Austin

by Stone, Piper

  The scene was intense, my vision clouded by the number of people as well as the smoke rolling out my front door.

  “I’m going to kill the bastard.” Vader’s words echoed in my mind, although I could barely think clearly. He took my face into both his hands, his eyes darting back and forth. “Franny.”

  “I’m okay. Who knew you were one damn good actor?” I tried to laugh, his performance at my office exactly what had given the perpetrator the courage to attempt another assassination.

  “When we’re done with this, I am so going to spank you.” He half laughed after issuing the words, cradling my face then pressing his lips against mine.

  I didn’t care in the least if he spanked me over and over again. I was in his arms. As he slipped his tongue inside my mouth, nothing else seemed to matter. We were together and safe.

  Then we both heard the words we’d hoped for.

  “We got him.”

  Vader eased back enough to be able to look into my eyes. “You risked your life doing that, something you’re never going to do again.”

  When he captured my mouth for a second time, the taste of him was a sweet reminder that he was right, but there’d been no other way than to stage the press conference and our argument.

  And thank God, it had worked.

  The noise surrounding us no longer mattered, the realization that the nightmare was almost over electrifying. His embrace was the only thing that mattered, his hands roaming down the length of my back. As he pulled my shivering body against his heated mass, it sent a shower of desire into every cell and muscle. Even the way he dominated my tongue, swiping his back and forth in a forceful manner created tingles. I hungered for this man. I cherished him.

  And I belonged to him.

  “Ahem.”

  Only after a few seconds was the sound able to filter into my eardrums as well as my brain. Vader gently broke the kiss, nipping my lower lip then growling before turning his attention to the sheriff standing only a couple of feet away.

  “Who the fuck is the asshole?” Vader demanded.

  Sheriff Robertson looked from Vader’s face into mine before answering. “A deputy.”

  “You recognized the utility knife?”

  “Yes, unfortunately so. I was almost certain I did, but I wasn’t certain until we got lucky, a single partial fingerprint found,” she answered, sighing as all three of us caught sight of the man dressed in black being led in handcuffs to another deputy’s car. He swung his head in our direction and even in the darkness, I could swear his expression was one of remorse.

  “He’s not the only asshole behind this. You know that,” Vader stated, huffing under his breath.

  “No, I don’t know that for certain and I won’t have a general idea until Deputy… I mean until Mr. Mathers is questioned. That’s going to take some time.”

  “Vader is right. There’s a reason the deputy allowed himself to get involved, and I doubt it has anything to do with his love of burning down buildings.”

  “Maybe. Maybe not. Like I mentioned to Vader, there are soldiers who return from the war then find themselves unable to integrate themselves back into real life. The man enjoyed playing with fire. He had enough explosives in a shed in his backyard to take out half of Montana.”

  Vader gave me a look, tilting his head. “Which could mean another explosion was planned.”

  “Mr. Bridges, while I know you both want to tie Kyle Mathers to the recent fires, I can’t do that without corroborating evidence, which I don’t have yet. Unless he confesses, I don’t have anything but his attempt on your life as well as firebombing your house. Both are serious charges, which will put him away for a long time. Now, your house is considered a crime scene. I suggest you both get some rest, but I’ll need to speak with you in the morning.”

  I could feel Vader’s continued anger, but he nodded, his arm never leaving my waist.

  “I’ll bring her to the station in the morning.”

  “Good. I’ll see you then.” The sheriff started to move away then half turned, locking eyes with Vader. “I want you to know that not only do I appreciate your help, I know exactly what happened in Afghanistan. Hawk filled me in. What you and the others attempted to do was more honorable and braver than the majority of people would even consider.”

  “Why the hell the change?”

  “I suppose I allowed my judgment to be clouded by your behavior in the past and I was wrong.” She gave him a respectful nod before walking away.

  “Better late than never,” I said under my breath.

  He laughed. “She has her reasons to remain pissed at me.”

  “Spill it, cowboy.”

  “Could be because Reaper and I filled her car with expansive foam before we left for the Marines.”

  “What?” I punched him in the gut playfully. “Are there other stories you need to tell me?”

  “Nah, I don’t think so. That was during a time I couldn’t stand authority.”

  “And you don’t now?”

  He gave me a stern look. “Be careful, little brat. I’m still angry that you took such a chance.”

  “Uh-huh. And you know I had to take it.”

  “Maybe,” he said as he gazed at the activity. “Let’s get you back to Hawk’s.”

  “You know what? There’s somewhere else I would prefer going, a nice camping spot.”

  Vader laughed. “While there is nothing that I’d like to do more, we’re not risking it, even if we need to get reacquainted after our… argument.”

  “An argument I won.” I understood his concern, although I was more than ready for this to be over with.

  “Besides, Hawk has some big news he wants to share.”

  “News, huh? I already know what that is.”

  “Oh, yeah? How’s that?”

  “Because women know everything.”

  He shook his head as he led me down the driveway. As I craned my neck to look back, finally able to see the number of people who’d been waiting in the darkness, butterflies remained in my stomach. Why the hell would a deputy perform such a heinous act?

  When I noticed the motorcycle, all I could do was shiver.

  He noticed my expression and laughed, tossing me a second helmet. “You gotta trust me, remember? This will be the most exhilarating ride of your life.”

  “Ugh. As long as you don’t go ninety miles an hour.”

  His grin told me that he was planning on adding to his bad boy persona. After securing the helmet, I climbed over the back, wrapping my arms around his waist.

  “Hold on, little brat. Ready to feel alive?”

  I closed my eyes, the roar of the engine pulsing between my legs, the rush of air hitting my face creating a wave of excitement. As he powered down the road, I pressed my face against my back.

  And in the next few minutes, I realized he was right. I’d never felt so alive.

  All because I’d placed my trust in one rugged, amazing man.

  My hero.

  “Everyone, this is Senator Francesca Montgomery, the woman who singlehandedly captured Vader’s black heart,” Hawk announced within seconds after we walked into his house. The group of people waiting for our return was almost overwhelming, but everyone had smiles on their faces.

  “I must admit, I never thought that would be possible. After all, Vader’s kind of a jerk,” Mustang teased.

  “And a hardhead,” Scorpion added.

  “Not to mention one badass who always said he hated commitment,” Reaper stated, stepping out of Vader’s reach, a grin on his face.

  Vader growled, acting as he if was ready to punch every one of them out. I grabbed his arm, giving him my own version of a stern look before laughing.

  As Bryce approached, beaming from head to toe, she winked. “Don’t let the old boys fool you. We women are the reason that these guys are able to survive. Allow me to introduce you to the women in charge, since I doubt the boys will do it.” She tugged my arm, moving me in the direction of the o
thers in the room. “This is Mitch, the only way Reaper stays out of jail.”

  “Oh, that was harsh!” Scorpion huffed.

  “And all true,” Mitch said, her eyes twinkling almost as much as Reaper’s. “Although I refuse to call him by that name any longer. It sounds so…”

  “Much like death?” Bryce finished for her.

  “Exactly.”

  “I have to agree. I think Vader needs to be retired,” I said, giving Vader another heated look. Mitch was also glowing, her rounded belly just another reminder of family. I was so happy for all of them, more than I was able to convey. The love in the room was incredible.

  “I don’t know. I think he looks a little like Darth Vader myself.” Hawk couldn’t keep from laughing.

  “Bastards. All of you,” Vader huffed.

  Another one of the women stepped forward. I held out my hand, but she pulled me into a hug. “I’m Caroline, the only reason Scorpion ever has any decent entertainment in his raunchy joint. Actually, I’m the only reason he has a bar in the first place.”

  “Not even close to being true!” Scorpion barked.

  “I agree with her,” Mustang said defiantly.

  “All of you need to get out of my sight.” Scorpion smiled, giving his lady a longing gaze.

  “I’d shut your mouth if I were you, Mustang, because I could tell some stories,” the third woman said, flipping her hair in a rebellious gesture. “And I’m Danni.”

  “The best veterinarian in the state,” Mustang stated with reverence.

  While words had never been difficult for me, finding the right ones at this moment brought a lump to my throat. “I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for your help. Being here is very special.” As tears came to my eyes, the moment of weakness became embarrassing.

  “Well, you’re a part of the family now,” Hawk said quietly. “And that’s very special to all of us.”

  The quiet in the room was both beautiful and unsettling.

  “This is a celebration, guys. No sadness tonight,” Bryce said a few seconds later.

  “That’s right. Drinks all around. We have champagne,” Hawk stated. As Hawk and Scorpion headed for the two bottles waiting in ice, I moved toward Bryce.

  “How are you feeling?”

  She laughed. “Better than I have in my entire life. How are you? It’s already all over the news what happened.”

  “I’m okay, actually. I’m glad the bomber was found.”

  “But you don’t think it’s over.”

  “No, I don’t. I just don’t know where it’ll go from here.”

  She placed her hand on my arm. “I had an interesting call from a friend of yours, Katie Wellington?”

  “My best friend.”

  “And a damn good reporter herself. Her questions were… fascinating. Trust me, we’re going to make certain that your ex stays off your back. We have a very special article planned together.”

  I couldn’t help but grin. “I admit that I hoped that was going to happen.”

  “We’ve got your back, Franny. You are part of the family now.”

  As the champagne was handed out, I looked around the room, my heart still aching. I wasn’t entirely certain that Vader would ever feel truly at home.

  “Ladies and gentlemen. You’re our friends, our extended family, which is what makes this night even more special. Bryce and I are blessed by your friendship and by our good fortune.” When he removed the flute from Bryce’s hand, giving her a dominating look, she blushed. “As you know, our wedding is in a couple of weeks. And every single one of you will be there or you’ll face my wrath.”

  Everyone laughed except for Vader. When he slid his arm around my waist, I could feel his remaining tension.

  “Get to the announcement, big boy,” Bryce encouraged.

  Hawk shook his head. “We wanted you guys to be the first to know that our family is expanding.”

  It seemed to take everyone a few seconds to understand what he was saying.

  “Oh, my God!” Mitch exclaimed.

  “That’s wonderful,” Caroline squealed.

  “When?” Danni asked.

  “A few months. Don’t worry. I can still fit into my wedding dress,” Bryce said, laughing, her eyes lighting up.

  Vader sighed and took my hand, leading me away.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  He took several seconds before answering. “I love you, Franny. I’ve come to realize that I can’t live without you, but I don’t know if I’m the best person you could have in your life. I can’t be the Hallmark card. It’s just not me.”

  I thought about his words, the angst that was eating him alive. “I don’t need a Hallmark life or even a white picket fence. I need joy and love in my life, trust and respect. That’s it. You’re the only person who matters to me, Vader. You’re strong and caring, full of love, even though you are a hardhead.”

  Chuckling, he tilted his head. “Yeah, that I am.”

  “Just be you. That’s all I need. That’s all I’ve ever needed.”

  Using a single finger, he eased the tip under my chin. “That so?”

  “Yeah, cowboy.”

  “Then you’ll learn to obey me.”

  “I think I’ve heard this before.”

  “And I think you need to hear it again,” he said gruffly. “You know what happens if you don’t.”

  I grabbed his shirt, pulling him closer and tilting my head. “Why don’t you show me, big man?”

  “Don’t tempt me.”

  As he fisted my hair, pulling me closer, I dug my fingers into his chest through the material, my hunger off the charts. “Mmmm… I think I will.”

  He lowered his head, pressing his lips against mine, taking his time before sliding his tongue inside.

  “Get a room,” Reaper said from a few feet away.

  Vader broke the kiss long enough to growl. “Maybe we should. I have plans for the night.”

  I pressed him gently, rubbing the side of his face, ignoring the fact my phone was ringing.

  “Aren’t you going to answer that?” he asked, his tone sending dancing vibrations down my legs.

  “Why should I?”

  He laughed, squeezing my neck. “I need to get a real drink anyway. This girlie stuff is disgusting.”

  “You’re incorrigible.” I waited until he’d walked away before reaching for my phone. Katie. I moved outside before answering. “Hiya. I’m fine. Stop worrying. I know it was already on the news.”

  “You didn’t tell me about that shit? You’re not a damn detective.”

  “No, but I couldn’t live my life in fear a damn day longer. And I couldn’t resist a chance to chastise Mitchell. I already heard you and Bryce are planning an article.”

  “A scathing one. Trust me. But damn it, girl, you are crazy.”

  “Crazy was what needed to happen. I think I got to Mitchell since I haven’t heard from the bastard. He’s probably sulking in a bottle somewhere.”

  “Yeah, I have no doubt about that. I found some information that I think you need to hear about.”

  I shifted toward the railing, listening as she detailed her findings.

  “You were right that the land is worth a hell of a lot more than the current buildings. I managed to talk to one of the owners of the affected properties and lo and behold, their insurance lapsed.”

  “What? You’re kidding.”

  “No, I’m not,” Katie said. “Which got me into digging into that umbrella insurance company I mentioned. When they spun off to these separate companies, the dates of renewal were bumped up by two months. I’m going to venture a guess that the property owners never bothered to check.”

  “And let me guess, the fires occurred just after the expiration dates.”

  Katie snorted. “You got it.”

  I took a sip of champagne, absorbing the information. “But how could three or four small insurance companies all be in on the same scam?”

  “Because they
’re all owned by one brand new corporation. It took me a while and a few favors called in to find out the information, but it’s another shell game.”

  “Are there other properties involved?” I asked, hissing under my breath.

  “Maybe, but that’s not the kind of information that I could find out. However, this did lead me to look at land records at the courthouse. As you undoubtedly know, any plans, especially if they are rezoned would need county approval.”

  “What did you find?”

  “There are two existing larger properties near the motel. Those are being considered for a new resort. As far as the others, try a gambling facility, a nightclub, and a corporate office. From what I saw on the plans, this is a huge deal.”

  “For whom?” I growled. Gambling? That had been a platform I’d been against, although there were existing casinos. While I didn’t mind the revenue, my intentions were to keep the number of casinos small. Another reason I was hated.

  “A company called Serenity’s Edge. Catchy name, huh?”

  I took a deep breath, trying to hold it in, my heart racing. Fuck. Fuck! “Katie, I need to go.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I need to check something. I’ll call you tomorrow. Promise.”

  “Okay, girl, but you don’t sound good.”

  “I’m okay.” As I ended the call, the anger from before was now multiplied. My God. I’d been such a fool.

  I took another minute, enjoying the view of the bright moon and stars, the slight chill in the air exactly what I’d needed to clear my head. While the realization of what Katie had told me was difficult to digest, it all made sense in some crazy kind of way.

  When I heard the door open, boots thumping on the deck, I swallowed hard, trying to think about what to say.

  “I thought I’d lost you,” Vader said. “And that wasn’t acceptable. I would hunt you down.”

  I turned to face him, giving him a slight smile. I had to make certain before I said anything. The last thing I needed to do was be incorrect. But if I was right… “I think I might find that enjoyable.”

  He smiled, a slight growl erupting from his throat. “Be careful what you wish for.”

  “What I wish for is a little ranch house in the woods, one with a crystal clear lake and a barn where a couple horses could be kept. Do you know of such a place?”