Kyle Brennan was scared...no the word terrified was more like it. He knew the police were after him and he needed a place to hide out until the heat cooled down and he could move around without worrying about discovery. He’d spent the night in an abandoned warehouse, but he couldn’t stay there. He’d tried calling Linc Richardson and Mark Rideout, but neither man was answering his cell phone. He continued to walk down the alley, his eyes darting left and right, making sure he was alone. His phone began to ring and he slid in behind a dumpster as he pulled it from his pocket, hoping and praying it was one of his friends.
“Mark?”
“Hello, Kyle.”
Brennan knew the voice and a smile formed on his face. This was a man who could help him and he knew he could use blackmail if he had to.
“I need help...”
“I can see that, Kyle. Did you know the police are looking for you?”
“Y...yeah! They found my father’s gun and they want to question me about it...”
“You were stupid to take that weapon with you! It’s your fault if you get caught!” the voice snarled.
“Maybe it is, but if I get caught I’m gonna give ‘em everything I know...”
“Do not pretend to blackmail me, Kyle, I can assure you that you will not like the consequences!”
“You forget I know who you are...”
“I haven’t forgotten anything and if you would keep that trap of yours shut for a minute you would understand why I have called you again!”
“Why?”
“Why have I called you?”
“Yeah...why?”
“I have need of your services again, but not until I get back to town...”
“You’re leaving?”
“For a little while. I have some things to set up before the next phase of my plan can begin.”
“But I have no place to hide...”
“What about your friends?”
“I can’t seem to find them. You’re gonna have to give me more money...”
“You were well paid for the job I hired you to do!”
“Not enough...you didn’t tell us this guy was well known to the police. That he had friends like Vin Tanner. He’s well known for being able to find things everyone else would miss...he could’ve been CSI...”
“But he isn’t...
“But he could’ve been and that makes him trouble. I need some place safe...someplace where he can’t find me.” Brennan listened to the labored breathing on the other end of the line and played his last card. “If you don’t help me I’ll turn myself in and tell them every fuckin’ thing I know! You hear me? I’ll tell them...”
“I heard you,” the voice was deadly calm, but the intention was crystal clear to Brennan. “You would do well to remember who I am, Kyle. People tend to disappear if they betray me.”
“I won’t betray you if you help me out...I just need a little money to tide me over ‘til the heat comes off!”
“Where are you?”
“I’m across the street from the Rimrock Mall...”
“Stay there. I’ll pick you up in half an hour.”
“You gonna have some more money for me?”
“Don’t
worry, I’ll take care of everything. Just stay put until I get there!”
“I’ll be here,” Brennan assured the other man and the line went dead. He looked around the dumpster, ducking back just in time as a police car made a circuit of the street. He stayed where he was, only glancing out when he heard a car approaching the area. He kept looking at the watch on his arm, remembering the day he’d stolen it from his father’s desk. That was the beginning of his undoing as he found the thrill of the theft exhilarating and started working the small shops and eventually hooked up with Mark and Linc. The three of them had recently broken into a jewelry store, but were forced to make a hasty retreat when the alarm went off. The money he received for beating up Larabee should’ve lasted longer, but his drug habits and drinking sapped that resource quickly. He smiled at the idea of blackmailing the man picking him up...maybe he didn’t need his father’s money after all.
Brennan looked at his watch again as a car approached his hiding place. He looked around the end of the bin and spotted the familiar black Jaguar. Looking around a final time he ran to the slowly moving vehicle and pulled open the door. He slid inside and faced the blond haired driver.
“Did you bring me some money?” he asked as they pulled away from the alley.
“I brought what I had...”
“How much?”
“Couple of hundred...”
“That won’t do! I need enough to get out of here!”
“I need time to get that kind of money.”
“I don’t have time...the cops are after me!”
“That’s why I’m taking you to a motel just outside of town. You stay there until I need you again,” the blond snapped.
“Better be a good hotel!”
“It’s the best and you’ll be the only guest. Now be quiet and let me concentrate on driving. Wouldn’t want to be picked up by the police for failing to stop at a stop sign, would we?” the driver asked, smiling inwardly at the plans he had for this man.
“N...No...guess not. Didn’t get much sleep the last few nights so wake me when we get there and make sure there’s room service,” Brennan ordered boldly.
The driver continued to watch the road, even as his anger threatened to ruin his well laid plans. He needed to rid himself of this troublesome bastard before he left Billings, but he couldn’t chance being seen. Everything relied on him being somewhere else for the next week or two. Chris Larabee was going to die eventually, but he needed to make sure he wouldn’t lose his goal in the process.
He drove along the tree lined street until he reached the outskirts of Billings. He knew the abandoned building thirty miles to the northeast would do to hide the body until he had time to dispose of it properly. The man sitting next to him had fallen into a deep sleep, and the loud snoring grated on the blond’s nerves. He reached into the magazine compartment in his door and felt the handle of the knife he’d hidden there before leaving the Sheraton Hotel. He spotted the turn off and eased onto the dirt road, smiling as the man beside him grumbled about the rough ride, but didn’t open his eyes. Darkness had taken over the and he used his high beams to illuminate the tree lined road.
He drove for another twenty minutes before pulling up in front of a house that stood alone in the midst of an ill used yard. Pieces of broken furniture and old wrecks were tangled in heavy weeds and brush. He remembered reading about this site on an old website for haunted houses and knew it would be perfectly suited for disposing of this man. He took the knife and slid it into his pocket, carefully avoiding the razor sharp edge. He turned off the ignition, leaving the low beams on before turning towards his passenger.
“We’re here, Kyle,” he said, opening the driver’s side door and getting out.
“Huh...here...where?” Brennan asked sleepily as his door was opened and he struggled to wake up.
“At the motel,” the blond said with a smile.
“Motel?” Kyle asked as he stood up and walked away from the car. He stood in the center of the beam of light from the car as he searched the surroundings. He turned back to the blond, his mouth open to speak, but something slashed across his throat, ripping through the larynx, jugular and anything else that got in the way of the knife. Again and again he felt the knife slicing into him, but no sound left his ruined throat as his blood left his body, dripping onto the dark soil.
“Little bastard...just like that other bitch that tried to blackmail me...teach you all a lesson...teach Larabee a lesson...make damn sure he don’t get in the way! Just like I’m making fuckin’ well sure you don’t interfere with my plans!” His enraged screams continued as each word was punctuated with another slash of the blade.
Kyle Brennan dropped to his knees, blood leaving his body in incredible streams as he tried to hold it inside. His eyes were wide with the knowledge that he was dead even as his murderer grabbed his hair and lifted his head. His eyes met the icy blue gray ones standing over him and he prayed for forgiveness, wishing he’d spent more time in confession.
The man drew his hand back before driving the knife through Brennan’s heart, embedding it to the hilt and releasing the shoulder length hair.
“Nobody crosses me! Nobody leaves me! Nobody fucks with me!” he cursed, lifting his foot and driving it into the dead man’s face. He stood where he was, blood still dripping from his body, blood he knew did not belong to him. A fat droplet formed on the tip of his nose and dropped onto the grass, but he didn’t care. Kyle Brennan was dead and could no longer interfere with his plans. He stood where he was until his lungs were able to take in enough air. Finally ready to proceed he grabbed the man and dragged him towards the remnants of the house. The low beam of the headlights were not much use, but he dropped the body and returned to the car. He drove forward and turned the lights on high beam before returning to his grisly job. Again he gripped the dead man under his arms and dragged him to the edge of the dilapidated home. He kicked the door and looked inside, but couldn’t see very much except the dust that billowed up in the light from the car.
He prided himself on being a smart man and lifted the body and shoved him through the door. He heard a solid thud and then a cracking sound and watched as the body disappeared beneath the rotted timber that had once been strong enough for people to walk on. He smiled, knowing his plans were working out better than he thought as Kyle Brennan began his journey to hell in the basement of a long ago abandoned home. He quickly stripped off his clothing and threw them into the darkened interior. Totally naked now he closed the door, hurried back to the car and opened the trunk. He’d thought of everything, planning quickly for what he knew he had to do. He lifted the trunk and pulled out several large bottles of natural spring water, a bottle of lever 2000 and again moved away from the car. It took nearly an hour to scrub the blood from his body, dispose of the evidence, and get dressed once more. He looked around the area illuminated by the light and was satisfied he’d done everything he could to cover up the murder.
The blond walked back to the car and slid in behind the wheel. He reached across and closed the passenger side door before leaning his head against the car seat. He’d killed twice before, and each time the thrill had left him drained, but at the same time exhilarated. He knew where to find high priced hookers and took a deep breath before turning on the ignition and going in search of sexual satisfaction.
Chris became aware of the soft smell of wildflowers and smiled as the intoxicating scent told him who was in the room with him. He knew it was late and opened his eyes, smiling at the woman sitting on the edge of his bed.
“Hi...” he whispered softly as she reached out a hand and flicked at the unruly locks of blond hair that fell over his forehead.
“Hi, yourself. How are you feeling?”
“B...better...looking forward to getting out of here and sleeping in my own bed.”
“I bet you are,” she laughed and reached for his left hand. “You do know you’re going to have to take it easy for a while?”
“Yeah, I know. What time is it?”
“A little after nine. I’m on break, and I wanted to come see you.”
“I’m glad you did,” he said and smiled as she brushed her lips across his. All too soon she pulled away and he groaned.
“Chris, are you okay?” Anne asked worriedly.
“N...no...” he said softly.
“What’s wrong?” Her voice filled with fear as she watched his face.
“I need...”
“What?”
“You...here...now...” he said, smiling as she shook her head.
“You’re in no shape to even be thinking about that, let alone doing anything about it,” she scolded softly.
“Wanna bet?” he asked, eyebrows wagging as he reached for her. He winced as the movement jarred his left arm.
“Chris, just lie still...There’ll be time enough for other things when your body’s healed a little.”
He smiled at the concern in her voice. “Promise?”
She laughed, seeing the green eyes fill with hope as she answered.
“Promise. Now I have to get back. JD’s outside...”
“Tell the kid to go home...”
“Do you really think he would?”
“No, guess I’ll have to get used to having my watchers around. At least until I get out of here,” he told her.
“They’re just worried about you, Chris.”
“I know, Anne, and I appreciate it, but there are times when I need time alone,” he said wistfully.
“Alone?” she asked.
“Ah, hell, Anne, you know what I mean!”
“Yes, I do.” She bent low and whispered in his ear, her words soft with a hint of things to come. “There’s this little birthmark on your...”
“I don’t have a birthmark!”
“Oh yes you do,” she teased.
“I’ve never seen one,” he laughed as she tickled his neck with her lips.
“That’s because it’s located on your left cheek,” she whispered.
“Can’t be very big if I can’t see it when I shave,” Larabee told her, enjoying the teasing side of this woman.
“Ah, sweetie, I’m talking about your assets, you know the ones you slide into those tight black jeans I’m so fond of.” She smiled as she pulled back a little, mischief twinkling in her eyes. “You know, I could always take a snapshot...”
“Don’t you dare, and while we’re talking about birthmarks, you have a very nicely placed one yourself. Perhaps we could exchange photos,” he told her.
“Ah...no...that’s okay,” she laughed as she felt the slight blush growing in her cheeks.
“You’re the one who mentioned snapshots,” he teased, feeling the warmth of the woman sitting on the bed beside him.
“Get some sleep, Chris,” she said as she stood up.
“Will I see you tomorrow?”
“You couldn’t keep me away,” she smiled and kissed his forehead before leaving.
Chris closed his eyes and savored the scent that remained with him. He knew his feelings for Anne Sheridan were growing and he knew she felt the same way. He sighed as he turned slightly on his side, knowing he’d found love for a second time in his life.
“Chris, you sleeping?” Dunne asked softly.
“Not yet...anything wrong, Kid?”
“No, just wanted to see if you needed anything?”
Larabee smiled and opened his eyes. The young man had learned a lot since coming to work at The Firm, yet Chris knew JD sometimes felt inadequate, especially when he compared himself to the others. He could see the doubt in the young man’s face and knew it had to do with JD’s ability to watch over him. He knew there was only one way to put the younger man at ease. He smiled, closed his eyes and pulled the blankets up around himself.
“JD. There’s only one thing I need.”
“What?” the kid asked.
“Would you turn out the light.”
“You gonna sleep?”
“Yeah, seems there’s someone here I can trust to watch my back, so I might as well take advantage of him and get some sleep,” he said and lowered the head of the bed. He could almost feel Dunne’s relief at the small gesture, and knew he’d done the right thing.
JD couldn’t help but smile as he turned out the light and settled into the chair beside the bed. Ezra would be there to relieve him at midnight, but for now he was confident he could protect his mentor.
“Night, JD,” Larabee mumbled.
“Night, Chris,” Dunne said, pulling out an old dime store novel he’d bought at a garage sale. The book was well worn around the edges, but he loved reading the stories of the gunslingers in the old west.
The motel was a sleazy place, one where cheap hookers could be found, and far enough away from Billings to avoid suspicions. He knew he had enough money to pay for what he wanted, to even buy an escort from a professional website, but tonight he wanted, craved, needed it rough. The women who worked out of this joint were willing to do anything for cash, and he made sure he had enough to entice one of them into letting him do what he wanted. He took care to disguise his features, using brown contacts, a moustache and dying his hair a dark shade of brown. He’d found the woman waiting on a dimly lit street corner and knew she was desperate for money. He’d flashed several twenties and asked her if she had a place. She’d climbed into the car and gave him directions to this seedy establishment.
“This way, Sugar, Candy’s gonna treat you to her own brand of sweetness!” The words were meant to be enticing, but years of drugs and liquor managed to destroy what was once a sultry teasing sound.
He watched her unlock the door and entered before her. Her hand went to the light switch, but he stopped her.
“Leave it off.”
“Sure, honey, whatever you want,” she told him as she let the door close and locked it.
“What I want I can pay for...The question is do you want to earn more money tonight than you’d normally make in a month?” He could almost feel her enthusiasm as she moved towards him, dropping her bag on the floor as she did so. He smelled the cheap perfume and hated the tacky leather skirt and tank top, but he needed to rid his body of the pent up emotions. He needed control back before he could implement his plans.
She stood before him, her two inch heels bringing her mousy brown hair to rest just under his chin. She knew she’d probably regret this, but she needed money, needed to get another fix before things got bad and she couldn’t perform. “How much are you talkin’, Sugar?”
He took out his wallet, knowing he’d left his ID’s and other important papers in the glove compartment of his car. He pulled several hundred dollar bills from inside and fanned them before her eyes. The light from outside made it possible to see her face and he knew by the look in her eyes she was hungry enough to go for anything if it meant the bills would be in her hands.
“What do you have in mind?”
“I like things rough,” he told her.
“How rough?” she asked, licking her lips as he returned the bills to his wallet.
“That depends on how much money I have to pay you. How much to give me complete control.”
“I...it depends on what you want to do,” she said, a hint of fear in her voice as she moved away slightly.
“I won’t put you in the hospital, but I do like to slap a woman around.”
“I d...don’t know...”
“I’m willing to pay a thousand dollars...”
“A thousand dollars?” she asked, the excitement of seeing that kind of money driving the fears back once more.
“That’s right, but you let me do what I want!”
“I want the money first...”
“No problem,” he said, counting out ten one hundred dollar bills and handing them to her.
She took the money and quickly moved to the small safe on the wall and opened it. She shoved the bills inside and turned towards him, fear once more niggling at her, yet she knew the money would keep her in the drugs and liquor she craved.
“What do you want me to do first?” she asked as he closed the heavy faded drapes, blocking the light form outside.
“I want you to take off your clothes,” he ordered, his eyes adjusting quickly to the darkness. He heard the rustle of clothes and leered at the heavy breasts.
“What now?”
“Turn on the lamp!” he snapped as he pulled on a pair of surgical gloves.
She moved to obey, feeling the fear once more surfacing as she saw his face in the pale glow from the single bulb. She swallowed the lump in her throat, wondering if she’d made a mistake in agreeing to this.
“Come here!” the blond snarled and waited for her to stand before him. His hand lashed out and he landed an open handed slap across her face.
She cried out as the stinging blow brought tears to her eyes, wincing as he grabbed her arms and forced her to her knees. Her head lifted and her eyes met the cold ones set in the handsome face of her John and suddenly she understood why the money was of no object to this man. She’d seen it many times before and knew he wanted and needed her fear, her terror to get off. A second blow landed against her cheek and she fell backwards, tasting blood in her mouth. She cried out as he grabbed her and threw her on the bed, regretting once more the day she’d taken her first twenty dollar bill in exchange for sex. She watched as he removed his clothes, praying for it to be over quickly, yet somehow she knew that was not to be. Men like this one liked to draw out the pain, and she had little doubt that there would be more of that before he was satisfied.
‘Just close your eyes and pretend this is happening to someone else!’ she thought, but that was not to be.
“Open your eyes, Bitch!” he said as he removed his own clothes. “I said open your fucking eyes!”
The fingers clamped tightly on her sensitive nipples and she cried out as her eyes snapped open. She watched as he pulled out a condom and opened the package, throwing the wrapper on the floor.
“Put this on me!” he snapped and watched as she scrambled to her knees, bruises beginning to show around both taut nipples.
She took the condom and swallowed deeply as she saw the full length of his hardened penis. She expertly rolled the latex onto his shaft, fear making her hands shake as she felt the coarse hair surrounding it.
“Very good. Now lie down.”
Candy eased back on the bed, knowing the next part of the act would be rough, but she’d get through it, she always did.
“Not on your back. I want you on your stomach...”
“Please...No...I’ve never...”
“I don’t want your ass, bitch! Now just shut up and get on your hands and knees!”
She turned over, her mind concentrating on the money she’d placed in the safe. One thousand dollars could buy her a lot, but she suddenly wondered if it would be worth it. She felt his hands on her hips as he pulled her into the position he wanted. His hands forced her legs apart, and she gasped as he suddenly thrust his cock into her.
“Shut up and take it, slut!” he hissed, slamming into her as forcefully as he could. His left hand reached around and pinched her breasts, leaving finger shaped bruises around the sensitive nipples.
Tears streamed from her eyes as she waited for him to finish taking her. Over and over she felt his thick cock enter her from behind, ramming against the sides of her vagina as he took everything he wanted. She felt his pace quicken and prayed for him to finish. She thought it would never end, but his breathing became labored and his body trembled with the force of his orgasm and he laid atop her, forcing her body flat on the bed. She felt his breath on her skin and waited for him to pull out of her.
The blond haired man felt his penis wilting and felt the adrenalin rush he knew would come with taking a woman with such force. He waited for his balls to empty and eased off the soft body. As soon as he was finished he pulled off the condom and tied a knot in the end before dropping it on her back. He saw her wince, and slapped her bare backside.
“Thanks for the sweet fuck!” He laughed as he grabbed his clothes and dressed quickly before leaving the room.
Candy stayed where she was for long minutes after he left. Her body trembled with pain and fear, but at least it was over. She forced herself off the bed, feeling the used condom fall from her back. She hated how she felt, hated the fact that she’d let the bastard hurt her, but she understood it would all heal, that nothing was serious enough to require a visit to the doctor. She needed a shower, but she hurried to the door first and made sure the bolt lock was in place. She eased aside the drapes, glad to see the man’s car was gone. For Candy, life had always been hard, and the bruises and split lip would soon be a distant memory as she sold her body for the things she considered important in her life.
The breakfast tray had been removed and Chris sat in the chair, waiting for the doctor to show up. The night had been a long one, but he managed to get through it without asking for something to help ease the pain. He forced himself to eat the cereal, fruit cup, juice and milk and although his stomach churned he was able to keep it down. His head had been pounding since he woke at seven, and was steadily growing worse. He knew he’d have to buzz the nurse soon, but he didn’t want too, at least not until he saw his doctor. He rubbed at his temples, hoping the lingering nausea would ease up. When the door opened he looked up to see Jason Henderson enter the room.
“Good morning, Chris,” Henderson said, glad to see his patient out of the bed, but also noting how pale he looked.
“Morning, Doc, you here to sign me out?”
“Well, I’m here to see if you’re well enough to go home,” Henderson said as a nurse joined them
“I am,” the blond told him.
“Well, let’s just make sure of that, okay? Now why don’t you come over and lie down for a few minutes?” the physician said, opening Larabee’s chart and reading the notes made by the nurses.
Chris eased off the chair and made his way back to the rumpled bed. He sat on the edge, lifted his legs up and laid back against the pillows.
“How’s the headache?” Henderson asked, shining a small light in his patient’s eyes.
“Not bad...”
“Really?”
“Damn, can’t seem to fool anyone,” he whispered, closing his eyes as the doctor continued his examination. Chris felt every touch on his battered body, but tried not to show just how uncomfortable he felt. Finally the prodding stopped and the doctor pulled the small table back to the bed as Chris tried to sit up.
“Just lie still for a few minutes, Chris. I’m going to have Ninheve get you something to ease the headache and nausea.”
“I’ll be right back, Chris,” the petite nurse advised.
“Well, Doc, do I get out of here?”
“Will someone be able to stay with you for a few days?” Henderson asked.
“Hell, I’ve got six men who haven’t left me alone in here and if I know them they’ve probably got a schedule for who gets to stay at the ranch for the next month,” the blond hissed tiredly.
“Good friends...”
“Yeah, they are, but a bit overprotective,” Larabee said.
“Alright, I’m going to sign the discharge forms, but I want you to make an appointment with Stacey Midland for a follow up.”
“I will,” the blond said.
“Good, I’ve also written a prescription for a mild pain killer. Take them if you need them.”
“I will.”
“Now, Chris, if there’s any problems with blurry vision or extreme dizziness I want you back here. You’ve had several blows to the head and a concussion is nothing to mess around with,” Henderson warned, placing a prescription on the table.
“Don’t I know it,” the blond said as the nurse returned with a syringe.
“Alright, Chris, I’ll leave you to your nurse. You can leave when she brings you your instructions.”
“Thanks, Doc,” Larabee said, smiling at the nurse who stood beside the bed.
“So, you’re getting out of here?” Ninheve asked as he turned slightly on his right side. She swabbed an area where she could inject the prescribed medication.
“Yeah,” he winced as the needle bit into his flesh.
“There, that’ll help. Now you just close your eyes and rest while I get your walking papers,” she said with a smile.
“Okay, will you send Buck and Vin in?”
“Sure,” the nurse said.
Chris sat on the edge of the bed, glaring at the wheel chair he knew he’d be expected to ride in. The pain medication had helped the headache, but he was tired and irritable. His left arm was now held in a blue sling, and he held it close to his body in an effort to stop any sudden movement.
“Come on, Chris, you know the hospital’s policy,” Wilmington said.
“There’s nothing wrong with my legs, Buck!” Larabee hissed.
“Never said there was, Pard, but rules are rules,” the ladies man winked over the blond’s head as he sat in the chair. He saw the smile on the tracker’s face as the blond tried to find a comfortable spot. They both knew what was bothering their injured friend, but neither one of them would acknowledge it.
“What’s wrong, Cowboy?” Tanner asked as the ladies man adjusted the foot rests.
“Nothing...just tired,” the blond lied.
“Sure you are...but I could’ve sworn you were disappointed about something,” the rogue teased.
“Like what?” Larabee asked as Tanner took the prescription and other papers off the table.
“Oh, like maybe you’re missing a certain someone,” the tracker answered.
Larabee knew he couldn’t keep his disappointment from these two men. They could read him like an open book, especially when his guard was down.
“Thought she’d be here,” he said softly, unaware of the smiles his two friends fought to hide.
“Well, maybe she got caught up with a patient. I’m sure she’ll call you as soon as she’s finished,” Wilmington said as he gripped the handles of the chair.
“I know she will,” the blond mumbled tiredly. He moved in the chair and felt every cut and bruise on his body as they left the room. He knew he was probably being selfish, but he wanted her there when he left the hospital.
“Ya want me to go see if she’s around, Chris?” Tanner asked from beside the chair. He knew where Anne Sheridan was and he hoped Chris would forgive them the small surprise they’d arranged.
“No, it’s okay, Vin...I’ll call her later,” the injured man said. Again he missed the silent exchange by the two men with him.
Fifteen minutes later he was sitting in the front of Vin Tanner’s Jeep. He leaned back against the headrest and let his eyes close. By the time they reached the outskirts of billings he was asleep, his head turned slightly to the right, his body relaxed against the door.
“He’s gonna be mad,” Wilmington said.
“Maybe, but it’ll be worth it. Anne’s one hell of a lady.”
“Yeah, she is...she’s put that twinkle back in his eyes.”
“I think he’s done the same for her,” Tanner said, growing quiet as the man in the passenger seat moaned softly when he hit a deep rut in the road. In deference to the injured man, the remainder of the ride to Larabee’s ranch was made in silence.
Anne finished making the bed in the master bedroom. Changing the sheets and plumping the pillows for the arrival of her patient. For that’s what he would be for the next week. Nathan Jackson was in the kitchen, putting away the supplies they’d picked up for the week the blond would be off work and under her care. She smiled at the thought of being alone with Chris Larabee, a week where it would be just the two of them. The guys would be close at hand and help would be there at the touch of a button. She remembered her reaction to the suggestion of using a microphone system and the heat that rose to her cheeks.
“Anne, they’re just pulling in,” Jackson called from the living room.
“I’ll be right out, Nathan,” she said as she pulled back the blankets and smoothed the bottom sheets. She plumped the pillows once more and turned away from the bed. She hurried out of the room and made her way down the hall to the living room and finally the main door. The jeep had pulled to a stop and she could see Vin and Buck talking with Nathan Jackson. There was no sign of the man she wanted to see and she hurried towards the men to find out what was happening.
“Buck, where is he?” she asked worriedly.
“Sh, sleeping beauty is...”
“Buck, one of these days I’m gonna have a gun when you start that shit,” Larabee’s voice was soft as he opened the door and eased his aching body out of the jeep. His gaze lit on the woman standing beside the ladies man and a smile spread over his tired features.
“Chris, how are you feeling?” she asked as she moved past the three men and stood before the man she loved.
“Better now that you’re here...thought you were gonna be at the hospital this morning,” he said ignoring his three friends.
She reached for his right arm and pulled him down in a kiss, oblivious of the men watching them.
“Ahem,” Wilmington interrupted. “You two wanna take that inside?”
Larabee felt her pull away and smiled at the ladies man as he used his right arm to pull her back to him.
“What’s the matter? Jealous, Buck?” the blond asked.
“Hell, yeah, ain’t got a woman here to keep me warm or kiss away my pain,” the rogue said.
“Come on, Chris, let’s get you inside,” Jackson said, smiling as they moved to surround the couple.
“Been inside for four days, Nathan, fresh air is good...”
“Yes it is and you can enjoy it after you’ve rested for a while,” Anne told him.
“Anne, I don’t need...”
“Humor me, Chris,” she said, her voice soft and full of promise. She saw the determination waver slightly and leaned in close to him. “I’ve taken a week’s leave of absence to take care of you, but if you don’t get the rest you need, you won’t be able to keep it up...to keep up with me...”
“Hell, Anne, this here’s a real St...”
“Shut up, Buck!” Larabee hissed and turned to the sharpshooter as he picked up where Wilmington left off.
“Well, ya know you are getting old, Cowboy...I mean look at you...all them bruises, it’s a wonder Anne doesn’t come stay with me. I could sure...”
“I get the point,” he said as his three friends tried to hide their snickers. He felt her grip his arm and they walked past the men, his eyes warning them of payback.
“Ignore them, Chris. I know what you’re capable of and I’ve seen just how much of a man you are,” she whispered in a silken voice, setting the three men off again.
“Oh, Hell,” the blond said as he joined in the laughter, kissing her once more before moving towards the house.
Once inside she moved him towards his bedroom while the others waited in the living room. Chris smiled as he saw the turned down bed and turned to kiss her.
“Are you gonna join me?” he asked hopefully.
“Chris, you need to rest, and we both know that won’t happen if I joined you,” she told him. “Beside I’ll have plenty of time to join you over the next week.”
“Wish you could stay...”
“I can,” she said as she helped him out of his shirt.
“What about work?”
“I’ve taken a weeks leave of absence. That’s why I wasn’t at the hospital this morning. I needed to pick up a few things and bring some of my clothes out here,” she explained.
“You’re staying all week?” he asked hopefully
“Unless you’d rather one of the boys stay with you?” she asked, gently easing him out of his pants, her fingers brushing against his well muscled inner thigh.
“No...no...I think you’ll be just fine,” he said as she made him sit on the edge of the bed.
“That’s what I was hoping you’d say.” Sheridan smiled as she finished removing his shoes, socks, and pants.
“You sure you can’t join me?” he asked as he eased himself into the bed.
“Not this time, Chris,” she answered as she tucked the blankets up over the well muscled body. “You need to sleep more than you need to make love.”
“Don’t bet on it,” he said, watching as she moved to the window and closed the drapes. He loved the way her body moved, the subtle twist of her hips, the hint of mischief in her eyes as she looked at him. Anne Sheridan had gotten under his skin, and he smiled at the thought of spending the next week under her caring touch.
“Go to sleep, Chris, I’ll check on you in...”
“An hour...”
“A couple of hours,” she said as she returned to his side.
“Damn,” he hissed, knowing he’d probably sleep longer than that.
“If you need anything just call,” she said, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead before leaving the room.
Chris took a deep breath and turned on his right side. He adjusted the sling, wincing as the movement jarred both his wrist and arm, before finally finding a relatively comfortable spot on the bed. He closed his eyes and drifted towards sleep, his dreams filled with the sensuous woman who now shared his life.
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