Chapter Thirteen
Slade spent the returntrip from the cabin, juggling his need to speak with Evan and his desire to indulge in a heart-to-heart candid talk with Nicole. She had rendered him speechless with her less-than-enthusiastic declaration of love, although, he believed he hid his surprise well. Suspecting her feelings were running as deep as his own wasn’t the same as hearing her announce it. One of his rare cases of amusement had tickled his throat at her disgruntled attitude, then again, he could easily recall his own reluctance to accept he’d gone down the same path he’d been teasing his brothers about these many months.
Nicole’s head rested against his shoulder, Sam’s head on her thigh, with Evan seated next to her. He could see exhaustion on her pale face and around her closed eyes, feel it in her slumped body. Evan kept his face averted and didn’t talk. Slade held her hand and decided to let her rest and assimilate her thoughts while he returned home to speak with his brothers and Evan. She was made of sturdy stuff, his girl, and would be fine until he returned to her place in a few hours. Tomorrow they would go into Casper together and give their statements. Knowing her, Nicole would want to confront Michael Renaldi, would need to get answers before she could move past what had happened between her and Tony. God knew he’d faced his conscience more than once before allowing his brothers in and finally coming to terms with his actions.
“Drop Nicole off first, Brett,” he said even though he still shuddered from how close to harm, or worse, she’d come. “Reed, is there any way to find out where the other two Renaldi siblings are?” It just occurred to him they too might be nearby and in on the eldest’s actions.
“Already on it and waiting for an answer.”
Nicole stirred and lifted her head. “You think they might have come here with Michael? I can’t see the three of them bonding together to commit such an act.”
“Yet, you sounded surprised when you saw your shooter,” Brett pointed out.
“I was, still am. Tony’s twin was the one sending me threatening texts ever since he died. And Doug was angry when I rebuffed his attempt to get me to sleep with him.” Her soft lips curled in a sneer. “The guy’s a man whore and first-class jerk.”
This time, Slade let his humor show in a smile. Her fierce tone proved the evening’s events had put a dent in her, but she was far from damaged. “Wish I had seen that put-down,” he murmured in her ear.
Instead of replying to that comment, she sat up straight as Brett pulled into her drive. “How’d we get back so fast?”
“You zoned out for a while. It takes longer driving around the woods than walking through them.” He opened his door when Brett parked, addressing his brother. “Give me a minute, will you? We can talk at my place.”
Swiveling around from the driver’s seat, he said, “No problem. Take care, Nicole. I’ll keep Allie from rushing over, at least until you give your statement tomorrow.”
Reed agreed. “Lily will wait also.”
Evan didn’t speak until Nicole slid out. “I’m glad you’re okay, both of you.”
“Thanks to all of you. Good night.”
She appeared relieved he wasn’t staying then pleased when he stated at the door, “I’ll return in a little while. There’s Paul.” He nodded to the handyman standing outside his cottage, his hand lifted in acknowledgement of their safe return.
“He’s one of the few things I did right since moving here. Go. I’m fine.”
He gave her a quick kiss, itching to stay regardless of her obvious need for the chance to regroup. Returning to the truck, he wished for once, life would go easy. Since that wasn’t likely to happen, he addressed the next pressing issue sitting next to him as they headed back to the ranch, pinning Evan with a direct look and comment.
“Tell me why. I already figured out you’re the one behind the vandalism these past months.”
“Yes, tell him, Evan,” Reed drawled with underlying humor.
Slade cut his gaze to Reed, not appreciating his amusement. “All those pranks were not funny.”
“Don’t get mad at anyone except me.” Guilt suffused the younger man’s face, but he didn’t shift away from Slade’s pointed stare again. “Casey Kincaid was my father too. My mother broke the news to me when I graduated high school. She never told him about me because she wanted nothing more to do with him after he dumped her. I was pissed, missing out on having brothers and yes, sharing in the Kincaid ranch.” His chin went up in defiance at odds with the regret shimmering in his green eyes, eyes the same shade as their father’s.
“His claim is easy to verify through a simple DNA test. Reed and I figured he was telling the truth. That, and we can now see Kincaid written all over him, in looks and attitude,” Brett said.
“Your behavior, however, was not that of a Kincaid.” Slade had no problem believing their dad had sired another kid, and could drum up compassion for the teenager dealing with that news. Forgiving him outright for his retaliation was another matter. “You did a lot of damage, and I’m not talking about materialistic harm we can afford to replace. Relationships, if you want them, will have to be repaired, which requires effort from you money can’t buy.”
Evan looked at each of them then asked him, “Are you willing to let me try?”
What the hell,he mused. At his age, he never thought he would have another sibling or want to settle down in a committed relationship. But he’d quit trying to understand human nature when he couldn’t stay away from the unwelcoming neighbor.
Brett pulled into Slade’s driveway then swiveled to look at Evan. “I am, but I still want DNA confirmation before we discuss a four-way partnership in the ranch. I agree with Slade. You have to earn our trust before you can reap the rewards of our father’s hard work and legacy.”
The outdoor lights came on automatically, shedding illumination in the dark. Opening the door, Slade told Evan, “Go home, come clean with your friends, and return to work tomorrow.” The rest was up to the kid. “Thanks again. I’m going to get Chace and return to Nicole’s. See you tomorrow.”
He went inside and fed Chace, cleaned up the bullet graze on his arm and wrapped it, then made a quick sandwich. After tossing a few things in an overnight bag, he couldn’t wait another minute to drive back to Nicole. The drastic change in plans from going to Casey’s to finding himself aiming a gun at a person again had left him drained, even though the hour wasn’t that late. He knew she was as emotionally and physically exhausted as he, and planned to do nothing more than relax and just be with her, without pressure or angst between them.
Nicole’s light above the front door was on, and he rapped twice then entered to see her taking a seat at the table across from Paul. “We’re having meat loaf. Did you eat?”
“I grabbed a sandwich.” Making himself at home, he hung up his jacket and hat and walked around the wrestling dogs to join them. “There’s always room for meat loaf though. Paul, thank you for getting hold of everyone.”
“Nicole filled me in and it sounds like I had the easy task,” he answered, taking the spatula from her to serve himself.
“Over and done with. Talk about something else,” she insisted.
Slade recognized the glint in her eyes and the determination stamped on her face. Wasn’t that gumption one of the things he admired first about her? She might get frayed around the edges, yet she continued to maintain that admirable trait of holding her own following a strenuous ordeal.
“Okay. It looks like you’re ready to start fostering. Why don’t we stop at the shelter tomorrow after giving our statements and bring back the dogs they have for you to foster?”
Her eyes lit up at that suggestion, and they spoke of her plans and what Paul’s role would be going forward. It didn’t surprise him when she expressed a desire to take in neglected horses once she learned more about the care they required. The traumatic episode that ended with Tony’s death at her hands hadn’t deterred her from her ambitious career goals of illustrating children’s books while continuing to help ill-treated animals in some capacity.
“I can help you with that,” he offered as they cleared the table. “Along with veterinary care, you’ll need regular hoof maintenance from a farrier and dental checkups.”
“I went with my wife to our kids’ riding lessons once.”
Nicole closed the dishwasher, glancing at Paul with compassion. “That sounds like a good memory.”
“It is. I’ll turn in now, and do the chores while you’re gone tomorrow. Thank you for dinner.” He grinned at Slade. “Don’t worry. I don’t plan on intruding on you two every night.”
“You’re welcome any time I’m here, Paul.”
Lily had done right by this man, he mused, thinking his brother had also made an excellent choice when he’d pursued his fiancée. After Paul left and they let the dogs out for a few minutes, Slade drew Nicole onto his lap on the sofa and picked up the remote control for the television.
“Relax. I want to say one thing and then we’ll find a movie and sit quietly before turning in.”
The tenseness went out of her muscles, and she leaned against him. “Okay. What do you want to say?”
“Only that I reciprocate your feelings.”
***
NICOLE SANK AGAINSTSlade’s chest, relieved to hear him say that. Now she could allow herself to enjoy his comforting embrace when he wrapped his arms around her, appreciating his keen insight for once. The harrowing moments cringing behind the ridge followed by Slade’s rescue had left her body and mind drained.
She let him pick the movie, The Lincoln Lawyer, which she’d never seen. The plot kept her engrossed and awake until the end. The silence between them seemed natural, and it wasn’t until the credits started rolling and he nudged her up that she broke it.
“Good movie. Thanks. I work on my illustrations in the evenings and rarely sit down to watch a show.” He rose, towering over her, and she resisted the urge to lean on him again. “You brought a bag, so I’m assuming you’re staying the night?”
“It’s been a while since I saw it, and yes, I’m staying the night.” Taking her hand, he tugged her toward the hall. “Which room?”
“Second on the right. Slade...”
“We’re going to get undressed and go to sleep, Nicole,” he interrupted, entering her bedroom where he faced her. “That’s all, tonight. We love each other. How that happened, or why, doesn’t seem to matter. Any other issues we’ll deal with later. And I’m beat.”
Nicole relaxed and pulled off her top. Of course he would know what she wanted and needed. That might be one of the issues that would take some getting used to. “Bathroom’s across the hall. Me first.”
She was in bed when he finished and turned off the light. The mattress dipped with his weight, and she rolled against his warm naked strength with a sigh, his rough fingers tracing her scars the last thing that registered before sleep took over.
***
EXCITEMENT HUMMED INSIDENicole as Slade parked at Casey’s. Tonight marked her third visit to the Kincaid’s playroom above the club, and her first play party. She didn’t have a clue what he had planned, which was nothing new. That was one of only a few things that hadn’t changed since the day he’d emerged from the woods separating their places, unfazed by her attitude toward his unexpected, unwelcome visit. She wouldn’t tell him, but since acknowledging her feelings, she’d grown to like the way he would just swoop in and take over when she needed him to. Her recent move into his house, however, proved she wasn’t about to let him coddle her every time she hit a snag. Earlier today, they’d both agreed they would work on remaining patient while adjusting to the changes necessary for any relationship to survive.
That meant compromise, something he was better at than she.
“Nervous?” he asked.
“No, not really. You’ve said I met your friends who will be here.”
“Be sure and let me know if you’re uneasy seeing any of them wielding a flogger or strapped naked on an apparatus. I’ll help you down.”
She waited for him to come around to open the door even though she could easily hop off the high seat. Not since that eye-opening day two months ago had she passed up an opportunity to get close to him. Life was too short to deny even the smallest uplifting gift. Their coats didn’t prevent his warmth from enveloping her as she fell against him, her hands braced on his shoulders, and she hoped that never changed.
Following him up the stairs, Nicole considered all the changes she now counted as blessings. With Michael busy fighting for the best deal possible, which would include significant jail time the DA promised, and his siblings suddenly finding their hands full hanging onto the family business and fortunes, she was free of them. The decision to foster had gone so well, she couldn’t imagine doing anything else from now on. With Paul’s invaluable help and friendship, they’d rehomed three dogs already and were caring for six more, along with two miniature horses she might adopt herself. Could she help it if she was a sucker for those cute, small equines? They’d moved Paul into the house, and now she used the cottage for an office, sometimes taking advantage of the alone time to work on her illustrations without Slade distracting her.
Talk about distractions,she thought, entering the upstairs room and seeing it occupied with others for the first time. Slade brought her back here two days after they’d given their depositions instead of that night and introduced her to bondage on a padded bench. She’d succumbed to his control with the same benefits as when he’d pinned her hands and hips on the sofa now occupied by another couple, her reward the freedom to simply let go without reservation or thought. Regardless of the audience, she ached for that same outcome tonight as they socialized.
“Incoming,” Slade murmured, helping her off with her coat.
Before she could ask what he meant, Allie was there, beaming and twirling, the satin babydoll nightie she wore skimming her upper thighs and clinging to her nipples. “What do you think? Brett surprised me with it.”
“It’s you,” Nicole replied, wishing she owned something sexier than jeans and the fitted knit top she tucked into them. Taking a quick scan of the other women confirmed her overdressed state, and she cringed inside. “It appears I didn’t dress suitably.”
“You’re fine. I just wanted to show it off and tell you how glad I am you’re here. We’ll talk later.” She skipped away with a spin and finger wave, revealing the thong that left her buttocks bare.
“I agree, you look fine,” Slade reassured her, brushing a hand over her backside. “Let me hang these up then we’ll get a drink.”
Despite the provocative scenes taking place, her gaze followed him as he hung their coats and his hat on a wall rack. She’d quit trying to understand how her annoyance had switched to such intense feelings in so short a time, having discovered it was easier and more enjoyable to go with the flow.
“Nicole, come join me.” Lily motioned to the chair beside hers as they neared where she sat close to the burning fireplace. “Do you mind, Slade?”
“Not at all. What do you want from the bar?” he asked Nicole.
“An Amaretto sour,” she replied, her usual light choice when she wanted to keep a clear head.
He nodded and glanced toward Lily. “Lily?”
“I’m good.” She lifted the half-full glass sitting on the corner table beside her.
Reed strolled behind her chair and rested his hands on her shoulders. “More than good. Glad you two could make it.”
Nicole only caught bits and pieces of the brothers’ brief talk, unable to drag her attention off the casual way Reed slid his hands downward, into the low-scooped neckline of Lily’s silk, thin-strapped tee. His fingers toyed with her bare nipples, his gaze remaining steady on her and Slade, Lily’s acceptance of his public fondling and the pleasure etched on her pink face, heightening Nicole’s constant craving for Slade’s touch. There was nothing new with that though. Since that first night in this room, hooking up for sex had been easy, the decision made by her body without consulting her head. She could pay better attention once Slade walked away to get their drinks, and Reed traded places with Lily to settle her on his lap.
As if reading her mind, Reed said, “Don’t dwell on anything except enjoying yourself tonight, Nicole. I’m sure Slade mentioned something of the sort.”
“He did, but it’s difficult not to,” she answered with honesty.
Lily laughed. “Been there, agree with that. My advice, fixate on Slade.”
“Again, difficult not to,” she answered with a wry grin.
Slade returned, handing her the glass. “Not to what?”
“Keep her attention on you and not, say, Bianca strapped on the swing over there.” Reed gestured toward a corner where the lighting was dimmer.
Naturally, her gaze swung in that direction, her face turning hot encountering Casey’s bartender’s flexing buttocks as he drove between the woman’s raised, spread thighs on a meshed contraption. The blatant position didn’t seem to bother the woman, Nicole thought, not with their attention so fixated on each other. She sipped her drink, easing the dryness in her throat until Slade gripped her elbow, urging her to stand.
“Come with me.”
A frisson of molten heat rushed to her head as she rose, downing a long swallow. “Where to?”
Instead of answering, he steered her toward the hall.
“See you later, Lily,” she tossed over her shoulder, more than willing to follow him.
“Have fun.”
Nicole questioned “fun” when he led her into the room with a raised table that looked too similar to what she lay on at her gynecologist for her peace of mind, and said one word.
“Strip.”
“Uh, Slade?” She paused, yearning to get naked yet unsure about that much exposure tonight, then breathed easier as he closed the shades, blocking out viewers.
“Give me some credit, Nicole.” He removed her clothes himself, his fingers skimming each bare exposure as he went. “You’re lucky I waited as long as I did once I saw your expression when we came in.”
I should have known.“My bad,” she admitted, a shiver dancing down her spine as he lifted her onto the padded table, putting her nipples close to his mouth.
He gave each nub a slow tongue swipe, murmuring, “Mmm, what should I do about that?” Lifting his hands to her shoulders, he pressed her down then positioned her lower legs on the elevated side pads.
Nicole grabbed the side handles, damp and ready for whatever he planned, her arousal spiking when he retrieved a feather-tipped toy from a cabinet. “What’s that?” On the other end of the short rod was a leather square.
“A mini spanker. You’ll like it.”
Slade drew a strap across her hips, leaving her lower body spread and immobile. Holding tighter to the handles, she braced for the impact of each end. “If you say so... Oh!” she exclaimed, the slow caress of the feather between her legs sending her arousal soaring. The abrupt sting from the snapper in the same spot snagged her breath as she strained to shift with the burn.
“I’m sure,” he taunted, slipping two fingers inside her pussy.
Through the never-ending procession of tickle, slap strokes that followed, Nicole’s focus never wavered from the man standing in front of her; not when the pleasure pain grew so intense, it threatened her sanity; not when Slade replaced the toy and his fingers with his cock; and not when her orgasm encompassed her entire body. I should have known, was her first thought when she came down from the euphoric high and realized she hadn’t wasted a moment thinking about where they were or the people right outside of this room. Hadn’t it been that way since she’d first clapped eyes on him?
“What’s going through that head of yours?” Slade asked, pulling out of her still-clutching sheath with an indulgent grin.
“How glad I am you didn’t let me run you off.”
“When I couldn’t stay away, I finally believed what my brothers were telling me – when it’s right, it’s right.”