THE FIRST CALL Connall made was to Alasdair.
“Hi, Con,” Alasdair said without a hello first.
“Hey. Did you get anything?”
“Nothing on the stalker yet, but I did get a number.” Papers rustling sounded in the background. “It’s a burner phone that he’s hidden quite well. We’re close.”
“Call me as soon as you get anything.”
“I will.”
“Thanks.” Connall hung up and ran his hands through his hair.
The door across the hall opened and Sam poked her head out. “Hi.”
“Hi, Sam. Did I wake you?” Connall asked.
She shook her head. “Not at all. I can’t sleep.” She grinned. “I’m too excited.”
“Is Kade asleep?”
She nodded. “Yes. He sleeps like the dead.”
He grinned. “I know. We used to do awful things to him when we were younger.”
“Ooh, you must fill me in.” Sam stepped out of the room and pulled the door closed. “Want to see if we can find some coffee?”
“Definitely.”
The beauty of having the hotel to themselves was that they could walk around much like they did at home. Sam had a fluffy robe on over her pajamas and she seemed perfectly comfortable walking to the lobby with him.
Connall followed her down the stairs and into the front parlor, where they found fresh coffee and a few pastries already set out.
“Did Payton organize this?” Sam asked.
“Aye. She made sure food would be available pretty much twenty-four/seven.”
Sam poured a cup of coffee. “I’m going to talk to Kade about giving her a raise.”
Connall chuckled. “We do almost daily.”
“How was Pepper last night?”
“She was perfectly fine… because she slept with me.”
Sam gasped, nearly dropping her cup. “You didn’t bind her, did you?”
Connall held his hands up. “No, of course not. I won’t do that here.”
“Sorry. I should have known you’d be a good guy.” She sat on the sofa and he joined her.
“Yes you should have,” he joked. “She slept in my room because she locked herself out of hers and you have the spare key.”
Sam giggled. “Of course she did. I’ll get it for you when we go back upstairs.”
He grabbed a pastry and bit into it.
Sam closed her eyes and then sighed and opened them again. “Sorry.”
“Kade felt your panic?”
She nodded. “Yes. I give him five minutes before he comes looking for me, which means that’s how long you have to grill me about Pepper.”
He cocked his head. “Oh, really?”
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Because I wonder which one of us will actually do the grilling,” Connall mused.
“I’m that transparent, huh?”
“Like glass.” He smiled. “I’ve got her, Sam. You know that, right? No one will ever hurt her again.”
Samantha sighed. “I’m more concerned about the damage done so far.”
“She’ll be fine.”
“I hope so.” Sam pointed to the ceiling. “Because the girl up there is not the same Pepper I know. She’s not the vibrant, practical-joking, afraid-of-nothing, formidable friend I’ve known for almost twenty years.”
“Of course she is,” Connall argued. “She’s just scared right now.”
“I can’t lose her, Con.”
“What makes you think you’re going to lose her?”
Sam shrugged and stared at her coffee.
“Hey.” He tapped her arm. “Tell me.”
“She’s never kept anything from me before. We’ve always told each other everything.” Sam shook her head. “She told my brother about this guy, but kept it from me. I guess I thought we were closer.”
“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?” Sam asked.
“Minimize your relationship. She loves you more than a sister. That’ll never change. He threatened you. He threatened everyone… he’s still threatening them. She wanted to protect you.”
“But I can’t be touched!” she snapped.
“She didn’t know that… she still doesn’t,” Connall said gently. “She can’t fully grasp the extent of just how far Kade will go to protect you. She will, because I’ll do the same for her, but right now, she hasn’t got a clue.”
“I guess that’s true,” Sam conceded. “I haven’t been the greatest friend lately, either. I’ve been so wrapped up in your brother.”
“Wow, Sam. I’ve never seen anyone better at self-loathing than you.”
“Sorry. I’m just worried.”
Connall smiled. “Don’t be. I’ve got this.”
“She’ll only stick around if you don’t freak her out.”
He chuckled. “I’ve already freaked her out. She’s still here.”
“You have a point.” Sam grinned. “I suppose the only thing against you is your money.”
“I can’t pretend I don’t have it, Sam.”
Sam shrugged. “Just don’t make it a big deal. She’ll want to pay her own way and if she can’t afford it, she gets very uncomfortable.”
“I can’t let my mate ‘pay her own way.’”
“I get it, but she’ll shut down if you don’t.” Sam sighed. “You should have seen her reaction to the necklace.”
“She didn’t like it?”
“She loved it, until she found out the stone was a ruby.”
Connall cocked his head. “What did she think it was?”
“A crystal of some kind. I told her the stone’s really low quality.”
He smiled. “I won’t tell her what it cost, then.”
“Good. She’ll freak. Let’s wait to tell her your lineage as well. I haven’t told her that Kade’s a king.”
“So, no talking about the coronation, then?”
“No,” Sam groaned. “I don’t even want to talk about it.”
“You’ll be crowned queen,” Connall pointed out. “What’s not exciting about that?”
“I’m a simple country girl, Con. It’s all a bit overwhelming.”
He smiled. “Fair enough. We’ll leave that until closer to the time.”
“Thanks.” Sam sipped her coffee. “Pepper really is the most amazing person I know, but not everyone gets to see the real her. She trusts quickly, but loses faith even faster. There aren’t a lot of second chances with her. You’re setting her world on fire. She doesn’t know what to do with you.”
He smiled.
“Right. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.”
“Aye.”
“I’m surprised by how quickly she’s acclimated to your touch,” Sam said.
“What do you mean?”
“She hates to be touched. I think it’s because of her mom’s ‘friends’ who were constantly pawing at her.”
Connall stiffened. “What do you mean by pawing at her?”
“Crap. Sorry, Con. I shouldn’t have said anything. You should ask Pepper.”
“Tell me, Sam.”
She groaned. “Her mom used to bring guys home and once she got drunk, Pepper would be left to fend off their advances. The men would wait until her mom passed out, and then make their move. Pepper had to escape to my house more than once.”
Connall seethed. “And what did her mother do about this?”
Connall? Are you okay?
Sorry, love. Go back to sleep. I’m okay.
Sam ran her finger over the back of the sofa. “Here’s the thing. Her mom’s actually really sweet… when she’s sober. She’s damaged, you know?”
Connall swore. “What kind of mother allows that kind of behavior?”
“Sorry, Con. I only tell you this to explain why she isn’t one to be comforted by a hug. And most of the time, if you try, she gets irritated.” Sam smiled. “It used to be hard for me, because I didn’t know what else to do.”
“I noticed she didn’t have an issue hugging you.”
“She doesn’t have a choice anymore.” Sam grinned. “I hug her anyway. Even if it pisses her off. I don’t care.”
“And that works?”
“She humors me,” she said. “I just want her back to normal, you know?”
Connall sighed. “If I can just get her home, she’ll be safe.”
“Since I’ll be moving into Kade’s place, I think she should move into mine. At least until she’s ready for you to bind her. That way, I’ll be nearby.”
“She won’t be close to horses, though. My place would be perfect for her.”
“I think your place will be too much for her.”
“Why?”
“The size, Con. It’s huge.”
“I’ve already thought of that.”
Sam’s eyes widened. “You have?”
“Yes. The guest cottage isn’t far from the main house. She can move in there.”
“Except that she doesn’t like to live alone.”
Connall shifted in his seat. “I think we need to end this conversation.”
“Why?”
“Because ultimately, Pepper’s going to decide what she wants to do, and I’m not really interested in speaking about, or making decisions for her when she’s not here to voice her opinion.”
Sam grinned. “You’re a good man, Con.”
“Thank you.”
“I still think she should move into the apartment, especially when she starts MGA.”
Connall shook his head. “You don’t let go of much, do you?”
“Nope.”
“You’re forgetting about the press issue.”
“Oh, right. The press.” Sam sighed.
“I can control access at home. Not so much in town.”
“We’ll stay close to the apartment, then. Kade seems to have kept them away from there so far. The only time they got close was when we were visiting the Mile. I haven’t seen anyone near the office or home since. I think it’ll be fine.”
“I’ll talk to Pepper and we’ll figure it out,” he said. “If she wants to live in town, I’ll have to sort out a schedule with Max so that I can be there more often, but we can figure it out.”
“Oh, right. Max. Doesn’t he have a tour coming up?”
“Aye. He’s leaving in two weeks.”
“How long will he be gone?”
“Three months, then home for two and back out for another three,” Connall said.
“Couldn’t do it… live the life of a musician.”
Connall chuckled. “Not many could.”
“You haven’t introduced Pepper to Max yet, have you?”
He shook his head and Sam grinned.
“Why?” he asked.
“I’ll give you one guess which band is her most favorite in all the world, and has been since we were teenagers.”
“Shite.”
Sam laughed and rubbed her hands together. “Have fun with that.”
“Does Kade know about your evil streak?”
“I think he loves that the most about me.”
“Sam?” Kade appeared at the doorway.
She turned to face him. “Hi, honey.”
Connall grinned. His brother was wound tight enough to lash out at anyone who got close to his mate. “Mornin’, Kade.”
“Con,” he said, his tone clipped. “Come back to bed, love.” Kade’s tone softened toward Sam. “You haven’t slept.”
She giggled. “Certainly not like you, anyway.”
Connall stood when she did. “Before you go, is there anyone close to Pepper other than your family and her mother?”
“Not really. I mean, there are the folks at her barn. Rio, especially. He was her trainer before she sold Jonesy, but I don’t think she’s seen or talked to him since then. And Karen, the owner of the barn, but again, I don’t think she’s talked to her since she gave Jonesy up.”
“Rio? Is that short for something?” he asked.
“Mario… Hernandez, I think.”
“I know that name,” Connall said, surprised. “Whispering Willows barn, right?”
Sam nodded. “He’s getting a name for himself in the training realm. Pepper was lucky to get him. He saw something special in her and went with it.” She smiled and set her coffee on the sideboard. “I’ll slide Pepper’s key under your door.”
“Thanks.” He waited for them to leave before sitting back down. His mind was spinning a million miles a minute, but he managed another call before grabbing breakfast for Pepper and heading back to his room.
He pushed open the door, noticed the extra key card on the floor, and bent to pick it up.
“Hi,” Pepper said.
Connall straightened and smiled. “Sorry, love. Did I wake you again?”
“Nope. I’ve been lying here debating whether or not I was going to get out of this bed. It’s divine.” She rubbed her eyes. “Where have you been?”
“Downstairs with Sam.”
“Grilling her for information about me?”
“Absolutely.” He sat on the bed and kissed her cheek, setting a pastry on the nightstand. “Are you hungry?”
She nodded. “A little, I guess. What time is it?”
“Seven.”
“Were you mad earlier? Is it normal that I would know that?”
“I was.” He frowned. “I’m sorry. And, yes, it’s normal. It’s part of our connection.”
“Why were you mad?”
“Nothing for you to worry about. Just some disturbing news.”
She cocked her head, but Connall was glad she didn’t press for more information.
“Did you get all your business sorted out?” she asked.
“I did,” he said. “I’m officially all yours.”
“Poor you.”
He frowned. “You better not be insulting my girl.”
“I’m your girl, huh?”
“Absolutely,” he said and then kissed her.
He wanted to make sure she felt the depth of his emotion, but when she broke the kiss and neither of them could catch their breath, he realized his plan may have backfired. If he wasn’t careful, he wouldn’t be able to control himself, and binding her before she knew everything was not an option.
“You’re turning me into a hussy,” she complained.
He laughed. “I haven’t yet begun to turn you into a hussy, but we should probably stop while we’re ahead.”
She blushed. “Good idea.”
“Sam gave me your extra key.” He pulled it from his pocket and handed it to her. “I thought we could shower and maybe hang out at the beach. What do you think?”
She clapped her hands. “I think it’s the best idea I’ve heard in a while.”
“Now for the loaded question.”
She frowned. “Okay.”
“Do you want to ride?”
She bit her lip. “How? I don’t really talk to anyone with horses anymore.”
“I have a couple of contacts.” She lowered her head, but not before he saw the sheen of tears. “Och, love, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You didn’t. Sorry.” She forced a smile. “I just don’t think it would be the same without Jonesy.”
“Then we won’t ride. No worries.”
“Have I ruined your plans?”
He smiled. “Of course not. Spending time with you was the plan. I just wanted you to have the option if you wanted it.”
Pepper’s phone rang and she glanced at it before answering. “Hello? Mom! Hi. How are you?” She scrambled from the bed and paced the room as she spoke with her mother.
* * *
Connall stepped into the hallway to give Pepper some privacy. Not that it mattered, Pepper’s mother’s voice could be heard through the phone.
You don’t have to hide.
He grinned and peeked into the room. Are you sure?
She nodded and waved him back inside. “Okay. Sure, Mom. Of course. Will she? That’ll be perfect. Sure. I’ll take care of Morris. Okay. Love you too. ’Bye.”
She hung up and leaned against the bed.
“How’s your mum?” Connall asked.
“She’s fine. Turns out she drank more than her norm the other night, passed out, and hit her chin.”
“Not the other way around?”
“No.” She took a deep breath. “I overreacted.”
“With everything going on, that was a logical conclusion.”
She shrugged. “Not if you know my mom.”
“I’m sorry, lass.” He crossed his arms in an effort not to touch her. “What happens now?”
“The doctor’s placing her into a mandatory detox facility for the next thirty days. He’s hoping he can reverse the effects on her liver, but it will mean she needs to stop drinking forever.”
“And you don’t think that will happen?”
“I don’t know,” Pepper said. “We’ve been here before.”
“This is still a good thing, right?”
“I hope so. Her neighbor’s going to take care of her cat, so that’s one less thing I have to worry about.”
He smiled. “Does that mean you’ll be able to relax today?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Probably not, but I’ll certainly give it the good old college try.”
“Good.” He closed the distance between them and kissed her. Because… well, he had to.
Pepper broke the kiss with a sigh. “You’re turning my world upside down, Dr. Gunnach.”
“Back atya, Miss Brooks.”
She smiled. “I’m going back to my room now.” She headed toward the door, patted her hips, and then turned in a circle. “If I can find my key.”
Connall chuckled and held it up between his fingers. “You dropped it on the floor when you answered your mom’s call.”
“I really would lose my head if it wasn’t attached.” She took the key and raised her head for a kiss. “I need thirty minutes.”
He kissed her and grinned. “You have fifteen.”
“You’re still not the boss of me.”
“We’ll see.”
She laughed.
“Now, go and get ready.” Connall checked his watch. “You have less than thirteen minutes left.”
“Do you mind if I bring my iPod?”
“Not at all, but why?”
“New album from my favorite band. I’d like to listen to it on the way to the beach.”
He tried not to groan as he forced a smile. “Sure.”
She kissed him again and headed back to her room.