn’t believe such a marriage would succeed. Not for the long haul. “And what about jealousy? They all love you, but sharing one woman between five men seems impossible.”
“Once you meet them, I think you’ll feel differently.” Jessie winked. “Perhaps you could find your own set of men to fall in love with here. I would be thrilled if you stayed.”
“I’m going to land that job in Malibu. I won’t be staying here in Wilde.”
“I can dream, can’t I?”
“Malibu isn’t that far a drive from here. You can come there and visit me.”
“And you can come here, too.”
Charly shrugged. “You’re going to get married tomorrow. I can’t believe it.”
“I am. I can’t believe that I actually have an hour to eat with you.” Jessie grabbed her hand. “I’m glad you came.”
“Me, too.” Charly wanted to know how in the world Jessie had said yes to the five Wilde brothers. “The Wilde family has been doing the plural marriage thing for generations?”
Jessie shrugged. “Apparently it all started a long time ago to keep the ownership of the silver mine undivided.”
“But it’s not just the Wildes who have this practice around here, is it?” Do Drake and his brothers plan on having a single wife to share? Well, that won’t be me. Still, Charly wondered if a repeat with Drake might occur while she was still in Wilde. Wicked or not, she sure hoped so.
“There are quite a few families who practice plural marriage. In this town, it is more the norm for a family to consist of two or three husbands to one wife. You’ll meet Pappy Jack tonight. He’s my guys’ grandfather. He told me that though his ancestors got it all started, the lack of women able to survive the trek to Nevada in the 1800s was the real reason the town had been open to plural marriages”
“A single woman wouldn’t have had a chance here. Hopefully the ratio between genders is skewed correctly now.”
“Men outnumber women, that’s true here still.” Jessie took another bite of her pancakes. She put down her fork and her tone softened. “How’s your mom doing?”
Charly thought about her mom and prayed her pain was under control. “Her new medication seems to be working better.”
“That’s good to hear.” Jessie grabbed her hand again. “They’ll find a match.”
“I pray so.” Once Charly got settled, she’d bring her mom to California to live with her. Leukemia was a fucking awful disease.
Jessie looked at the time on her cell phone. “I can’t believe the rehearsal is tonight and my wedding is tomorrow.”
“It’s not too late to back out.”
“And spoil the town’s fun?” Jessie laughed. “Not a chance. I’m totally gone for my guys.”
“You know how crazy this sounds?”
Her cousin nodded. Then she grinned mischievously. “Are you worried about Drake and his other five brothers? That would be a lot to handle.”
Charly shook her head. “You have changed, Jessica…correction, Jessie. It fits.”
“Thank you, Charlene.”
They both laughed.
“One more bite and I won’t be able to fit into my wedding dress.” Jessie put her fork down. “Don’t worry, Charly. If you and Drake do hit it off, which I would be thrilled if you did, you’ll only have to deal with three Strong men, not all six.”
“Has the town appointed you official matchmaker or something?” Charly put her own fork down. Against her better judgment, she gave in to her curiosity and asked, “Why only three Strong brothers and not all six?”
“Even in Wilde, my situation, five men and one woman, is out of the ordinary. The norm is two men and one woman. Even three to one is acceptable. But I’ve learned that more than that and people begin to wag their tongues, except when it comes to the Wildes. Apparently they, or better said we, get away with the larger plural family due to everyone in the county wanting the mine to stay undivided.”
“So, why three and not two or one when it comes to your cousins-in-law?” Charly allowed herself the dream of the traditional one on one with Drake. Sure, a daydream, but a nice fantasy.
Jessie shook her head. “Maude told me that her boys decided on their own how they would form their families. Drake, Dax, and Seth are the youngest of the six. They plan on marrying the same woman. Nate, Heath, and Tobias are the oldest. They have the same idea in mind.”
“What a nutty place Wilde is.”
“Bonkers. But give it a chance, Charly, and you might end up liking it.”
“Thanks for filling me in, but like I said, Wilde is only a little detour. That’s all. My future is in Malibu.” Charly heard the jingle of the door’s bell. Since the cafe’s entrance was behind her, she turned, expecting to see Drake. Instead, she saw a cowboy who made her gasp. His pitch-black hat was appropriate. The man exuded a dangerous sex appeal.
He headed straight for her and Jessie’s booth. His gaze never faltered from Charly, and panic bubbled inside her. But there was no escape.
He slid in next to her, his dark eyes never wavering from Charly’s. “Jessie, who’s your friend?”
“Nate Strong, this is my cousin, Charlene Wynn. Her friends call her Charly.”
Nate moved uncomfortably close. “Hello.” He grabbed her hand and brought it up to his mouth. He kissed the back of her hand, then each fingertip.
Charly’s jaw dropped. Even his lips had a dose of hardness, but still her insides turned to mush. The bell jingled again. She turned, and her jaw snapped shut.
“Nate, if you want to keep your body from hitting the floor you better leave Charly alone!” Drake looked furious, and Charly realized that things had just spiraled out of control.
Chapter Four
Watching Nate kiss Charly’s hand felt like a boulder slamming into the center of Drake’s chest. Rage filled him. He stormed up to the booth and glared at his brother. “Did I not make myself clear? Let go of her hand or you’ll be short several fingers.”
His brother stood. “I don’t see your ring on her, bro. Fair game.”
“Excuse me?” Charly frowned. “Fuck-fuck-fuckity-fuck. I’m not some jackpot for you to win.”
Nate turned to her. “The hell you’re not.”
Drake curled his hands into fists. “Don’t push this.”
“Stop it!” their mother shouted from behind them.
Neither he nor Nate budged an inch.
“Are you deaf, boys?” The tone from their mother let him know she meant business, but he wasn’t about to back down and ne
ither was Nate.
Drake’s brother clearly saw Charly only as the prize of a competition. The game of “which three could win the girl” had been played over and over again the past few years. But Drake didn’t see Charly as some kind of trophy to win and later to be discarded. Her gift to him in the front seat of his truck last night had changed everything. He wouldn’t dare let Nate, Heath, and Tobias touch her. Ever.
No, Charly didn’t have his ring, but someday she might. She was perfect for him, Dax, and Seth. Nate? Not just no, but hell no. His dark tastes were well known at The Masters’ Chambers. Drake enjoyed a little bondage play, but knew that Nate’s ways would be horrible for Charly.
Their mom walked up and touched both their shoulders. “You boys don’t want to piss me off today. Where are your manners? Jessie is stressed enough about her wedding, and her cousin is a guest in town. Now, back off. Both of you.”
Nate shrugged.
Drake took a step back and stared at his brother. “This isn’t over.” He would’ve liked to keep Charly off of his three eldest brothers’ radar as long as possible, but no luck now that Nate had seen her. The stakes had just been raised.
“You’re right about that.” Nate turned to Charly. “I’ll be seeing you around, Charlene.” Then he turned to their mom. “I’m going to the Horseshoe for a beer. Would you like to join me, mother?”
“Get outta here, boy.”
He nodded and left the cafe. That pleased Drake very much.
“Hi, Maude,” Jessie said. “Charly and I were about to have to try to break up a fight. I’m glad you showed up.”
“Me, too. This must be your cousin.” His mom turned to Charly. “I really can’t blame my boys. You’re adorable.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Strong.”
“Please call me Maude or Aunt Maude. Charly, please forgive my boys. They’re a mess.”
“I see that.” Charly smiled and then looked up at him. God, the woman’s sea-blue eyes and sassiness got to him on so many levels.
“Your chariot has arrived, princess.” Drake craved more time with her. Now that Nate had seen her, it wouldn’t be long before he had Heath and Tobias checking her out. He tightened his jaw at the thought.
Maude asked, “Jessie, do you need a ride back to Mary’s house?”
“No. Jackson and Phoenix will be here any minute.”
“Don’t forget that once the rehearsal dinner is finished, my nephews can’t see you until you’re walking down the aisle.”
“I know, Maude. I know.”
“Good. Charly, was your room okay?”
“Wonderful. Thank you. It’s very generous of you to let me stay there.”
“My pleasure. Now, if you have one lick of trouble with my boy here, let me know. I still have a trick or two up my sleeve that he hasn’t seen. If any of my sons overstep, they’ll have me to deal with. How does that sound to you, hun?”
“Sounds great,” Charly answered.
His mom winked at him. “Behave.”
“I will,” he lied.
“Well, since you’ve got a ride, Jessie, and Drake will drive you around, Charly, I’m off. I’m supposed to have the steaks to your in-laws in an hour. See you at the rehearsal.”
His mom waved and walked out of the diner.
Charly turned to him. “Are you sure about this, Drake? I could walk. The town is pretty small.”
He sat down next to her in the booth and subtly inhaled her scent. His cock pulsed violently in his jeans. “Not happening.”
Charly put down a twenty dollar bill on the little paper ticket on the table.
He handed it back to her. “On me.”
“Don’t think this counts as your wedding present, cuz.” Jackson walked up and slapped him on the back. Then he leaned down and kissed his future wife. “Hi, dah’lin’.”
“Hi, sweetheart.” Jessie smiled up at his cousin the way he hoped Charly would one day smile at him. “Charly, this is Jackson. Jackson, this is my cousin, Charly.”
Jackson tipped his hat at her. “Pleased to meet you.” His cousin looked back at Jessie. “If I don’t get you back to Mom’s house, and pronto, my ass is in major trouble.”
“Where’s Phoenix? I thought he was coming to get me, too.”
“Working through a disaster. Apparently the band we hired is stuck in Reno.”
Jessie giggled. “I still say we should’ve eloped.”
“Not a chance, sweetheart.” Jackson kissed her on the cheek. “We want tomorrow to be special for you.”
“It will be.” Jessie stood up.
Jackson put his arm around her. “Tomorrow, you’ll be Mrs. Wilde. Wow. Awesome.”
“You’ve gone all soft on me, funny man.” Jessie smiled broadly and then turned to Charly. “He’s right. I better get going. I’ll see you at the rehearsal.”
“Okay. It’s not too late to back out, Jessie.”
“Not a chance. Drake, get her to Carlotta’s Liquor Store, pronto.” Jessie grabbed Jackson’s hand. “Let’s go.”
Charly watched as Jessie and Jackson walked out the door before turning her attention back to Drake. “Are we picking up some booze for the wedding?”
“No. Carlotta is also the local dressmaker.” Drake laughed. “She’s taking over Wilde. She owns the liquor store and this diner. She’s also our local fortune-teller and is making all the dresses for the biggest wedding in Wilde in a generation. I bet she could run for mayor and win.”
“Got it. Carlotta. I didn’t know her name, but Jessie gave her my measurements last week. I bet Carlotta wants me to try the dress on to make sure it fits perfectly.”
“A body like yours would make any dress look amazing.”
“You’ve got quite the lines.” Charly shook her head. “I bet it’s atrocious.”
“Why would you think that?”
“It’s tradition. The bride has to look amazing. Competition is crushed by making the most hideous puffy chiffon creations possible for her attendants.”
“I guess women do have it tough. But imagine having to wear a stupid tux. Any tie, long or bow, is like wearing a noose around your neck.”
“Poor little cowboy,” she teased. “Try putting on hose, wearing a bra, applying makeup, and so much more. Cleansers, soaps, perfumes. Women have a much rougher time.”
“You’re a bit of a tomboy, aren’t you, princess?”
“Would you stop calling me princess, cowboy?”
“No. Tomboy or not, you’re still a princess to me.”
Her cheeks fired red. “What time is it?”
“Nine straight up.”
“I’ve got time to go to the hotel then before we go to Carlotta’s. I want to change before I try on the dress she made for me.”
* * * *
Charly slid out from the booth at Norma’s, and Drake immediately put his arm around her shoulders. “I don’t need a ride to the hotel. It’s just across the street.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’m going with you. You’re stuck with me today.”
Charly could’ve thought of worse things but not many nicer. Having Drake’s company would be very nice. But she didn’t want to let on. So instead of sounding sickly sweet, she shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
“Oh, I will, princess. I will.”
They crossed the street and entered the hotel.
Charly stopped at the foot of the stairs. The on-duty receptionist, whoever he or she was, wasn’t behind the desk. In fact, there wasn’t another soul to be seen besides her and Drake.
She turned to the hot cowboy. “Give me ten minutes, and I’ll be right down.”
“I’m going up to your room.”
She’d refused him entrance the night before, but today, looking into his dark, unwavering eyes, she didn’t have it in her to push him away. “Okay.” I’ll dress in the bathroom. Fifteen minutes. Then we can go to Carlotta’s.
They went up the stairs and then walked to the door of her room.
“Allow me,” Drake sa
id, holding out his large, callused hands. “Your key, please.”
Charly handed it over to him, and he unlocked the door. He opened it and walked into her room. She recalled his parting words from last night. Tomorrow, I get my wish.
She took a deep breath and pushed past him toward the suitcase laying open on the bed. “I’ll hurry. Make yourself at home.”
Charly grabbed a clean pair of panties from her suitcase and wadded them up in her hand in the hopes to keep Drake from seeing them. She also took a fresh bra, but with her chest size, there was no way she could scrunch it up enough to keep it from his view. She put it behind her back and opened the little closet where she’d hung much of her clothing. She pulled out a pair of slacks and a shirt with buttons in the front. The outfit she’d selected would be easy to remove at her fitting at Carlotta’s.
Would Drake sit and watch her get fitted? She bet he would. The cowboy seemed intent on sticking by her side, and Charly couldn’t deny that she liked his company more than a little. In fact, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. He was even invading her dreams.
Her makeup bag was already on the counter of the sink in the bathroom. She didn’t look up from gathering what she needed from the case, but saw from the corner of her eye that Drake was moving closer to her. Her heartbeat began to race as she felt him move behind her. When his hot breath hit her neck, she gulped.
“Drake, I…well, there’s not…”
She felt his hands reach around her and cup her breasts. Like a switch, there was no stopping the wantonness inside her now. He seemed to know exactly how to touch her to fire up her desire. Charly dropped the clothing she’d gathered, and covered his fingers with her own hands. She wanted him with a fervor that would not be denied.
“You’re the sexiest creature I’ve ever laid eyes on.” As Drake began unbuttoning her top, he licked her neck, causing her eyelids to flutter uncontrollably.
“I need to—”
“Shh. We have time, princess. Plenty.”
He kept calling her “princess.” Charly had never felt like one before. She was more comfortable in jeans than a skirt. Most looked at her like a tomboy. But apparently not Drake. When he gazed at her with those dark eyes of his, she believed he saw her in a way no one had ever before. She felt beautiful and adored under his stare.
