Chapter Four
“Is she coming?” Damon asked as he stood behind Trent.
Trent turned. “Yes.”
I knew something was up from the tone of his voice. “What’s the problem?”
“Every time I talk to her, she sounds a little more tired, and I hate that she won’t let me help with what’s going on,” Trent said. He looked at him intently. “You’re the only one that can deal with this.”
Damon snorted. “We’ll see. She still might hate me for what I did at her birthday party, and she might not be ready to see the Dom side of me.”
“No, she doesn’t hate you. As far as I know, you’re the only man she’s been interested in. When you left, it seemed like you took a part of her with you.”
Damon loved how that sounded because he’d left a part of himself behind with her.
“If you want, I’ll bring a few beers onto the patio,” Trent said.
“That sounds great. Tell me if there is anything you need help with.”
Damon walked outside and looked around. The yard hadn’t changed much since he’d been gone. It was mostly just the trees that had grown. The patio had a grill off to the side and a few comfortable sofas and chairs.
Trent came out and handed him a cold can.
“Thanks, man.”
They sat. Damon looked at his friend. “So, tell me how the job is going.”
Trent took a drink from his beer.
“It’s good. The construction company I work for is great, and I enjoy managing different construction sites. I’ve gotten promoted a few times.”
“I’m glad. You always enjoyed building things,” Damon said.
“Do you know what you want to do?”
Damon sat back and relaxed in the chair.
“I’ve made some connections. I talked with Daniel, the sheriff in town.
He and I went to school together. He talked about a few options.
The one I’m interested in is a security company I think I’d enjoy.
I’d be in the IT department. From what the boss told me, with my experience, I would be promoted quickly.
He also wants me to teach gun classes in town. ”
Trent nodded. “I can see you doing that. I also think you’d enjoy it.”
“He also told me about the group of military men that moved to town and built a BDSM club on the outskirts of town.”
“Yeah. I hear it’s really popular, but I haven’t been there yet,” Trent said.
Damon grinned. “You know I’ll eventually be taking your sister there.”
Trent grunted. “I don’t want to hear about it. God, You’ve always been a Dom, even in junior high, so I guessed you’d like the place. I just don’t want to imagine my sister there with you.”
“How about you call me if you plan to go, and I’ll stay away so you won’t have to accidentally see something that might scare you?” Damon said.
Trent nodded. “That’s a good plan.”
“I’m looking for a house to buy, so if you hear of anything, I’d like to know.”
“There are several I’ve seen lately. One is an old farmhouse about five miles out of town.
It’s a bit rundown, but the structure and foundations are in great shape.
It also has a huge red barn. I think you should look into it.
The place hasn’t been put up for sale yet, but I know the owner, and she wants to move closer to her children. ”
“How many acres?” Damon asked.
“I’m not sure. I’m guessing five to ten. She sold off the farmland around the homestead years ago.”
“I’d like to see it.”
“I’ll set something up for tomorrow,” Trent said.
“Now, tell me about the woman,” Damon said.
Trent sighed. “Her name is Marley. When we met, I thought she was perfect. She’s blonde with blue eyes and very intelligent. But the more time I spend with her, the more I see her personality, and I’m not impressed.”
“Are you going to break up with her?” Damon asked.
Trent smiled. “Yes. Eventually.”
Damon caught the look in his eyes. “Why eventually?”
“Because she’s hot between the sheets.”
Damon snorted out a laugh.
Trent straightened. “I heard a car. Are you ready to see my sister?”
“Absolutely. Are you sure you’re good with this?” Damon asked.
“Hell, man. I couldn’t ask for a better man for my sister. You’re the only one I’ve ever trusted with her.”
“Even knowing my dominant personality?” Damon asked.
Trent grinned. “Absolutely. She needs a firm hand, and I know you can do that with her.”
Damon slapped him on the shoulder and swallowed the emotion his friend’s words caused.
The front door opened and closed.
“Trent?” she yelled.
“I’m coming.” Trent walked into the house, and Damon heard him talking to his sister. Just the sound of her voice was enough to stiffen his cock and make his heartbeat accelerate. He’d been waiting five years to hear that voice.
Damon walked in and stood behind Emma. She’d lost too much weight, and he wondered if that was how she usually looked or if she had lost it recently.
“Oh, hey, I forgot to tell you Damon is finally home,” Trent said.
Damon watched her stiffen.
“Oh,” she said.
Damon watched Trent act nonchalantly with his back to them as he prepared the steaks to marinate.
“Yeah, he’s finally home,” Trent said.
Damon couldn’t see Trent’s face because his back was turned to his sister, and Damon stood behind her. He almost laughed.
“So, um, where is he?” she asked.
Damon stepped closer to her. “I’m right here, baby.”
Emma gasped and whirled around. He almost reached for her when it looked like she would fall.
They stared at each other for a long time. She was even more beautiful than the last time he’d seen her at her nineteenth birthday party. He’d seen pictures of her that Trent sent him, but it wasn’t the same as seeing her in person.
Trent cleared his throat. “I must run to the store. I’ll be back soon.”
“Trent ... wait,” she called out, but her brother ignored her. Within a minute, they heard Trent’s car drive off.
She took several breaths before she faced him. “What’s going on? It feels like my brother is trying to push us together, and if he is, I’m sorry. I’ll talk to him later.”
She looked around, a bit lost, and he just wanted to take her into his arms.
“Will you tell him to call me when he gets back?” she said. She took a few steps away from him and turned. “I’m glad you’re home safe.”
She tried to walk away, only to have his arm wrapped around her waist from behind.
“Whoa, baby. You’re not going anywhere. Trent didn’t push us together. I asked him about this. I’ve been waiting five years to talk to you.”
She stiffened. “Now, what would you have to say to me?”
He tightened his grip on her when she tried to lean away from him, bringing her back until there was no space between them.
“I’ve got a lot to tell you. Could you please give me some time so I can explain?”
He was afraid she’d say no, and then he didn’t know what he would do.
“For what purpose?” she asked. “I’m nothing but Trent’s sister.”
He hated that she threw the words he’d spat at her five years ago back in his face. The fact that she remembered them word for word gave him some hope. He’d never forgotten anything about the last time they’d seen each other.
“That’s not true. It’s never been true.” He squeezed her. “Please, just listen to me.”