The Winner Takes It All

by Jennifer Dawson

“You must know,” Mitch insisted.

  If possible her spine grew even straighter.

  Oh, she knew, but she wasn’t going to talk.

  “Ask Mom,” she said.

  “I did.”

  “And?” Smart of her to turn the conversation back on Mitch. Too bad her brother was a shark of a lawyer.

  Mitch’s gaze turned hard, and he stared her down for a long, awkward moment that increased the tension around the table tenfold.

  Not that Cecilia broke; she just stared right back.

  “Funny thing, she told me to ask you,” Mitch said.

  Gracie shifted in her chair and James looked downright interested behind his wire-rimmed glasses.

  Cecilia closed in on herself even more.

  The conversation was distressing her, and Shane didn’t like it. Watching her was like watching a rubber band being pulled too tight, stretched beyond capacity, about to snap at any moment. “Let the woman eat before you start grilling her and telling her she looks like shit.”

  Three sets of curious eyes turned in his direction. Mitch cocked a brow.

  Cecilia’s chin jutted up. “I don’t need you to fight my battles. I can manage fine on my own.”

  This wasn’t any of Shane’s business, but he’d made his stand and he wasn’t one to back down. He narrowed his gaze, pinning her with a look that sent grown men scurrying to carry out his command. “Eat your fucking cupcake.”

  Cecilia straightened. “Excuse me.”

  He sat forward, putting his elbows on the table. “You heard me.”

  “Don’t tell me what to do, what to eat, or insert yourself where you don’t belong. Understood?” The words heated his blood despite her intended coolness.

  Maybe another man would be thwarted, but to him, she’d just thrown down the gauntlet. After a long, slow appraisal, he said, “Somebody needs to, since you’re doing a shit job of it on your own.”

  Her jaw hardened, as though she was grinding her teeth. “I can assure you that you are not the man for the job.”

  His lips quirked. Well, they’d just have to see about that, now wouldn’t they? “Eat it.”

  A small smirk ghosted her lips. “Make me.”

  Challenge accepted. “You don’t think I’ll do it, do you?”

  She scoffed and waved a dismissive hand. “No, I don’t.”

  “You forget, Ce-ce,” he said, putting a mocking tone into the nickname. “I’m not like those civilized boys you’re used to dealing with.”

  “And you’re forgetting I’m not like those simpering girls you’re used to.” She studied her pale pink manicure that seemed to be the staple of professional women. “I don’t need a big, strong man to make decisions for me.”

  Goddamn, he was having a good time. He grinned and turned to his brother. “Jimmy, get the rope.”

  Chapter Three

  Cecilia had to force her jaw to remain tightly locked for fear of her mouth flapping open like a fish. Just who in the hell did he think he was? She worked on her righteous indignation, while ignoring that she liked the inappropriate things that came out of his mouth.

  She parted her lips to speak, but nothing came out as a rush of illicit images flooded her brain.

  Luckily her brother saved her.

  “Whoa!” Mitch held up his hands. “Let’s not get carried away here.”

  Shane still watched her, a knowing grin on his lips.

  She didn’t understand it, but the man made her want to forget everything but the thrill of the battle. But poise had been beaten into her since she was old enough to walk, and with the composure she wore like a second skin, she put her elbows on the table and laced her fingers. “You come near me with a rope and you’ll be singing soprano for a month.”

  Gracie laughed, but Shane didn’t even glance in her direction, making her wonder if she’d misread the situation between them. Would he be acting like this if he was sleeping with her? And would Gracie be so amused if her boyfriend had just threatened to tie another woman up? Cecilia didn’t think so.

  His green eyes lit like he’d won a jackpot, but before he spoke, the back door flew open and Maddie came flying out, that long, red hair of hers streaming.

  Much more subdued, her mother followed and all Cecilia’s enjoyment disappeared, turning to lead in the pit of her stomach.

  For the tiniest moment she’d managed to forget about the mess back home. She sighed and sat back in her chair, all the good-natured fight leaking out of her.

  Maddie wore a little jagged-cut jean skirt and a white tank top, as petite and adorable as ever. She beamed at Cecilia. “You came!” She turned to Mitch, planting her hands on her small hips. “See, I told you.”

  Cecilia’s heart gave a little lurch when her brother’s expression softened at the sight of his future wife. “Yeah, you did.”

  No one had ever looked at her like that. Like the world was right because she was in it. It shouldn’t bother her. The last thing she wanted was for it to bother her. Not now, when she needed to convince herself those things didn’t matter.

  But seeing her brother’s happiness, it mattered.

  Maddie walked around the table toward her. Raised to be polite, she stood in greeting and outstretched her hand, but Maddie ignored it and wrapped her up in a big hug, squeezing tight. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  Her future sister-in-law was always like this, warm and inviting, somehow able to ignore the awkwardness ever present in their family circle. No wonder her mom loved her. Cecilia was pretty sure Charlotte liked Maddie better than her. And who could blame her? Maddie was everything a woman could want in a daughter.

  Cecilia patted her clumsily on the back and tried not to feel uncomfortable as she waited for Maddie to let go. At long last she did, stepping back to assess Cecilia. As her clear green eyes searched her face, her brow furrowed. “How are you?”

  “I’m fine, thank you.” Cecilia cringed at her overly cordial tone. Needing a distraction, she smiled at Charlotte, standing regal in a yellow blouse and tan walking shorts, her champagne hair in its customary neat bob. “Hello, Mother.”

  “Cecilia.” Their greeting the equivalent of an air kiss.

  Maddie plopped down on Mitch’s lap and he immediately curled his arm around her, his fingertips slipping under the edge of her shirt. He gave her a private smile. “What took you so long?”

  Maddie threw an arm around his neck. “We stopped at that new bookstore in town. The owner saw my work at the library and wants me to do a mural for her.”

  Mitch kissed her temple. “Good for you, princess.”

  Cecilia marveled at the easy affection between them. She couldn’t even imagine sitting on a man’s lap. How did one accomplish it and still remain dignified?

  Maybe this farmhouse cast a spell on people. Her grandparents had been like that too.

  She peered down at the cupcake and her stomach growled. God, she wanted it—she glared at the offending treat—but now she couldn’t eat it, thanks to Shane.

  Damn pride, and damn him, for making a big deal about it. It would be in her stomach right now, satiating her hunger if it wasn’t for him.

  She glanced up and their gazes met. Those green eyes of his practically glowed, like a jungle cat that had its prey in sight. Something had changed, although she wasn’t sure what. Over the handful of times they’d interacted, Shane’s actions toward her ranged from mildly antagonistic to indifferent.

  So why was he changing his game plan?

  It wasn’t attraction. She was 150 percent positive she wasn’t his type, even if Gracie wasn’t in the picture.

  So what?

  All she knew was he’d better stop because she depended on his disdain to control her twisted fascination with him.

  “What’s going on here?” Maddie asked, breaking Cecilia from her thoughts.

  “Oh, nothing,” Mitch said mildly. “Your brother is threatening to tie Cecilia up.”

  Cecilia jerked her head away from Shane and cu
rsed the hot flush she felt crawling up her neck.

  “Oh really?” Maddie looked back and forth between them. “How interesting.”

  “It’s not interesting at all.” Cecilia crossed her arms over her chest, refusing to sink down in her chair like she wanted to. “Your brother is quite impossible.”

  Maddie laughed. “Oh, you don’t know the half of it.”

  Cecilia’s phone chimed and she pulled it out of her pocket. It was another text message from Shane. She frowned as the tiny thrill of excitement beaded her nipples. She swiped the screen and opened the message. I always make good on a threat.

  A smile twitched at her lips. She resisted the compulsion to look at him, irrationally sure everyone would know what was going on if she did. She typed back, My knives are sharpened and ready for use.

  After she hit Send, she paid elaborate attention to a conversation Maddie and Gracie were having, appearing to hang on their every word. Not that she had a clue what they said, because all her focus was on the man across the table.

  Thirty seconds later she heard him chuckle. She held her breath, waiting, experiencing that desperate, schoolgirl longing for him to respond. She willed all her energy on the phone in her hand, waiting for it to beep.

  Someone tapped her on the shoulder, and she about jumped out of her skin. Thankfully, she’d managed to repress the shriek. She twisted around to look into her mother’s somber expression. “We need to talk.”

  The nausea that had plagued Cecilia on the drive, rolled through her stomach.

  She slid her phone back into her pocket. The game was over and now she had to get back to work. She nodded. “All right.”

  Maddie’s brow furrowed as she looked at Charlotte with concern. “Is everything okay?”

  The older woman nodded, but she fingered the strand of pearls around her neck. “It’s fine, dear, I just need to speak with Cecilia.”

  Bile rose in Cecilia’s throat and she pushed it back down as she stood.

  She could feel Shane’s gaze on her. Watching. Studying.

  But she didn’t look back. She couldn’t, not with her mother reminding her of what the future held, or how she wanted to escape it.

  What in the hell was that about? Shane rubbed his jaw as Cecilia and her mother disappeared inside. He shifted his attention to Mitch and cocked a brow.

  Mitch shook his head, and rubbed Maddie’s back. “Did my mom tell you what was going on while you were out?”

  Maddie frowned. “No. I asked, but all she said was that I’d find out soon enough and it wasn’t her place.”

  “What does that mean?” Mitch asked.

  “I don’t know,” Maddie said softly. “But your dad called at least a couple times.”

  Mitch’s shoulders stiffened at the mention of his father. The two had a crap relationship. Not that Shane blamed Mitch. Senator Riley was a brilliant politician but a horrible father.

  The senator had been involved in some risky business deals, but when the finger was pointed at Mitch, he’d kept silent to save his own reputation, even though stepping forward could have saved his son’s career. Shane still didn’t understand how a father sold out his child.

  It was light years away from how Shane had been raised. Patrick Donovan had always put his family first, even when he couldn’t afford to. His dad might be dead, but Shane was secure in the knowledge that his father would have done anything in his power to keep them safe.

  A lesson Shane never forgot.

  Maddie put a palm on Mitch’s chest, as though her mere touch would soothe him. “She cried a little but didn’t take any of the calls.”

  Mitch sighed. “I’ll talk to her again and see what I can get out of Cecilia.”

  Maddie’s heart-shaped face wrinkled with concern. “Okay, but be nice.”

  “I’m nice.” Mitch squeezed her tight.

  He’d better be.

  Shane’s gut tightened at the unexpected burst of protectiveness. What was he thinking? The ice queen was more than capable of taking care of herself. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

  She was different from the last time he’d seen her.

  Shane stared off into the weeping willow trees hiding the river just beyond, trying to puzzle it out. The mild breeze blew softly, ruffling the long branches hanging from the trees, but no answers came to him. But he intended to find out. Sure, it wasn’t any of his business, but fuck it, he was making it his business.

  Gracie yawned, interrupting his concentration. She stretched, her top riding dangerously low, before she stood and rolled her shoulders. “Break’s over, I need to get back to work.”

  “Don’t forget, tomorrow Penelope and Sophie will get here at one,” Maddie said, still not moving off Mitch’s lap even though Cecilia had vacated a seat. “We have our final fitting at three.”

  Gracie rolled her eyes. “Geez, I know, you only told me a thousand times.”

  “I don’t want you to forget,” Maddie said.

  “How can I with you yapping about it constantly?” Gracie said, but affection danced in her blue eyes.

  Shane chuckled. “See, Gracie, you missed your chance. You should have been a bridesmaid the first time. Back then she’d run out of the room screaming if anyone mentioned the W word.”

  “Hey! You know you’re not supposed to bring that up.” Maddie scowled, puffing out her bottom lip in a full-blown pout that used to get her everything she ever wanted from their father.

  Shane suspected it worked equally well on her future husband.

  Unconcerned, he shrugged. “If you weren’t the bride from hell we wouldn’t have to mention these things.”

  “I am not the bride from hell.” Maddie straightened, perching herself on Mitch’s knee and gesturing at him. “Come on, tell them.”

  “Well, yeah, you kind of are,” Gracie said, not waiting for Mitch to speak.

  Maddie huffed and threw her hands up. “I can’t believe this.”

  James sighed, looking dejected. “I’m going to have to side with Gracie here.”

  “James!” their baby sister yelled, her notorious redheaded temper getting riled. “How could you?”

  He rubbed his jaw, and then adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses. “You handed out to-do lists over breakfast.”

  Maddie had the decency to blush, but she squared her shoulders. “I just want everything to be perfect.”

  Mitch tugged her wrist until she relaxed and leaned back against him. He kissed her temple. “We know you do, princess.”

  Gracie snorted. “That’s easy for you to say, you’re the only one she’s nice to.”

  Maddie snuggled in under his chin. “That’s because he’s working on his first big case and I don’t want him stressed.”

  It was still odd for Shane to see his sister be so affectionate toward Mitch. She was always all over him, burrowing close, smiling at him like he hung the moon, pretty much being obnoxious about the whole thing. Shane would have missed the days when she barely tolerated her ex-fiancé’s presence if she wasn’t so damn happy.

  “Lucky bastard,” Gracie said, shielding her eyes from the sun, looking off toward the lemon-colored house she shared with her brother, before scowling at James. “You’re moving into the apartment over the garage to make room for the wonder twins, right?”

  The logistics of everyone coming in and out of the house were starting to get crazy and James was a man who liked order. Since the Robertses had a small garage apartment they’d offered to out-of-town guests, he’d claimed it for his own as soon as he found out Penelope and Sophie were staying in the main house.

  He nodded.

  She waved a hand in the direction of the garage. “Do you want to check and make sure it’s got everything you need?”

  James stood. “I’m sure it’s fine, but I’ll check and let you know.”

  Shane cringed. Bad move.

  “See that you do, your highness.” Gracie turned and stomped off.

  “I will ne
ver understand that woman,” James said in his normal, calm tone, shaking his head. “I don’t think she likes me.”

  “Gee, what was your first clue?” Despite the sarcasm, Shane wasn’t so sure Gracie didn’t like his brother. It hadn’t escaped his attention that she flirted good-naturedly with every man she came in contact with—except James.

  And there had to be a reason for that.

  “It wouldn’t hurt for you to try some of her cupcakes,” Maddie said, sliding from Mitch’s lap and into the chair next to him.

  “I’m training for the marathon,” James said, as though that answered everything. The guy had been running the Chicago marathon every year for the past three and kept trying to outdo his previous record.

  His dedication to fitness was damn annoying.

  Shane ran with him yesterday. After seven miles, James had gone on like a machine, leaving him behind hoping his lungs wouldn’t explode.

  Maddie picked up said cupcake and peeled the wrapper. “I thought you were supposed to carb load for that.”

  “Not with simple carbs and refined sugar.”

  Maddie frowned. “I don’t think one is going to kill you. Can’t you just humor her to keep the peace?”

  James stared off at the house next door. “Maybe later. I’ll go check the house out.”

  After their middle brother left, Maddie tsked, speaking around a mouthful of cupcake. “I blame you and Evan.”

  “What did we do?” Shane grabbed his warm lemonade from the round teak table and wished it was spiked with vodka.

  “You guys used to tease him.”

  “We didn’t tease him,” Shane said. “We toughened him up.”

  “Well, he’s plenty tough now, isn’t he?” Maddie slipped her palm into Mitch’s, and their joined hands swung between the side-by-side chairs.

  Damn, they were sickening. “Speaking of junk food, where are those Cheetos?”

  Maddie jutted her chin toward the back door. “In the kitchen.”

  “I fixed your leak.” Shane stood and started toward the door.

  “Thanks,” Maddie called after him.

  He walked into the kitchen expecting to find it empty, but Charlotte and Cecilia were there, standing on opposite sides of the table, arms crossed, faces tense. The conversation came to an abrupt halt as they both looked at him.