Chapter Sixteen
Puma tilted his head, glancing at Reno across the desk. The lit candles cast a warm glow, but it felt somewhat out of place with Reno dining alone and in the dingy office setting.
“Can you wrap this up? I prefer to savor my filet mignon in peace,” Reno said, licking his fingers and shooting Puma an annoyed look.
“You’re quite bold to make demands.” Puma’s blood had boiled during the drive to the tattoo shop, and it hadn’t cooled down at all. He wanted to seize the man by his fancy lapels, drag him down the desk, and force him to swallow his rare steak. But he didn’t. He reminded himself of the promise he made to Bryar. “You've gone too far this time.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about?” Reno replied, picking up his wine glass and taking a long sip.
“Cut the act. You know about the fire,” Puma said, clenching his fists.
“Oh, yes. I heard about it. Such a shame.” Reno appeared completely unfazed. “Too bad I haven’t moved onto the farm yet. Maybe I could have helped in some way.”
Puma narrowed his eyes. “The fire chief confirmed that it was deliberately set. I never took you for an arsonist, Reno.”
The seasoned man chuckled. “That’s because I’m not one. You’re hurting my feelings, blaming that fire on me.” He laid his palm against his broad chest.
“It’s not a coincidence that you received the letter from my attorney suggesting we should get our own surveyor for the property on the same day as the fire,” Puma said sharply.
“I pay my legal counsel a thousand dollars an hour to handle situations like this. They’ll uncover the truth behind this…scenario.” He remained perfectly composed, with not a strand of hair out of place.
Reno’s words felt like acid pouring down Puma’s throat.
“It’s only a matter of time before your illegal activities catch up to you.” This seemed to cut a bit deeper into Reno's composure.
“You certainly have the audacity to come in here and throw your weight around. I’ve taken care of men for far less.”
“You don’t scare me. I’m telling you to keep those overpriced lawyers on your payroll for as long as you see fit, but don’t come near Bryar, me, or my land, or I’ll take matters into my own hands. Consider this my only warning.”
One corner of Reno’s mouth lifted. “Such a kind gesture for you to protect your girlfriend, but I’m afraid I’m owed quite a large sum of money. Too much to forget. I’m sure a man of your…skills should understand that.” He steepled his fingers.
“She’s not my girlfriend. She’s my wife. I’ll break every bone in your body if you come near her.”
“ Tsk. Tsk . Making threats.” He laid his palms on the desk. “You should know that I don’t take kindly to threats. I could destroy Miss LeGuard, her father, and Lane with one phone call. You wouldn’t like that too much, would you? Burying a wife sounds terrible, maybe much worse than burying a child.”
Before he knew what came over him, Puma dragged Reno up by his button-down. The man’s eyes widened in fear.
In less than three seconds, Puma felt the cold barrel of a gun pressed against the back of his head.
“I’d release him if I were you,” Monty said from behind Puma.
“You should listen to him. I’m afraid he gets an itchy trigger finger when he gets mad. And seeing that you came in here threatening me, I’d say killing you would be considered self-defense.”
Puma wanted nothing more than to smash the man’s face with his fists, but without a doubt, Monty would use the gun. Then Bryar would be in danger alone. He released his hold on Reno’s clothing, and the man stumbled back, falling into his chair.
“It’s alright, Monty. Lower the gun,” Reno smirked.
The gun was lowered, yet Puma felt no sense of relief.
“You may be safe now, but mark my words,” Puma stated.
Reno adjusted his collar. “Monty, please show our disgruntled guest to the door.”
“I can find my own way,” Puma replied, turning and retracing his steps. Once outside, he took a deep breath to steady himself.
When he returned to Storm Pass, he told Bryar he needed a long shower to clear his head.
This all seemed to be a bad dream, but it was reality.
When he came out of the bathroom she was waiting for him in his bed.
*****
His damp hair clung to his forehead. He wore no shirt over his chiseled torso, and a towel was hooked at his waist.
His eyes were filled with wonder as he looked at her. Running another towel over his hair, he tossed it onto the floor. “I feel much better now,” he said. “It took using up all the hot water, though."
“What happened with Reno? Is he still alive?” She’d been pacing the floor, waiting to hear what happened.
“He’s still breathing which is more than he deserves. Nothing worth mentioning except that he denied his part in the fire.”
“Do you believe him?”
“I wouldn’t believe him if he told me he had a nose in the center of his face.” He leaned against the edge of the chest. He had a perfect six-pack and a trail of dark hair that disappeared under his towel.
“He just continues to get away with crime after crime. At least you're back and you're okay.” The half-hour that he’d been gone had seemed more like six. “You shouldn’t have gone, but I understand. I would have wanted to do the same.”
She stood up from the bed and went to him, pressing her hands against his bare chest. “Puma Steel, you scared the life out of me.”
He tilted his head. “I’ve faced scarier enemies than Reno.”
Her body blazed with need. “And you worried me for ten years. You were always in my prayers.”
His fingers brushed her hips as he slid his hands to grasp her waist. He leaned in closer, his mouth next to her ear, and he whispered, “I prayed too. I prayed that I’d get a second chance.”
With those words, she melted into him, absorbing his strength and warmth that transcended mere temperature.
“I always wondered if that could be possible.” He kissed the top of her head. “It tore me apart to stay away for so long. But it hurt even more to think that you no longer wanted me—or us.” He pressed his lips to her cheek. “There were moments I promised I’d come here to sweep you off your feet and win back your love.” He kissed her other cheek. She gazed up at him, feeling a spark of hope flare to life in every part of her. “There were times I hoped you would.” He cupped her cheek and leaned in, kissing her with an unexpected tenderness for a man of his stature. “Every time, I convinced myself you still loved me because a love like ours never truly fades. Yet, life made me feel foolish for believing you’d want a man like me—especially one shaped by the military, who has witnessed things he should never have seen and made death life-or-death decisions he should never have had to make. Sometimes I imagined you were with a man who was stable, someone your father loved and encouraged you to marry.
“That would have been hard for me to do, considering we never divorced.” Her entire body buzzed with desire.
“True, but it was torture always wondering when those papers would appear.”
She hated that so much time had been wasted between them. “You left, but I guess I couldn’t leave you. I couldn't separate myself from you.”
He offered her a crooked smile that sent waves of love crashing through her. “I owe a big thank you to the big guy above.”
“We’re older now. We’ve matured.” She cupped his cheek. “I’m sorry that I didn’t receive your letter sooner. I read it while you were gone. It made me cry with happy tears.”
“You don’t have to apologize for someone else’s wrongdoing, sweetheart. You might feel like you’re responsible for everyone in your family, but you’re not.” He kissed her lightly on the lips.
He cupped her neck and kissed each of her cheeks.
“I have a confession. I was a bit selfish when I visited your father. I enjoyed hearing about you. Your missions. Of course, I always knew he embellished a bit because he was so proud of you. I loved hearing stories from your childhood. It made me feel closer to you."
“Do you think you could ever trust me again?”
She swallowed hard. Trust had become a foreign concept to her. She had built walls of steel to protect herself, or perhaps she was guarding the love she had for Puma—safekeeping it. But those walls she had spent so much time erecting were beginning to crumble. The love she had hidden away started to seep through the cracks. When he pulled her in for a breathtaking kiss, she knew she’d never want to be anywhere but there, in his arms, for the rest of her life.
“I already do,” she whispered against his lips.
This man healed her, filling her with raw hope and love. Over the years, she had been starving for something, and now she realized she’d been hungry for him. She lived each day, each moment, like a robot denying herself.
He angled his head and slipped his tongue past her lips. She moaned and opened wider for him. They were the only two people in the world. They loved each other, and it didn’t matter what anyone else believed. Like a home that had been built on a solid foundation, it still existed and they would renovate. Replace. Fix the things that needed fixing.
She wanted to touch every part of him. She ran her palms down his chest like a traveler exploring a map. His body was like iron beneath smooth skin, marked with scars from battles. A warrior who survived something she could never understand.
Puma lifted his head, his warm breath brushing against her skin. “I’ve never stopped loving you. Nor will I ever.”
“Nothing can tear us apart. Never again.” It was an unspoken promise.
He took her hands and led her to the bed. She climbed into the center, staying on her knees as she watched him reach for the towel. With a flip of his wrists, it floated to the floor. There he stood, naked in front of her—solid and hard everywhere. He was a fine specimen of a man, and she devoured him with the penetrating touch of her gaze. “I’m not going anywhere ever again.”
His gaze softened.
“If you try, I’ll hunt you down.” What was meant as a sassy declaration turned out to be a soft plea.
“Wild horses couldn’t drag me away. We’ll never be perfect, Bry. You and I are like fire on fire. We will sometimes argue over the most mundane things, but our love will draw us together like the sky and sun. I promise that I’ll always take care of you, protect you, and never leave you alone.”
She searched his eyes and all her hope swam in the tidal blue of his eyes.
He made her feel loved like she’d never felt before, even when they were together.
His erection had grown as he moved in to wrap her in his arms where she felt safe and secure. His fingers traced her curves from her shoulders to her waist, and then he gripped her shirt and dragged it over her head. He kissed her repeatedly and ran the tip of his tongue along her bra straps. He kissed the exposed tops. The silky lace until he loosened the clasps and the bra fell away. She arched her back when he suckled one breast, using his tongue to caress the nipple. The soft groan in his throat was almost animalistic.
She gripped the back of his neck, savoring his tongue and mouth on hers. It had been too long since she’d been touched.
“You make it hard to take things slow, baby,” he said against her heated skin.
“No one says you have to. We have all night. We have eternity.”
He groaned, or instead growled like an explorer who found a treasure. “That’s a temptation I’m up for.” A smile formed on his lips.
He crawled onto the bed, pushing her back to the soft blanket. He helped her out of the rest of her clothing until they were completely naked, bodies pressed together.
Bryar arched her spine. She’d never wanted—needed—him this deeply. She reveled in his hard cock pressed against her inner thighs. The weight of his body like a warm blanket.
He didn’t have an ounce of excess fat on his body. He was muscular, and as he moved, she felt him flex. He caressed her cheek and traced his fingertips along her jawline, placing his hand gently against her throat. She felt nothing but safe—natural.
Sliding her hand between their bodies, she clamped her fingers around his swollen cock and squeezed. He mimicked the act on her throat, which only made her wetter. She spread her legs wide, opening herself to him as she guided his thick head to her entrance. She was so wet and ready he slid into her easily, connecting their bodies on a level that could never be described in words.
He moved his hand from her throat and replaced it with his mouth, leaving little bites on her skin. Goosebumps covered her flesh as he matched his rhythm. He rocked into her deeper, and she bounced against him, giving herself over to him.
It practically undid her when he rubbed his fingers over her sensitive clit.
“Puma,” she cried out.
“Tell me,” he demanded.
“I love this.” She dug her nails into his back, leaving a trail all the way to his firm ass.
“Not so fast.” He pulled out of her and rolled her over onto her stomach. “I remember how much you liked this position.”
To prove he was right, she bowed her back and lifted her ass in the air, higher until she felt his grip on her hips, situating her exactly where he needed her. He slid into her, filling her as he did something that made her moan in appreciation. He intertwined their fingers, connecting them while he pushed in and out, taking on a rhythm that was both urgent and controlled. He found her clit with his free hand and plucked the bud until she quivered. The bed squeaked and creaked as if the springs hadn’t seen action since the last time they’d been there all those years ago. She could feel his grip gaining power as he lost control. He pounded faster and harder, his moans came from deep within his stomach.
“I'm so close,” she pushed the words off her trembling tongue.
He jerked out of her, rolling her back onto the mattress. Without a second of hesitation, he was between her legs, back inside of her, taking on the sweet rhythm again.
She arched against him, wrapping her arms around his back and wrapping her legs around his ass until there was no space between them—no way of knowing where her body began and where his ended. They were one.
Bryar felt an emotion she’d never felt before. Possessiveness. She wanted Puma just for herself. She gave him a love bite on his shoulder, and a snarl rattled his throat. He brought his hips higher until his mushroom head lingered at her entrance.
He wouldn’t allow her to pull him back in, so she used her muscles and clenched around his cock. He groaned, and that felt like it shook the walls.
He gripped her wrists in one hand and brought her arms high above her head, keeping them prisoner against the bed. “You're going to be the death of me,” he whispered.
“If death means bringing you heaven every time we touch, then yes, I will most definitely be the death of you.”
When he kissed her, it felt like an unspoken message conveyed in a language that only their bodies understood. He ignited a blaze inside her that made her pant with a need she’d never known. That sensation consumed her all the way into her soul. They shared a love that would transcend universes.
They moved effortlessly against each other, each making another unspoken declaration. She was a mix of never wanting the lovemaking to end and needing a climax more than she needed her next breath.
For the first time in her existence, she was left with no doubt. No insecurity. She knew there with him, she was home. Where she belonged. He could only be described as her soulmate. The love of her life. Where he went, she’d go.
He unclenched her legs and brought them over his shoulders. He reached her differently while he fingered her clit. The tension built like a blissful storm, powerful and all-consuming. Each movement felt like the stroke of harp strings. She clutched at his shoulders, needing to hold on as the winds and waves shook her to her core.
Puma lingered on the abyss of his climax. She could feel it in his body, hear it in his breathing. He kissed her, nipped at her, desperately needing something. His movements became jerkier, and she squeezed her muscles around him.
When her name slipped off his lips, it unhinged her. She felt the tingles slide through her, and she called out his name, over and over. Or had it been her imagination? He lifted himself up so that he could stare down into her gaze. He said her name again as liquid warmth trickled into her. Spasm after spasm rocked his cock as he released himself, leaving nothing behind.
As she purred back to reality, she allowed the blissful cloud to settle around her. He slid off her, settling beside her, holding her close, still staring at her. For a moment, she felt disappointed that their lovemaking was over, but what he showed her by tracing his fingertips along the curve of her cheek and jawline was a different kind of lovemaking. She found it sensual.
“No one can compare to your beauty,” he said.
“Is that the post-climax high talking?” She gave a little laugh.
A grin stretched across his lips, and she felt something she hadn’t in years—a carefree part of herself that she thought had been lost in grieving. He discovered all her locked emotions and unlocked them, releasing the youthful Bryar. She had gone to therapy in search of relief and healing, but she had never experienced more healing than she did with Puma. His touch, his gaze, his grace uncovered the parts of her she wanted exposed to the light. She’d missed him, missed his touch, and knew she never wanted to lose him.
She touched his whiskered jaw lightly. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Showing me how special love can be.” Her eyes filled with unshed tears. Happy tears.
The old Puma would have stayed quiet, but the new and improved version kissed the tip of her nose and said, “I plan to show you every single day, through the good, the bad, and even the ugly.”
He dragged her closer and held her tight, holding such promise in his arms. She would forever be changed. Instinct warned her that light had been shone onto her path, and life would be much happier. All the doubts that had been unsettled within her settled. For the first time in years, she felt joy and inspiration.
At her darkest moment, she thought she’d never feel calm again.
He nuzzled her neck and kissed her. She backed against him, wriggling her bottom against his hips.
“Behave yourself, or I’ll be ready in no time,” he said with a chuckle.
“Is that a promise?"
He brushed her hair aside, tracing it down to her shoulder. “Are you sore? It has been a while.”
“A bit, but in a very good way. I really needed that.”
“Happy to help,” he replied, lifting her hand to kiss each knuckle, then the bandage on her palm.
“You’re... different,” she said, exhaling softly.
“Different how?” His warm breath lingered against her shoulder.
“Like we’re on the same track, moving the same direction, our bodies mirroring each other.” She sighed. “That’s sappy, I know.”
“I don’t mind sappy.” He laid her hand down and threaded his fingers through her hair.
“The strong and powerful Puma likes sappy? Okay, what did you do with the old Puma?”
His chuckle vibrated through his chest. “He’s still here, but he had an overhaul.”
“Where do we go from here?”
“I would ask you to marry me but since we’re already married, how about I ask you to move in with me?”
The tingling in her eyes forced tears from each corner. “Is it too soon?”
“Our history shows that nothing is too soon. We tend to move rather quickly.” He massaged her scalp, and she relaxed against him.
“This conversation is a lot different than the one we had yesterday when we decided to date and get to know each other again.”
“No pressure, sweetheart. I’ll be here. We can go as fast, or as slow, as you desire.”
“I like this new and improved cowboy.”
“I’m thinking we should go on that honeymoon we never had because you were pregnant and we were poor as church mice.”
Her breath caught. “Maybe we need a crash course in getting to know one another again. Is your favorite color still blue? Your favorite meal is cheeseburgers. And you’re as tough as nails but scared of spiders.”
“Yes. Yes. And unfortunately, yes.” He brushed the hair away from her face. “Your favorite color is yellow. Your favorite meal is sushi, which is disgusting. And you save spiders by picking them up with a tissue and carrying them outside so they can come back in to scare me.”
“Yes. Don’t be ridiculous. Sushi is amazing, and of course.”
“I believe we know what we need to know. The rest will unfold naturally.”
“I appreciate your optimism.”
“You bring out the best in me.” He snuggled closer as if he couldn’t get close enough.
She followed the thick cords of veins on the back of his large hand. “I miss those days when we were young, without a care in the world and full of dreams. We might have been poor living in that camper, but some of my favorite times were sitting outside around the fire while you cooked on that cast iron pan. We thought we were rich because I hadn’t tasted potatoes as good as those. There’s something about being grateful for what you have when you don’t have much.”
“My diet consisted of meals in a pouch and whatever I could find in some remote countryside ninety-five percent of the time I was in the SEALs. When I came back to the States, the first thing I’d do was visit this little hamburger joint down the corner from my apartment. Best jalapeno burgers ever.”
“Maybe we need to put them on the Crazy Shades menu.”
“Is that to entice me to be there all the time?” “
“Maybe.” She laughed.
“What do you plan to do, sweetheart? About work?”
She shrugged. “The bar is as much mine as it is Daddy’s, but for now I don’t want to step foot back in there until I’m not as angry with him.”
“I’m sure the place will go to shambles without you,” he said in encouragement.
“It wouldn’t hurt anyone to get a bird’s eye view of all that I do. I have no clue what he and Crystal are doing to keep it running.”
“The rest of my team will be arriving in two weeks. I’m both anxious for you to meet them and a little apprehensive.”
She rolled over to look at him. “Why apprehensive?”
“Because they’re a bit rough around the edges. They’re good men, but they’re a bit unpolished.” He swept the flyaway hairs off her cheek.
“I bet I’ll like each and every one of them.” She touched his jawline. “We’re in this together from here on out. If you choose to go after Reno, I’ll be there with you. This isn’t just your fight. It’s ours.”
He pressed a lingering kiss on her forehead. “Sure.”
She playfully pinched his arm. “What’s that?”
“Okay… okay.” He submitted.
Neither said a word, and the only sound was that of their even breathing.
And just as she felt sleep coming over her, a thought jerked her back awake.
“What is it?” he asked in concern.
“If Lane stole Reno’s money, I know where it is. I can’t believe I didn’t think of this before.”
Chapter Seventeen
Puma tested the dilapidated ladder to the treehouse and shook his head. “No way are you going up there. I’ll go."
Bryar sighed. “You weigh much more than I do. And if I come crashing down, you can catch me, but I could never catch you.” She feathered the flashlight beam around the treehouse, which looked unstable.
What argument did he have? If he doubted the splintered, dry-rotted wood wouldn’t hold her weight, then there was no way it would hold his.
“You see my point, don’t you?” He didn’t need to see her face to hear her proud tone.
“Don’t do any stunts,” he said with a growl.
“Oh darn, I had planned to swing up into the treehouse with my Spidey senses and the web that shoots out of my palms.” She wagged her brows.
“Cute. You’re not making me feel any better.”
She gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “I’m not scared because I know you’ll catch me if I fall. Hold the light.” She handed him the flashlight.
He kept the beam focused on the ladder and stayed close while she shimmied up it like she was a teen again. He could hear the creaking of the rotten wood, and his chest tightened. "Take it slow, Spidey."
“You don’t call this slow?” she called down to him.
“Test the floor up there,” he reminded her.
“Yes, Mother Hen.” She laughed.
He growled, not finding her the least bit funny. He’d rather be back in bed with her, but he also wanted to make sure she was safe. If indeed her instincts were right and the money was hidden in the treehouse, a lot of their problems could be solved, and they could focus on their life together. He wanted that more than anything.
“Oh shit!” He heard her say.
“Is something wrong?” he called up.
“Rat droppings everywhere,” she said.
“Great. Aren't you glad you insisted on doing this in the middle of the night instead of waiting for daylight?” He chuckled.
A moment later, she poked her head through the door of the treehouse. “What a waste of time,” she said, frustrated.
“It was worth a try,” he replied, feeling the pressure return. They were back to square one.
“I’m joking. Here, catch.” She tossed him the brown paper bag that was securely taped up. At the same moment, he heard wood crack as Bryar slipped. Thanks to his quick reflexes, he was ready when she fell into his arms.
“I guess you’re not Spider-Man after all,” he teased.
“That was close,” she said as he helped her to her feet. “How much do you want to bet there’s cash in that bag?”
“I don’t bet when I know I’ll lose,” he replied, handing it to her. “You earned it, so you should open it.” With him holding the flashlight over the bag, Bryar tore it open like it was Christmas morning. Inside, she found a stack of bills. Puma had never seen so much cash all at once.
“Bingo!” she said.
“Well, well. Looks like we’ve won the lottery.” Puma shook his head.
“Before we hand this over to Reno, we’re going to pay a little visit to my family.”
*****
“Why are you here so late, and what the hell is he doing here?” Rory jutted his chin at Puma with a snarling growl.
“I think we should hear them out,” Crystal said.
“I have no desire to be in the same room with him,” Rory turned his wheelchair toward the door.
“Crystal’s right. You’ll want to hear what my wife has to say,” Puma said, specifically using the two words in satisfaction. He’d only leave if Bryar asked him to, and she’d already told him she wanted him to stay.
Wheeling his wheelchair back to the center of the living room, Rory didn’t look the least bit happy. “Make this quick.”
Bryar dropped the bundle of cash onto the coffee table. Seeing it spread out made it seem more real.
“What’s that?” Crystal asked.
Bryar looked at the woman with a scowl. “Why don’t we let you tell us.”
Crystal blinked twice and her mouth twisted. “What are you talking about?”
Bryar must have been prepared because she didn’t waste any time. “Who else could have placed the money in the treehouse, besides you?”
Crystal shrugged. “I have no clue. I’d guess Lane did.”
“There was a receipt left in the bag in which the cash was placed in. The receipt was from a market dated three days after Lane was arrested and already in jail. So unless he has some invisible ability that we don’t know about, that means only you could have been the one that climbed up that ladder and hid the cash in Lane’s wooden box that he kept in there.”
“I-I didn’t do it. I swear,” Crystal sputtered.
“I’m done with the secrets and lies in this house,” Bryar said firmly.
“Leave her alone!” Rory commanded.
Puma watched the drama unfold from near the fireplace.
“No, I won't! She just about got us all killed,” Bryar said through pinched lips.
“I was the one who hid the money in the treehouse.”
Bryar snorted. “Good try, Daddy, but you want me to believe you climbed up a ladder in your condition?”
Seconds passed, feeling like hours, before Rory locked the wheels of the chair and stood steadily, and without a single wobble.
Puma stared in disbelief.
Bryar’s gasp bounced off the walls. “Mrs. Tripp told me she saw you standing in the window one morning. I didn’t believe her, but she was right. I think you have some explaining to do, Daddy.”
“Sit down, Bryar. I’ll explain.” He pointed at the couch.
“I think I’d much rather stand,” she said coldly, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Suit yourself. I'm sitting. Crystal, please sit.”
Crystal looked like a stiff wind would knock her over. She sat down obediently. More like she dropped down as though life had left her body.
“You have every right to be angry with me, but I hope eventually you’ll understand why I did what I did.” Rory seemed too calm.
“Say what you need to say,” Bryar seethed.
Rory looked like he’d aged ten years in ten minutes. “After the stroke, I was stuck in the wheelchair, but I worked hard. I was determined that I was going to walk. I had a fire lit under me. I needed to get back on my feet. I visited Lane at the jail before they shipped him off, and Charley was kind enough to allow me a few moments alone with my son. He told me that he had been running drugs for Reno but had wanted out. When he told Reno that he wouldn’t run for him anymore, the bastard agreed if Lane did one more drive. Lane suspected that something wasn’t right when Reno seemed agreeable. Lane didn’t trust him, understandably. He took the money and hid it as a safety net.”
“He knew that was a death sentence,” Bryar said.
Rory nodded and continued. “Lane realized this and wanted to make a deal with Reno.”
“A deal? Men like Reno don’t make deals,” Puma scoffed.
Rory didn’t even acknowledge Puma.
“Lane had something on Reno, something big. Proof that could send Reno to the slammer. Lane’s plan was to use it as leverage so that if anything happened to him, Lane would turn the proof over to the authorities. Two days later, Lane was pulled over by Charley after someone called in suspected drug trafficking. Just by coincidence, Charley and his deputy found the drugs that had been planted in his car. Charley had no choice but to arrest Lane.”
“Why didn’t Lane turn in the information that he had on Reno?” Crystal asked.
“Bryar, go to my office and grab the key from the top drawer of the desk. Use it to open the bottom drawer of the file cabinet and bring me the envelope marked taxes.”
“I don’t want to play a scavenger hunt,” Bryar said with a frown.
“Do you want your answers?” Rory said.
With a sigh, Bryar did his bidding.
Puma stayed standing, feeling the cold glare on him. “She’s too good for you, Puma.”
He shook his head. “When will you let the past go, Rory? She’s an adult and can make her own decisions. You’re only going to push her away.”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
“Honestly, no, I wouldn’t. She loves you, but if you love her, you’ll respect her decisions.”
Bryar’s footsteps could be heard, and the men quieted.
She came back with the envelope and handed it to her father, who opened it, taking out a folded sheet of paper. He held it up, shaking it. “This is worth more than all that money.” He jutted his chin at the stack of cash spread over the table.
“Really? Reno has only asked for the cash,” Bryar said, creases around her eyes. Her patience was thin.
“This is a list of all the names of those with whom Reno is conducting illegal business dealings—attorneys, government officials, and oil tycoons.” He dropped it on top of the cash. Puma wanted to get his hands on the list but held back.
Bryar stared at the paper. “It must be useless if it didn’t work to save Lane.”
“Do you think Lane used it to save himself?” Rory chuckled. “He said if anything happened to any of his family, he'd make sure Reno was ruined. He said if Reno did nothing, he'd get the cash when Lane was released."
“I have so many questions,” Bryar shook her head. “Why has Reno been contacting me, wanting the money then?"
“Money problems I’d gather,” Rory said.
“That sounds about right,” Puma added.
“Lane and I both decided it was best for him to cut all contacts with us. The less you know, the better,” Rory said.
“I’m lost,” Bryar sighed. “This is confusing. Why would you fake needing the wheelchair?”
“Because it would’ve been a solid alibi.”
“An alibi? For what?”
Puma was starting to see the bigger picture.
Rory rubbed his tight jaw. “I knew Reno would never stop his tyranny on Lane or this family. So if I was stuck in that damn chair no one would have ever believed that an old feeble man would kill someone like Reno.”
It only took Bryar less than a second before she understood. “You planned to kill Reno? Did Lane know?”
He shook his head. “No. It was best if no one knew. But my plan was thwarted twice. The first time I showed up at Reno’s shop, I walked right in. It seemed almost too easy. You’d think with all his enemies, Reno would have some security. But no, he’s so full of himself. I had my rifle aimed right at the office door, waiting for him to come out. And then I heard women talking inside. I lost my nerve. The second time was when Puma showed up unexpectedly. I’d hoped you would have taken care of Reno after he torched your buildings,” Rory said to Puma.
“Don’t think I didn’t want to, but I love your daughter, and I won’t go to prison for a man like Reno and lose a second chance with Bryar. You should know that Lane called me when I got back here,” Puma said. “He asked me to keep an eye on her.”
“That explains a lot,” Rory said, looking defeated. “I’m not proud of what I’ve done, but I stand by my decision.”
“Why didn’t you just give Reno his money?” Bryar asked.
“Dead men don’t need money, darlin’. And a part of me thought Lane deserved that money. After Reno set him up, Lane deserved something.” He blew out a long breath. “I know you don’t understand what a parent will do for his kids…”
“Daddy, that’s where you’re mistaken. I might have only held my son for a short time, but I’ll always be a parent. I would have done anything to save Blake. If you want to be a part of my life, a part of my future family, you’ll need to accept Puma. He is not to blame for the feud between you and Storm. You’re to blame. Life is too short to hold onto hatred.” She turned to Crystal. “I’m sorry I blamed you. I just assumed because of the letter…and when I found the money.”
Crystal stood, stepped over, and gave Bryar a tight hug. “I forgive you. We’re family. I love your brother, no matter what he’s done.”
Bryar nodded. “I know you do.”
“But I’m leaving too,” Crystal said.
“What are you talking about?” Rory seemed confused.
“You heard me.” Crystal stayed firm. “You’ve betrayed all of us, especially Bryar. While she’s been working her ass off in the bar, taking care of you, handling all the fires, you sat in that wheelchair planning your revenge. Bryar is right. if you want a future with your family, you need to learn a valuable lesson.” With a nod, she left the room.
“I hope you heard her, Daddy,” Bryar felt empowered. “Puma and I are married, and we have every plan to stay married. You either accept him or lose me. No ifs, ands, or buts. I don’t like how you reacted to this, but I’ll forgive you because I know how much you love Lane.”
“I’d do the same for you,” he said quietly.
“Then getting along with my husband should be easy.” She reached out and took Puma’s hand.
“I’m a big enough man to admit that I went about this all wrong, but…”
“I’m going to stop you right there,” Bryar said. “There are no buts. When you decide to lower that pride, then you are welcome to reach out to me. Otherwise, we have nothing more to say to each other.” She grabbed the money and the list.
“That was very brave of you,” Puma said once they were outside.
“I feel… liberated. Free,” she said with a wide smile.
“There’s just one more thing I need to do,” Puma said.
“Don’t you mean we? Remember? We’re in this together.” She looked up at him.
He opened the passenger seat of his truck. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Nothing will satisfy me more than giving this back to Reno and letting him know that if he bothers any of us again, this list will be in the hands of the media before he can whisper stop.”
Puma nodded. “Who am I to stand in the way of your gratification?” He closed the door and went around to climb into the driver's seat.
Chapter Eighteen
Puma wanted Reno to pay for all the harm he’d caused, but he knew that would only fuel the fire. He would have to accept that, for now, returning the money would be enough.
“I think you both will understand if I have Monty count it, right?” Reno said from behind his desk.
“It’s all there,” Bryar said.
While Monty counted the bills Reno poured himself a whiskey over ice. “I must say, a part of me wonders why you two didn’t take the money and get away from this town. Forty grand is nothing to scoff at.”
Puma started to answer, but Bryar touched his arm. “We don’t want your blood money. I’d rather live poor than live by the sword.”
“It's all here,” Monty finally said.
“Good,” Reno said with a grin.
She tossed the list on the table. “I think you're familiar with the list. The one Lane threatened to release.”
Reno’s mouth twisted. “What do you plan to do with it, little lady?”
“I made a copy, and I’ll keep it. You leave Lane and everyone else alone. He’s paid for his crime, and you have the money returned,” Bryar said with more bravery than she felt.
“How can I trust you?” Reno asked.
“You can’t, but I can’t trust you either. It’s a gamble. If this list falls into the wrong hands, you’ll be praying for prison. All I want is peace for my loved ones."
As if he knew he was backed into a corner, he lifted his chin. “Just keep in mind, if that list gets exposed, Lane will be in just as much danger as I am.”
“Then we have an agreement to let the dust settle and go our separate ways?”
“Monty, see our guests out,” Reno said quietly.
“Not so fast,” Puma stepped forward.
“Don’t, Puma. Let’s go,” Bryar encouraged.
“I think you have something that belongs to Bryar.” Puma stared at Reno with anger that could have scared a giant.
There was a long hesitation before Reno reached into his desk and took out the ring. He tossed it at Puma who caught it and handed it to Bryar.
“Now get the fuck out before I change my mind,” Reno seethed.